The times., 1899-03-16
EUGENE PETERS In
His own BEHALF
Tells the Story of His Many
Business Ventures.
He Reeites Incidents in a Calm and
Deliberate Manner.
Witness Darlington Relates His As
socimtiou With Nr. Peters. Tend
ing to show Him sane.

The cloud which has hung over Eugene
Peters mental condition. since his sanity
was questioned by his aunt. Miss E. An
ME Hsnnum, began TO break away yes
tsrday. when he teok the witness stand
and related the story Of his life. II was
a crucial test, but the calm, deliberate
manner in which Mr. Peters told his story
was entirely contradictory of what was eN-
pected from the testimony Of those who
had been examined during the early part
Of the enquiry, as to his mental condition.
At the time the hearing was adjourned
he had not finished his story, but while
on the witness stand he showed remark
able memory; giving in detail the time
and places az which certain incidents OF
his life had taken place, and also the
names Of persons connected with them.
Another thing which showed plainly that
ne was smarting under the humiliation of
his present position was that throughout
his testimony he lost no opportunity 10 rid
icule the idea that his mental condition IS
affected. This was demonstrated by re-
mark in reference to his entering the Sig
nal Corps. when he said: Il passed the
examination both physically and mental
ly."
Mr. Peters was on the witness stand
tiou Of one OF two suggestions from Mr..
Worthington. his attorney, as TO the lines
he should follow he told an uninterrupted
story OF the early part OF his life. He
had lust arrived at that portion Of his
story which brought him 10 New York, in
1883 when he was asked TO discontinue IN
order that Mr. Worthington might read
the articles OF agreement between him
and the other members of the Norris Pc
tiers firm creating the partnership which
now exists
The proceedings connected with the en-
auiry into the mental condition of Mr.
Peters were begun st il o'clock and nclud-
ing the recess hour, We're continued until
3p. m. AS usual. the courtroom was crowd
ed 10 its utmost capacity. Mr.. and Mrs.
Peters were, as has been their custom
since the hearing began among the carli-
est arrivals.
When Mr.. Peters took the stand, after
stating his name. he said: Il was born
in Winchester. Pa. In 1888 He then told
Of several places where he had lived be-
fore going TO Wilmington. Del, TO reside.
He was educated in the Friends School al
that place. He then said
7 started TO learn the machinist's trade
but did not finish my apprenticeship. ]
then went 10 Philadelphia and waited there
q while In Philadelphia, | graduated in
the science Of ielegraphy and started TO
teach It. ! then. In B1i. came 10 Wash
ington and Joined the Signal Corps J
passed the examination both physical and
mental.
This remark caused 4 burst OF laughter
80 the courtroom. i then went back 10
Philadelphia" he continued, and after
ward came back here and went to Fort
Myer; then / was sent to Barnegat,
place or the Atlantic Coast. 10 look after
Z raIing 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 he otter gave brief scientific state
ment of what he was required TO do
Continuing Peters stated that he was on
the Red River at the time Of the Custer
massacre and that message came to his
signal station fer Major McKensie; what
the message was be did not remember
farther than to know that il had some
reference 10 the massacre. Il. then said
he got two weeks leave Of absence and
returned TO Washington IN 1877 and wa8
sent then to Fort Myor where be said be