Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-03-08
LOCKED UP AS A VAGRANT
Victor Won Hohenstein Apprehended While
Lettering in Anaoostia Freight Yards.
His Story Told I'm Court-Refugee
From Cuba-Hfs Profession
and Decorations,

A German, who is said to have been
lettering about the Anacostia freight Yards
since Sunday, awaiting an opportunity 20
catch freight train going south in the
erection OF Key West. was arrested last
right by Policeman Owens and locked up
as a vagrant. He gave his name as Count
Victor Won Hohenstein and the decorations
on his coat indicated that he was a member
OF the German Red Cross Society.
Letters end certificates shown by him
substantiate Lis claim that he IS a physi-
clan. Incidentally he says he spent two
years in the Cuban army. and was taken
prisoner. Twelve months ago he escaped
from Moro Castle and went to England.
Then he returned to New York and now
he is his way back to Cuba On one
arm he wears the red cross emblem, and
red, white and black stripes are on his
other arm. He wears leggings and spurs.
A broken satchel tied to his belt. he says,
is intended for surgical instruments
Speaking of his Cuban experience, Hohen-
stein said he had endured many hardships,
but because Of his personal feelings for the
Cubans he cannot remain away from them
He says he realizes that the President does
not represent the sentiments of the Amer
lean people, and this he wants to tell the
Cubans.
When he stepped In the prison vehicle
this morning to be driven to court. the pris-
oners looked upon him a curiosity and
piled him with all sorts of questions. While
1T seemed TO be his desire to be mysterious,
he impaired to his fellow prisoners his
views Cuban independence and told
them more Of the troubles on the island
than they had known before. In the dock
of Judge kimbalfs court he was the star
attraction, and no attention was paid by
the audience to any of the other unfortu-
mates.
Appeals to Cuban Ambassador.
III ha
oner was asked, after the clerk had read to
him the information charging him with
Nagrancy.
Il appeal to the Cuban ambassador for
proteCtion he responded, slapping his
hand on his breast.
Policeman Owens told of the charge
against the prisoner and of the clrcum-
stances under which he was arrested.
Hohenstein then related briefly the story
of his life in Cuba, and said he was anN-
ioUs to get back there.
when l am in Cuba, conspiring against
Spa,n, he said, i do not claim the pro-
lection of my native country, Germany,
but when in a country like this, 1 do
Judge Kimhall told him he would have
to obey the laws here, and discharged him
upon the representation made that il was
his intention to leave the city.
Walking from the court he sa!uted a
number of marines who We're standing in
The hallway, and then passed across the
street to police headquarters.
Wants Transportation.
Entering the office of Sanitary Officer
Frank he gave the military salute and
stated briefly the object OF his visit. He
wanted transportation as far as Richmond,
but was promptly told that ticket would
not be furnished. Then Hohenstein pro-
ceeded to tell OF a speech that Consul Gen.
eral Lee had made to Cuban soldiers, but
his story was not believed. He was not
given transportation and he started off in
the direction of the Long bridge.