Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1902-07-29
MOTHER SEEKS CHILD
MRS. CoLMAN'S FRUITLESS
JOURNEY TO CooPERsToWN.
Unhappy Sequel to Marriage That
Presaged Happiness-Legal Pro-
ceedings Anticipated.

Little more than fifteen years ago there
came to Washington from Otsego county
n. Y, a dapper young fellow to accept
position in the general land office. He was
not robust In stature, but he had a face
that was attractive. and he was withal a
good conversationalist
Hamilton F. Colman was born in the
town made famous by Fenimore Cooper in
his Leather Stocking Tales" He was not
slow in making acquaintances here in the
capital city, and he was we'll liked
In the society in which he moved was an
attractive young woman, Gertrude Hines
by name She was possessed of a grace of
manners that at once captivated the heart
of young Colman.
Was an Attentive Suitor.
He became an attentive sutton. The
courtship was not a long one. 1t culmi-
mated in a pretty church wedding. The
couple went to housekeeping and there was
every prospect for a life Of happiness and
contentment together.
A baby girl came along to brighten the
home. She was given her mothers name.
She was petted and careSSed all chill
dren are AS she grew she developed the
beauty and gentle manners of her mother
and the evident refinement Of both her
parents.
But another part of this domestic story is
told today in the following dispatch from
Cooperstown:
Unhappy Side of the Story.
Mrs Hamilton Colman Of Washington,
D. c.. has been in town a couple of days
in an effort to obtain possession OF her
daughter Gertrude, twelve years old.
Gertrude came here two months ago to
board on the farm of Sheldon Elderkin,
relative of the Colmans. Mr.. and Mrs. Col
man live apart. but Mrs. Colman complied
with her husbands request to send Ger
trude to his relatives here for month.
She did net go home at the end of the
month. and after waiting four weeks longer
Mrs. Colman came on to investigate.
THE Elderkins. Mrs. Colman alleges,
drove her from their house and declared
the child should not leave. such being their
instructions from Mr.. Colman. Mrs. Col
man says the girl has been misused and
tricked. She consulted a lawyer here, but
left this evening for Washington without
Gertrude who was not even allowed to &C
company her mother to the train.
Separated by Mutual Agreement.
THE Colmans have not lived together for
about year and a half. About six months
ago a mutual agreement was signed that
they should live separate and apart. Mrs.
Colman went to the home of her father,
James Hines. IN the savoy apartment
house. Columbia Heights.
Mr.. Colman was retcent when approach
ed on the subject this afternoon. 1t was
learned, however, from an authoritative
source that little Gertrude was placed IN
Kee-Mar College, Hagerstown. Md. with
the sanction of both her parents.
When the school year was at an end the
child was sent to CoOperstown to spend the
vacation with a sister of her father. The
mother, it is understood. acquiesced in this,
as is stated in the dispatch.
Colman's Attorney Talks.
Mr.. Edward L. Giles. attorney for Mr..
Colman, made this statement after reading
the dispatch:
1T is true that Mr.. and Mrs. Colman are
living separate and apart by mutual agree
ment. The child was sent to New York
state for her health during the vacation
season, and will return to her school in the
I'VE doubt seriously that she has receiv-
ed any but the best of treatment with her
aunt as Mr.. Colman's relatives would nat
urally treat his child only with tenderness
and consideration. 1t is the intention of
MIR. Colman. under the agreement with
Mrs Cpiman. to properly educate and care
for the child
Legal Proceedings Anticipated.
We should not be surprised if Mrs. Col
man were to institute legal proceedings, but
it makes difference f she does, as We
contend that Mr.. Colman is justified in his
actions in all matters pertaining to the
child
At the Savoy apartment house this after
noon it was said that Mr. Hines was not at
home and that Mrs. Colman had not been
there for several days.
| Friends of the family speak in the high
| est terms of Mrs. Colman. They say she
\ i- n ref Mr al
| man declined to say why he and his wife
| had separated, and Mr.. Giles was equally
reticept-