The times., 1898-01-23
she is DECLARED INSANE
Mrs. Newell Will Remain i'm an
Asylum.
A Jury Acts in Accordance with
Her wishes-Mr. Williamson's
Interesting Statement.

Friends of Mrs. Lucy Bacon Newell
were defeated yesterday in their efforts
TO have her released from the Govern
ment Hospital for the Insane by writ of
habeas corpus. The woman admitted
that she desired to remain at the in
stitution. and Judge Bradley dismissed
the writ.
Attorney w. Preston Williamson,
representing Mrs. Newell then opposed
the proceedings instituted to declare his
client of unsound mind. The jury, how
ever was unanimous in its decision,
and returned a verdict declaring her
insane and recommending that she be
committed to the care of st. Elizabeths s
Insane Asylum.
The case had many interesting and
unusual features, and has attracted
considerable attention on account of
its connection with the investigation
now pending before a. Senate commit
tee in the case of Mrs. NJ. z. Roberts,
who was removed from the Pension
Office last May, it is alleged, through
the efforts of Mrs. Newell. A warrant
for criminal libel was sworn out
against Mrs. Newell by Mrs. Roberts.
The case was tried in both the police
andn the criminal courts, and the de-
fendant was acquitted.
ell was instrumental in having her re-
moved from the Pension Office. Mrs.
Newell afterwards rented q house at
No. 221 North Capitol street, where
she took a number of boarders. Last
Thursday morning she left the house
and failed to return. In the evening
her son, now about nineteen years old,
appeared at the house and told the
servant that Mrs. Newell had will
fully gone away and that her services
would not any longer be needed
Mrs. Newell's friends learned that
Sanitary Officer Frank had been asked
by DR. Godding, of the Asylum on Fri
day to issue a request for Mrs. New
ellis detention at his asylum, saying
that she had gone there voluntarily. A
petition for writ of habeas corpus
was asked '.
Mr. Williamson said that he had
called at the asylum Friday after
noon with the order of the court to see
his client DR.. Godding. he said, led
him to Mrs. Newells apartments. Mr..
Williamson said he desired to have
private conversation, but had hardly
begun when the son rushed into the
room. having been allowed to enter
through another door. and asked to
know by what authority he was speak
ing to his mother.
Mrs. Newell impIored the son not
to create a scene, and finally sue
ceeded in composing him. said Mr..
Williamson, but he nevertheless re-
fused to leave the room. 1 did not
want to speak to my client in the pres
ence OF one who was hostile to her and
left her.
This morning when came in court.
she was accompanied by her son and
lady, and i was unable to have any
length of conversation with her / ask
the court to allow her to remain in
the custody of her friends, so that /
can see her. There is no question that
there is something hidden at the bot
tom of the case and l ask the court
for continuation for three days. until
the inside of the case can be ferreted 4
out"
The attorney for the District. Mr..
Baker. asked that the case be taken
up as Mrs. Newell was present
The court granted Mr.. Bakers re-
quest. Mr.. Baker said that where a
person was alleged to be detained un-
lawfully in an asylum only herself or
persons personally interested could file
habeas corpus proceedings.
Judge Bradley said he did not see
now that could apply justly if the per-
sons interested were enemies of the in
mate. and if she were unable to have a |
petition filed. He thought It the duty /
OF the court to inquire as to whether |
Mrs Newell was detained against her /
will.
Mrs. Newell was then placed on the
stand. She was exceedingly weak and 1
nervous, and had to be assisted to the
witness stand by an attendant
She said that she wanted to go back
to the asylum until she became better; !!