Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-17
Courts Action in Proceedings Against
an Alleged Lunatio.
RATIONAL IN NEARLY EVERY RESPECT
Defendant Appears as Counsel in
His Own Behalf.
THE EVIDENCE SUBMITTED

John Pope Hodnett, labor agttator, and
at one time a member of the bar of the
District of Columbia-a well-known charac-
ter of the capital city, in fact, for the last
quarter of a century-was taken before
Justice Bradley in Orphans Court this
morning and investigation had into his
mental condition.
Hodnett was taken into custody last
Wednesday for persisting in his demands
for personal interviews with President Nc
Kiuley and Attorney General Griggs He
was examined at police headquarters by
Drs. ]. r. hewitt and F. B. Vale, was pro-
nounced of unsound mind, and committed
to the insane asylum.
When the case began Hodnett stated to
the court that he had written to attorneys
requesting them to appear in his behalf,
but they had not done so. He asked to be
assigned counsel. Justice Bradley stated
that this could not be done, as the law
permitted such action only in criminal
cases. Hodnett then conducted the case
for himself. Mr. Sinclair, an assistant in
the Office of the attorney for the District,
appeared for the authorities.
The witnesses called to substantiate the
charges were the examining physicians, c.
o. l.. Cooper, private secretary to the AT
w. w. Price and w. P. King, newspaper
men, and Henry Clay Hawkins, messen-
ger in the Department of Justice. These
witnesses testified as to various statements
made at different times, to the effect that
he had been offered position in President
Cleveiand's cabinet, but was finally cast
aside because of his Endorsement by Cath
olics and other churchmen. and also be-
cause he was opposed to the civil service
law on the ground OF it's unconstitutional
ty. Former Attorney General Garland had
offered him, he said, the position OF assist
ant on the condition that he would address
the Supreme Court on the civil service law.
Mr.. Cleveland would not agree to this, how
ever.
Hodnett told the witnesses Of his descent
from the English houses of Lancaster ana
York, saying his ancestors were Lord Bal
timore, the Duke of Buckingham, Lord
Pembroke, Marshal Houdinot Of France,
who was Napoleon's greatest general and
whose correct name was Charles Pope Hold
nett"
Statements Admitted.
Hodnett stated In court that all this was
true and declared dramatically that he was
directly related to George Washington, the
founder of the republic of America Hod
nett" Said he: 1.-The arms of Washington
are the arms of Hodnett.
Hodnett left Washington eight years ago,
but returned a little more than month
since. He came directly from Jersey City
and said he wanted to see President Nc
Kinley to get The appointment Of collector
of the port of New York. He told Hawkins,
the messenger he had been offered posi-
ton in the departments, but said he de-
cabinet position. He wrote a poem about
President Mckinley as IAN Irish lad This
he sang and recited at the White House.
When arrested Hodnett declared he would
see the Attorney General If he had to get
a mandamus from the Supreme Court OF
the United States compelling Mr.. Griggs
to show cause why he should not grant
John Pope Hodnett an audience"
Hodnett made favorable Impression in
cross-examining the witnesses, and showed
himself to be well versed IN the law. He
was bright and quick in his questions, and
neglected no points that might result in his
favor.
Questioned by Justice Bradley. Mr.. Hold
nett gave lucid rehearsal of his past his
tory, saying that in '73 he made trans
continental tour speaking in favor of gov
expenses were paid, he declared. by labor
organizations, by VIM. H. Vanderbilt and
President Grant
Appeals for Counsel.
Hodnett again asked to be assigned coun-
sci. saying he had prepared a list of wit
nesses who would testify in his behalf.
The court was compelled to again state
the law. Hodnett looked appealingly
around the court ROOM which was filled
with lawyers, but no one volunteered in
his behalf. Single-handed he fought his
case and practically won it, for at the con-
clusion of a strong argument Justice Brad
ley directed that he be furnished with
transportation back to his home In Jersey
City. Hodnett promising not to return The
Judge said the defendant was perfectly ra-
tonal in nearly every respect but was
unbalanced on certain subjects.
In his ADDRESS to the court Hodnett said
he had contemplated publishing a paper in
Jersey City and came to consult with Mr..
Mckinley; but the latter seemed to be
troubled with other matters
'Then the President has his difficulties,
too?' suggested the court.
Don't you think any man with the Phil
ippines on his hands would be troubled?"
replied Hodnett.
Quiet IN the court room was restored
with difficulty.
Hodnett said he studied law with Bob
Lincoln. Sanitary Officer Frank will send
i'm To