Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-11-14
THE TODD CHARGES
REPLY OF MAI. SYLVESTER AND
SANITARY OFFICER FRANK.
Each of the Allegations Made Are
Denied-Result Of Recent
Inquiry.

The District Commissioners today re-
ceived an extended report from Major Syi-
vester, superintendent of police, ana ). a.
Frank sanitary officer for the DiStrict'
with respect to the charges made against
their respective departments by Chafles
Burr Todd member Of the Society OF
American Authors who was recently con-
fined in the Government Hospital Tor the
Insane In this city. but who was released
to friends in New York. Mr.. Todd COM
planned to the District authorities relative
to his treatment while in the city by the
police department and the sanitary omcer'
and asked the Commissioners to conduct
searching investigation of his case MI
Todd asked that the inquiry be made along
the following specific lines:
did the chief of police exceed his pow
ers in Selling my person and property WITH
out due process of law? DID ne exercise
common humanity in so doing! why was
kept twenty-three hours In ponce CELL
when the veriest crank picked up on the
street Is rarely held more than TIVE or three
hours before being examined and commit
ted or. discharged? l demand '1i tna la n tme
Vale and Marbury be inquired into, and es-
pecially their competency to pass on
mans sanity or insanity"
The Officers Reports.
In their reports to the Commissioners
each, and every charge is denied by botn
Major Sylvester and Sanitary Offcer
Frank Major Sylvester declines to report
as to the competency Of Drs. Yale ana
Marbury, the police surgeons on the
ground that they are the direct appointes
of the Commissioners
The report of Sanitary Ofncer FRANK Is DIS
follows:
Charles Burr Todd called on the super
irtendent of police and submitted state
ment about persons trying to poison MN,
end to ask for police protection. After an
interview with the major he was escorted
to this office, where a protracted investi-
CATION was held. His conversation lndl-
Gated an impaired mind. He complained OF
persons In New York who, he said, lot
ore than ten years have endeaForea 70
take his life by poisoning him. and that
they had employed agents In this city 10
carry out their schemes
HE referred to two well-known restau-
rants on Pennsylvania avenue, where the
walters had poisoned his tea, and that 1t
was necessary to take strong antidotes to
save his life. He also stated his bed linen
had been poisoned from time to time py the
chambermaids of the several places where
he had rooms. His conversation tended TO
show delusional insanity, and he was sent
to the first precinct police station to await
an examination by police surgeons, VINO
were Immediately notified.
"Mr. Todd was rot .lured into patrol
wagon, as he states. but was told where
he was being sent, and why he would be
detained. He was not confined in cell,
but was placed in a witness room. ana
made as comfortable as the circumstances
would permit. Every possible courtesy was
shown the gentleman. His friends We're
communicated with both in New York ana
Bethel Conn, and letters of appreciation
have been received from them thanking the
superintendent of police for his kindness
in the matter"
Detention Not Detrimental.
The sanitary officer also states the de-
tention over night in the station house was
not detrimental to Mr.. Todd, as he was In
comfortable quarters.
The statements of the sanitary officer are
corroborated by Major Sylvester who
states further that possession was taken of
Mr.. Todds effects in conformance with sec
ton Alb of the Revised Statutes relating to
the District of Columbia.
Commissioner West recommends that Mr.
Todd be Informed Of the result of the in