Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-10-28
GOES TO WORKHOUSE
Albert Belote, Once Model Citi.
zen, SucCumbs to Drink.
SEAL TO A WRECKED LIFE
Court Imposes Sentence Of Six
Months Imprisonment.
DAUGHTER THE PROSECUTOR
Downfall Dates From Drowning Of
SEAL TO A WRECKED LIFE
DAUGHTER THE PROSECUTOR
Downfall Dates From Drowning Of
Beloved Son-Defendant Assail-
ant Of Post Office Official.

What may prove to be the final seal to .
wrecked life and broken heart was set
this morning by Judge Kimball of the Po-
lice Court in the sentence passed on Al
bet Belote. Time was when Belote was
Sunday school superintendent and a
model man, but that was when youth was
with him and before the touch of sorrow
had come to his soul: before SON. a be-
loved son. whose memory will follow him
perhaps to the grave. was accidentally
drowned in the Potomac.
Charged by his daughter with being .
vagrant and making life unbearable at
their home when he is in his cups. Belote.
who resides at 631 G street southwest. and
formerly an employe of the Panama canal
commission. was fined $40 and in default
of payment was committed to the work
house for six months. Miss Mary Belote
appeared as the prosecuting witness.
Statement by Daughter.
"My father seems to have lost his mind
for the past six or eight months Miss
Belote said. land apparently all he thinks
about is drinking whisky.
Hes been doing it steadily now for
months, and in consequence when he
comes home life is simply intoerable be-
cause of his conduct. / have begged him
to stop. our relatives have done like
wise, and his friends have urged him,
but without success. Conditions at home
finally became so that this step was alb
Solutely necessary
Miss Beiota seemed greatly affected
when speaking of her fathers shortcom-
ings and at times appeared to Le on the
verge of a breakdown.
The defendant admitted drinking once
to excess. Yes, judge. | have been
drinking a great deal lately" he said,
The loss of my position at Panama was
to stop it and regain my position-and
maybe I'll succeed. l hope and pray 30"
Man Not Always to Blame.
"A man isn't always to blame for the
position in which he finds himself In rfe."
Belote continued brokenly. Il never
touched q drop until was thirty-two
years of age. and for twelve years was
Sunday school superintendent, and l
tried to be a model man-there We're no
worries nor great grief then.
The defendant paused, as though under
a great mental strain, and then. leaning
over the bench. his voice choked with
emotion. he continued: Just when L was
happiest and things looked SO bright in
life. judge. SONNY son-died: he was
accidentally drowned. l can't help some
things now-I think of him SO much-I
have always thought or him.
AS Belote concluded his narrative there
was a silence in the courtroom and. ac-
customed to touching recitals, even the
court attendants seemed moved.
The sentence of six months was accom-
panied by an order that Belote be given
medical treatment
Maybe when you get out you'll have
no more desire to drink" the court re-
marked. Il sincerely hope So"
Assaults George F. Shaw.
About two years ago Belote. who was
then fireman in the Post Office Depart
ment, was found asleep on duty by As
sistant Superintendent George F. Shaw.
and was removed from his position. In
fiuenced by the effect of drink and by the
loss of his position, he afterward. in
meeting Mr.. Shaw on one of the upper
galleries of the great building, made an
attempt to throw him over the ratings on
to the glass roof of the city post Office
in the inner court far below. He was
frustrated in his attempt. Yesterday he
returned again to the department in a
daZed condition and was elected from
the building