The Washington times., 1909-06-27
EARLY BASES HOPE
ON ONE CONDITION
Expects to Prove District Is
Holding Him to Ward
Off Suit.

This may be the last day Of the long
quarantine of John r. Early as a leper.
With new hope born almost of con-
Victlon that tomorrow will witness his
liberation, because tomorrow he expects
to wage the greatest fight he has yet
made for his freedom. the gaunt North
Carolinian stood this morning at the
door of his little house on the east
branch Of the Potomac. and talked buoy
antly of the future.
1t has been the happiest Sunday Early
has known in the obscure home back of
the District worktouse since his incar-
eera1ion began year ago. Near him. in
the shade OF one OF the big trees that
stands by the house. his wife and two
children and the faithful mother-in-law
have speEt the cay, talking a so of that
future which means so much TO them
The guard has remained at a greater
distance than usual. not to disturb the
happy session OF the little family, which
continued hour after hour. all unmind-
ful of the oppressive weather
On one condition only Early. bases his
hope that tomorrow viii see him liber-
ated. 1t is that his attorney can prove
that he is being held for the purpose of
al sisting the District to obtain testi-
mony against him in case he should en-
ter suit for damages.
Dilemma for Woodward
Whether his release can be secured
unequivocally or upon condition that he
go to New York to receive treatment
Will depend largely upon whether the
case is taken into court and a writ of
habeas corpus sued out, or a compro-
mise effected with District Health Of
hcer Woodward. The latter will find
himself forced to give in TO one Of the
two courses, Early declares.
I'VE have beat them and their argu
ments one at a time. God forbid that I
should utter one word of truth against
the Health Department but want JUS
tice- And believe I am going to have
II now" said the suppressed leper.
The new turn In the affairs of Early,
whose case. since it came under the
control OF the District officials, has re-
suited in bringing about differences of
opinion among the highest authorities
about whether he has Ieprosy came yes
terday, following an interview between
Early and Health officer woodward.
The latter called at the home of the
quarantined man, it is said, and offered
TO let him 80 to New York. provided
Early would submit 10 an examination
at any time the Health Department
might request 1t.
Later, Early alleges he withdrew this
offer, saying that he had conferred
with counsel and that he could not con-
sent TO his going TO New York until
an examination had been made in
Washington
Won't Give New Culture.
Early objected TO this proposition, de-
elarins that he would continue a pris-
oner rather than submit to another Gull
ture being taken by the local author
tiles.
It Is now claimed by Early that he is
being held simply TO protect the Dis
trict officials, who wait to safeguard
themselves In case OF q suit for dam
ages and that his Imprisonment is IN
lawful. This constitute sufficient
grounds, he believes, upon which 10
make legal fight for his release.
just what steps Attorney BENJAMIN +.
Minor. Early's attorney, will take 10
secure his release could not be learned
today, although he stated he expected
70 make arrangements tomorrow for Sc
curing Early's liberation. He intimated
mat ne probably would not go into court
iicate that hopes are entertained for
compromise with the Health Depart-
nent. whereby Early will be allowed II
depart Immediately for New York. and
without submitting 10 the taking OF an
other culture.
Undecided About Suit.
When asked II he would brins sur
against the District, In the event he
should be found not TO have had lep-
rosy Early this morning would nnr
commit himself on that point. but said
be would decide when the proper time
arrived.
never felt better In my life he
SAID, and viii be happy when can get
2ut ana do my part in the world again /
ny pension will be taken avvav h,I+ 7 /
an well enough TO go behind the plozy
..,odsy and make a living for my FAM /