The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-28
DREAMER ADJUDGED INSANE.
The Result of an Examination Into
His Mental Condition

Joseph G. Dreamer, a wealthy New York
lawyer, was yesterday adjudged insane by
a marshaIs jury. The proceedings con-
corning the mental condition of the sub
ject were conducted in Criminal Court
room No. 2, and were presided over by
the Assistant United States Marshal for
the District W B. Robinson. Mr. Dreamer,
a man about forty-fve years of age, con-
Quoted his own defence, and greatly
amused the large crowd which attended
the enquiry by his sharp retorts to wit
nesses and opposing counsel.
The mental condition of Mr. Dreamer
was called to the attention of Justice
Cole, sitting for probate business, ten
days ago, by Attorney General John W.
Gr:ggs. who filed a petition asking that
his sanity be enquil ed into by the court.
In the petition General Griggs stated Mr..
Dreamer had been of unsound mind for
about two years, and it was feared If lie
were allowed to remain at large he might
do injury to persons and property.
Some time previous to the filing of the
petition, Mr.. Dreamer was arrested by the
local police on lookout" advices from
New York. He was confined for several
days in St. Elizabeth's- Hospital for the
Insane. He secured his release from that
institution through the offices of a woman
friend, who. it was understood. promised
to take him back to New York. This was
not done, and few days later Mr.. Creamer
was taken into custody on the petition of
Mr.. Griges When arrested the last time
Mr.. Creamer had on his person a gold
watch $3.50 in cash. and a check for
$500.
The following are the names Of the
jurors who were summoned to pass upon
the mental condition of the subject: A. d.
Hazen, Henry +. Biount. Robert |. Flem-
ing, L. Southland Parker, George W. Moss,
Harry B. Parker w. P. Thompson, Clar
ence f. Norment, William B. Gurley. w
S. Knox. c. S. Caster, and John Mitchell
The principal witness at the enquiry was
Attorney General Griggs, who testified that
he had known Mr.. Dreamer for many years,
in New Jersey. He also stated that he
knew him in New York, and that when he
came to this city Dreamer called upon
him. Mr.. Griggs said that Mr. Cream
er was a gentleman of culture and OF
great literary ability; that he was also a
lawyer of no mean ability. Mr. Griggs
further told the jury, however. that dur
ing the last two years he had noticed
quite change in Creamer's mentality
He said he understood he had been in
duigfng in excessses. He had of late Wis
tied the Department of Justice very often.
and abruptly broken into his office and
given him a great deal of annoyance.
Everything considered said Mr. Griggs.
Il think Mr.. Dreamer is insane, and not
in fit condition to manage his own af-
fairs, or to properly take care of him
self. He is in a condition of very high
mental excitement
Mr.. Dreamer was not represented by
an attorney. but conducted his case for
himself. He cross examined all of the
witnesses. and in doing so displayed con-
siderable legal ability. In many of his
remarks he exhibited even brillancy. He
cross examined the Attorney General at
some length. and said he would like to
question him all day, referring to Mr.
Griggs as John" In some of his retorts
he accused the Attorney General with
sending him to the asylum.
The physicians who testified in the case
were DIR. A. B. Richardson, the superin-
tendent of the Government Hospital for
the Insane; DR.. Frank Hagner, and Dr.
Thomas A. Clayton. All agreed that