Evening star., 1901-02-01
COMMITTED TO THE ASYLUM
EUGENE PETERS DECLARED BY SUR
GEONs TO BE INSANE.
Was Conveyed to st. Elixabeth's I'm
der Temporary Permit-Displays
Violence at Station.

Eugene Peters, whose arrest at his home,
No GA East Capitol street. yesterday af-
ternoon, on charge Of assault preferred
by his wife, Mrs. Clara l.. Peters, was pub
1ished in yesterdays Star, was declared to
be insance by Police Surgeons Marbury
and Burch this morning. Upon the report
of the surgeons, Sanitary Officer Frank
procured a temporary permit for the care
of the unfortunate man at ST. Eizabeth's
until the question of his sanity is passed
upon by one of the justices of the Supreme
Court of the District of Columbia. Such
hearings usually held Fridays, but 1t is
probable that his case will be heard during
the early part of next week.
While in charge of the officers OF the fifth
precinct Peters was cool and collected and
showed no evidence that he was suffering
from a disordered mind. Later he was re-
moved to the first precinct station and
given comfortable quarters in a witness
room. Until about midnight he remained
quietly in the room. smoking cigarettes
and occasionally chatting with an officer.
Later however. he removed part Of his
clothing and set fire 10 Them using 500
bill as lighter. The money. 1t is said, he
had concealed in the lining of his clothes.
Mr.. Morgan, the station clerk. and Police
man Stenhouse had a struggle with him,
and he transferred to cell on the
lower floor, where he afterwards removed
more OF ms clothing ana attempted 10 starr
a second fire. The officers found about
half of burned 800 bill on the floor of the
witness room after the first fire.
Becomes Violent.
Mr.. Peters became violent that it was
necessary for the officers to strap him 70
his bed in order to prevent injury to him
self He seems to be laboring under the
belief that he has no friends, and that even
his nearest relatives have turned against
him. 1t is stated that while he was
member of the signal corps he contracted
the habit of using wood alcohol, and this,
together with the smoking of cigarettes, his
friends believe. resulted in unsettiing his
mind. Since his marriage at Hot Springs,
Ark. a year ago and his being declared sane
in court Peters and his wife have lived nap
PLY at their East Capitol street home until
a few days ago. He always kept his vile
literally supplied with money. They lived
a the rate of people of large wealth.
During this season he has given number
of theater parties to friends. and. 1t is
stated, he has spent several thousand dol
lors in the most reckless extravaganza.
Major Samuel II. Walker. who was en-
ployed by Peters to draw up certain papers,
spent several evenings at the East Capitol
street house, and he labored persistently,
as a friend, to prevent separation. MI.
Peters went to Richmond recently. taking
an automobile with him. While there IL
is stated, he spent considerable money and
made an effort to organize a horseless car
riage company.
Had Message for President.
Peters says he made effort to send
telegram to President Mckinley one night
this week. and it was refused at the tele-
graph office. He had information OF i'm
portance to convey to the President, he
said, and he now has grievance against
the company for refusing to accept his
message Friends of the alleged insane
man claim they have information that he
got rid of 5000 last Thursday night while
out on carouse. G. w. Willis, an En-
glishmalp In the employ of Mr.. Peters as
valet. remained at the police station last
night to look after his employer.
Mr. Peters was formerly identified active
ly with the Norris Peters Engraving Com
pany. but of late years has sustained the
relation of stocl;holder only, and. it is
said has recently had nothing whatever
to do with the mana cement of the business