Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-06-27
WOMAN IN MALE GARB
COMES TO WASHINGTON WITH
FEMALE COMPANION.

A young woman who gave her name as
Frances Harris is locked up in a witness
room at the first precinct station on the
charge of masquerading in male attire. In
| the room with her is another young woman
who gave her name as Cora Douglass
They came here from Norfolk yesterday
morning and were arrested about 2 o'clock
this morning at house in the disreputable
section of the city. The women were inter-
viewed at the police station by Detectives
Horne and Watson today, as well as by
Precinct Detective Herndon. Both women
talked freely of their trip here, and Captain
Boardman telegraphed to the chief of police
for information concerning them.
Frances Harris, as one of the pair gave
her name. gave her age thirty-five years,
while her companion, much smaller Wo-
man, is perhaps several years younger. In
conversation with a Star reporter the wo-
man who had worn male apparel said she
had been in the saloon business in Danville
where she wore nothing but male apparel
and where she was known as Frank Gilbert.
Wanted Liquor License.
Asked why she had lived, as a man, the
woman replied:
Il put on male attire because 1t was nee
essary to impersonate a man in order to
get permission to conduct a bar room In
Danville a woman cannot get license
Last September reached Danville wearing
male attire and assumed the name Frank
Gilbert. On the 10Th day Of September
opened the saloon and remained in business
until May 1, when 1 closed on account of
the high license"
She explained that while she lived in
Danvlle nobody suspected that she was
woman. During the eight months she as
ISOLATED with male members of many prom
inent families and had business transac-
tons with most of the prominent merchants
of Danvile She exhibited receipts to
prove the truth of her assertion.
Il spent many night out with the boys
she stated, land these pictures exhibiting
photography were taken one Sunday when
We had all been drinking
While she was anxious to get out of the
station she made herself contented, saying
she knew matters would be righted when
an answer comes from the message sent to
Danville.
Her companion did not take her troubles
with such good grace.
II haven't partaken Of any food or even
drop of water since 1 was arrested she
said
She was inclined to be indignant over the
action of the police in arresting her. She
stated that she had lived in disreputable
house in Danville
All day yesterday she was with her sup
posed male friend sightseeing. The latter
entered several saloons, stood at the bars
and INDUCED in refreshing beverages with
out attracting attention. 1t was after mid
night when they went to disreputable
house.
Is Writing Book.
The proprietress gave the informa-
ton upon which Sergeants Kilmartin
Cooper and McDaniels made the ar
rests. Frances Harris says she formerly
lived at Denver, Col, and that her parents
are living In that section now. According
to her story, she left home and has trav-
eled all over the United States obtaining
material for book she is writing. It was
her Intention. when she came here, to re-
main but short time, she says She Is
well supplied with money and wears dia-
mOnds.