The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-04-06
CASE OF FLORA HALLowELL.
Justice Cole VIII Announce II New
Guardian Monday.

The question of the appointment of a
guardian for Flora HaIloweH. fifteen
years old, came UP for consideration be-
fore Justice Cole this morning on the pc
tition of DR.. Charles B. Cock. Testimony
was heard in regard TO the matter. but
the court did not announce a decision,
stating only that the case viii be dis
posed Of on Monday at / y. N.
In discussing the case Justice Cole, how
ever, stated that he was satisfied as TO
the good moral character OF Dr.. Cock,
who filed the petition asking to be ap-
pointed the girls guardian This was
done, he said, at the request of the child's
adopted father shortly before his death,
on February last. Soon after the death
of her adopted father. Joel HalIoweH,
Justice Cole, sitting in Probate Court, on
the petition of Flora, appointed Mrs A
\. Maxim as her guardian. IN the petit
tion fled by Dr. Cock he. however, al
Ieges that the girl informed him that Mrs.
Maxim forced her TO sign the petition
asking for her appointment as guardian.
When the matter came up this morn
ing. Mrs Maxim suggested the names of
several persons to testify as to DR. Cocks
moral character. All these, however, did
not state anything which they knew Of
their own knowledge rejecting upon him
Mrs Maxim desired to speak to the
court. but as she only wanted TO tell of
matters which did not relate to the ques-
ton Immediately under consideration, the
court refused 10 allow her to proceed.
Justice Cole then explained to her that
tlsre was no fault being found with her
Guardianship Of the girl He also ex-
plained to Mrs Maxim that as the girl is
over fourteen years of age she has q
right to choose her own guardian, with
out finding fault with the one she has.
In conclusion, Justice Cole stated that,
while he would not state that he viii
name DR. Cock as the guardian Of the
gil, he would name some one other than
Mrs. Maxim.
At the conclusion of the proceedings At
tOrney Andrew Y Bradley, who represent
ed Dr. Cock. Cailyd the attention to the
court to an incident in connection with
the matter which occurred III the Office
OF the Register of Wills on Wednesday.
lie said that when he went to the office
he Informed the empl0Ee who waited upon
him that IT was necessary to have the pa
pers IN the ease served as early as posi-
bic, as there vas fear that the girl. Flora
HallOwelI, would be removed from the
jurisdiction Of the court.
With the view Of eXpediting matters.
ne said he had prepared a copy OF his
petition, and asked that il be cOmpared
and atIeSted- He said this accOnmOda-
ton was at first refused him. but was
after some delay, about twenty minutes,
granted.
Justice Cole informed Mr. Bradley that
he had no control over the matter; that
the Register of Wills could make rules
Tor the government of his Office so long
as they were not contrary to the rules
of the Supreme Court of the District.
Mr. Bradley stated that he also heard OF
other members of the District bar not
being treated with the courtesy they de-
served IN the Office Of the Register of
Wills. and the treatment ne received was
not only discourteOus. but he felt was
bordering upon a contempt Of court.
Justice Cole stated that IN his expe-
rience with the Register of Wills he found
that he always wanted the business Of
the Office conducted in proper manner
and that he wished his employees to be
courteous to everyone. Il IS probable that
the matter viii come up again.