The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-13
THE CAREER OF PETERS
The Trial Of The Man Charged
With Insanity.
Many Witnesses Tell of His Queer
Actions Before Being Committed
tient Said TO Have Burned Up ST.
900 in 500 Bills While in II Cell.

An investigation as to the mental condi-
ton of Eugene Peters, wealthy resident
of Washington, whose extravagant ex-
ploits in this city short time ago at
tracted public attention, began yesterday
morning in the grand jury room at the
City Hall. The entire day was devoted to
the hearing of testimony The hearing
win be continued at II o'clock today. The
present enquiry is the result of several
applications for such course of action re-
Gently fled On January 81 last Peters
was arrested at the instigation OF Major
Samuel II Walker and Mrs Peters. Pc
tiers was temporarily incaTcerated at St.
EliZabeth's asylum and later petition in
equity was filed by three aunts, E. Annie
Hannum. Emma Garrett, and Hannah
PARCEL. Another petition was then sub
mitted by Mrs. Peters, his wife. She said
therein that her husband last November
began the EXCESSIVE use of alcohol and
other rstimulants and that in ease he is
to be declared of unsound mind she is to
have representation on any committee of
his person and estate that may be ap-
pointed and that she be given an allow
ance for her support.
Mr.. Peters estate is said to amount 10
s475, eco and his reckless use of it recently
has led TO the investigation.
The jury summoned consisted of the fol-
lowing persons: James E. Fitch, Thomas
Hyde, J. Maury Dove, Isadore Saks, Lorin
NJ Saunders. Frank B. Noyes, Harry b.
Parker Charles c. Duncanson. Louis p
Shoemaker, Clement W. Howard. c. Shir-
ley Carter. Charles A Baker. and John
Mitchell
Mrs. Hannum, Mrs. Garrett, and Mrs
PARCEL were represented by Attorneys
Wilton J. Lambert and Jere Wilson. At
torney ID. W Baker was present as repre-
sentative of Mr. S. II. Walker. Attorneys
Hamilton and Colbert appeared for Mrs.
Peters and Attorney \. Leftwich Sinclair
for the District of Columbia. Mr.. Peters
interests were looked after by Attorneys
Head and Frailey. Mr. William b. Rob
insOn Assistant United States Marshal
for the District OF Columbia, cOnducte
the proceedings.
Peters was present during the entire
hearing and by an occasional interjected
remark showed that he was closely in
touch with the proceedings.
The first witness sworn was Major S II.
Walker. who said that he had known
Peters for a number Of years, and that he
was on the 25th OF January, employed by
him as q notary, and after that time saw
him constantly until Peters was sent to
ST EliZabeths 8. Peters asked Walker to
effect a separation between himself and
Mrs Peters, and to look up various ar
tcles which he alleged she had in her
possession. According to Major Walkers
testimony Peters became enraged at his
f. ling to effect the separation. and one
azy when he called at Peters home Peters
assaulted him with a fencing foil. Mr..
Waller said this led him to take measures
which would lead TO ar enquiry into his
mental condition. He said he believed that
Peters was addicted to constant use of
some drug probably morphine or cocaine.
Walker exhibited q number Of kilograms
and letters written by Peters. One was a
message to President Mckinley. filled
with a nonsensical jumbo Of words. and
the other was similar missiye addressed
TO the Little Sisters OF the Poor.
Dr. Charles G.. Marhury the surgeon Of
the Police and Fire Department. told the
Jury OF a visit lie made to Peters at the
First precinct station, on January 81. DR..
Marbury said that upon the occasion OF
that visit Peters condition was such that
he was inclined TO grant a certificate OF
Iunacy al the time. but he deferred it till
the next day. the physician said that at
that time Peers was suffering from acute
mania. from which he thought that recoy-
cry was not probable. He declared that
in his present condition Peters was unfit
to be al large.
Policeman Adam stenhnuse. of the First
preciHct station, then related the incidents
Of Peters behavior during his confinement
there on January 81 and February l. He
said that he was at first confined in the