The evening times., 1899-03-15
EUGENE PETERS ON
THE WITNESS STAND
Gives Interesting Testimony
Concerning His Career.
Frederick Darlington Concludes His
Evidence.
Actions of the Defendant Since His
Homecoming Described
in Detail.

Despite the incessant rain this morning,
the attendance at the enquiry relative to
the mental condition of Eugene Peters was
not diminished. AS usual Mr.. and Mrs.
Petersc were among the first to arrive.
The enquiry began promptly at IL o'clock
and Frederick Darlington, who was on the
witness stand when an adjournment was
taken yesterday was recalled and resumed
his testimony. In response TO question
by Mr. Worthington, the witness related
the incidents of his first meeting with Mrs
Peters He said that Peters brought her
10 Wilmington on his yacht in April, 1888.
He introduced her to him as his wife and
also 10 others, among whom was Peters
uncle. Mark Garrett. Peters, Mr. Darling
ton said. returned TO Wilmington in July
and again presented her as his wife to 9TH
eT relatives.
MIR Darlington then took up the story
of Peters actions from the time of his
arrival in Washington till he reached the
Wellington Hotel. Speaking OF Peters at
tentions to and consideration for his
mother, Mr.. Darlington stated that so far
as he observed he always treated her with
due respect and affection. He told OF Pc
ters going from the Wellington Hotel 10
met his aunt Miss Hannum. whom he
greeted cordially. His care Of Peters. the
witness said. was prompted entirely
through friendship for him. He was with
him from the time he arrived On Sunday
morning till Thursday and when he was
arrested went TO the police station ana
remained wiki him during his stay there.
When Peters was arrested, Mr.. Darlington
said he had over $400 in bills and gold in
his pockets He also had d keepsake from
his mother.
While the officers at the station were
very considerate il was impossible. Mr..
Darlington said. TO secure his release from
the police station on the night Peters
was arrested. Since his release, Mr.. Dar-
lington said, he had seen Peters every
day
Mr.. Darlington then produced a subpoena
requiring him to appear as witness for
the petitioner, Miss L. Annie Hannun, al
whose instance the writ de lunatico in
uuirendo was issued. He stated that the
petitioner declined 10 call him as a witness.
Continuing Mr.. Darlington said: There
is only one Eugene Peters in the world
he always wanted TO have his own way. and
has peculiarities of his own. He recognized
me when I went TO meet him on his way
from New Orleans. I never heard him
talk incoherently. l was led TO believe that
Peters was a ravipg maniac, but when
saw him / knew this was false. II was no
news to me TO hear that he had been gamb-
ling, for knew OF his doing so before.
Since his arrival in Washington, Mr..
Darlington stated, Peters has continued
TO improve.
Peters on the stand
The climax in the case was reached after
recess when Eugene Peters took The wit
ness stand. He said he was born in Win
chester, Pa. in 1853 He then told of sew
eral places where he had lived before going
20 Wilmington, Del, TO reside He was
educated in the Friends School al thai
place. He then said:
Il started to learn the machinists trade
but did not finish my apprenticeship.
then went 10 Philadelphia and waited there
while. In Philadelphia. l graduated il
the science of telegraphy and started Il
teach it, ! then. in 1874, c. TO Wash
ington and Joined the Sig. orps.
passed the examination both physical and
mental"
This remark caused a burst of laughtel
in the courtroom. Il then went back II
Philadelphia" he continued. 'and after
ward came back here and went TO Fort
MyeT; then ! was sent TO Barnegat z
place on the Atlantic coast, TO look after
a raving maniac
MY duties in Philadelphia Peters said
''necessitated my staying up very late and
early in the morning. In fact while in
that city, ] saw more sunrise Than ! ever
saw before in all my life
Mr. Peters then went on TO tell of his
other business engagements in connection
with the Signal Service His manner was
calm and he spoke with much deliberation
In connection with descriptions of his
work be often gave brief scientific state.
Of what he required to do