The San Francisco call., 1896-05-10

Highlands Insane Asylum, in San Ber-
nardino County. After an exciting con-
test in Judge Otis court in that county
Mr.. Huse has been remanded to the insti-
tution in which, it was set forth. he had
been unlawfully confined. But Gallardo,
with the energy and determination which
are so characteristic of him, has given
notice of an appeal, and evidently intends
to carry the case TO the end of the means
provided by law.
1t was during Mr.. Gallardo's visit to
Santa Ana in quest of Or. G. w. Hollister,
an old friend both of himself and Judge
Huse, for the purpose OF securing him
as a witness in the action, through which
it was hoped to restore the freedom from
the asvlum of a sane man placed and re-
tanned there through conspiracy, that
some of our people became acquainted
with the curious character, whose life has
been peculiarly baked with reverses and
whose natural keenness and wide cultiva-
ton of mind are at once made apparent in
conversation.
The personal appearance of Gallardo is
one of the most deceiVing features of the
man. Attired in a timeworn sombrero.
through the brim of which a pencil is
stuck for safe-keeping, with fringed and
threadbare coat and vest, blue overalls.
heavy shoes, dark flannel shirt and q mass
of bandana handkerchief around his
taroat, his aspect inspires the conclusion
that the visitor is a sheep-herder or per-
haps a wandering old man without even
as good q job. A bushy white beard
covers his face, which is clearly of Spanish
lineage and the entire hIrsute condition
evinces dim acquaintance with the barber.
AS soon as conversation is opened how
ever, one is not left in doubt as TO the
ability and attainments of this uncouth
lawyer, who refrains from the common
equipments and practices of civilization
either from choice or necessity. Polished
legal phrases flow from him in a manner
that is truly surprising; perfect command
OF the English language is always appa-
rent, and the extraordinary precision with
which he settles on dates of events in
years far back is one of the most wonder
full exhibitions of the mental training he
has undergone.
Years ago, in 1856. Mr.. Galardo COM
menced the study of law under Judge
Huse at Santa Barbara. He was then a
young man of 81. Four years later he was
admitted TO the bar of the Superior Court
of that county, and subsequently gained
admission to all the higher tribunals of
the land. He at once assumed consider
able prominence in his profession, his
aggressivenesS, however, making many
enemies. In the older reports of the Su-
preme Court there are numerous records
of his cases, in many OF which his bristling
shafts of attack are directed at Judges and
In 1883, after q career al law filed with
conditions, successes, reverses, wealth and
almost poverty, this strange man betook
himself to Nevada and began the always
fascinating search for precious ore. Three
years later his old friend and tutor, Judge
Huse, was committed to the Napa asylum
and there kept until about two wears ago.
when he was transferred to the new insti-
tuition at Highlands. At Napa Gallardo
once secured his release, but he was soon re-
turned there. 1t is alleged that Mr.. Huse's
original incarceration at Napa, and his
subsequent confinement after being re-
| leased, were made without the examina-
tion required by law; that his absence
! from Santa Barbara County, in which he
owned some twenty-five leagues of land,
was thus enforced 10 permit of the undis-
turbed working OF conspiracy to gain pos
session OF his property, which plan was
successfully carried out. These are the
allegations made by Mr.. Gallardo. who as
serts emphatically that Judge Huse is not
now, nor was at the time of his original
commitment, in the least insane. DR..
Hollister, after ten minutes conversation
with him, also pronounced him of sound
mind.
Whether Mr.. Gallardo's assertions are
true or imagined, Judge Huse is to-day
an impoverished man, nothing of the
princely domain once in his name remain
ing except part of lot in Santa Barbara
His faithful friend and pupil, however, has
never forgotten him, and half of the many
mining claims in his possession are decided
TO Mr.. Huse.
The long delay In commencing proceed