The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-15
AGED DABNEY
 IS SAVED FROM
 INSANE ASYLUM
Friends to the Front to Pro- vide Eccentric Old Negro
 with Comfort and Home
Evangelist's Voice Broken with Emotion As He Ap- peals to His Lawyer Dur ing Probate Hearing To day.

the veteran darkey evangelist, in feeble voice shaken with emotion pleaded with Judge Hallen not 10 send him to an insane asylum in the Probate court, city hall, today. Attorney John T. Hubbard, young lawyer at whose home the old negro has been employed for many years, represented Dabney. not to controvert the allegation that Christian is in sane, so much as to see that what can be done for well being of the old fellow, shall be done.
 Drs. E. F. McGovern and Herman Schultz testified that they had exam ined the respondent, and found him to be suffering from senile dementia 8. form of insanity due to advancing years. They said they were not pug zled as to his condition so much as to what degree of restraint should be imposed upon him.
 Drs. Chester .E.. Blackman and C.. R. Townsend testified that they ex- amined Christian at tIakeview home yesterday at the instance of the re- spondent's family and found no evil dence of insanity. They said he was highly nervous, but thought he would come out all right.
 Several witnesses, including Dab. ney's wife and daughter testified that they believed lie was not insane None but the two physicians appointed by the court to examine him said he was insane.
 The court was apparently in doubt owing to the conflicting testimony. and suggested that Christian himself should take the stand. [
 The picturesque evangelist was not the Dabney of old. His voice ordi- narily ringing clear ana strong, was broken and haltiGg. When he was asked about electric currents that he was alleged to have declared were sent through his bed to do him harm. he aaid it, was true, that wires had been laid at his home in Beardsley
 Judge Hallen suggested that pr. McGoyern should question Christian. An interesting dialogue followed. tian, when the doctor recalled the, conversation about electric currents that had taken place at the Charities departments office last Monday.
 You know me, doctor" said Chris tian. T always fool with you. ss I just wanted to fool with, you and the reporter up there," said he. &
 .I always joke with that gentleman over there, too, when I go in the drug store,'' continued Dabney in a rambling sort of way, Indicating Frank Herman, manager of Dupee's drug store, who was at the hearing. As he progressed, however, Dabney brought up the electric currents, and also asserted that someone had sent stream of hot water over his body late at night, causing rash to break out.
 "The hot water breaking from the inside out?'' questioned Judge Hal len.
 NO. judge" answered Dabney, sol- emnly, from the outside in.''
 Then in trembling voice Dabney re- counted that he. had lived in Bridge. port AZ years, and had never harmed anyone.
 said: 'I raised that boy; I raised his father, too. I've never harmed any one. No matter where I go in this town, I'm always welcome. The tea pots on and the toast is made when Dabney comes in.''
 The court gently reminded Dabney that there was no intention to harm him; that his present situation should not worry him for all were trying to help him.
 How old are your" asked Judge Hallen.
 1Tm 66,'' answered Dabney. looking hesitatingly towards Mrs. William Ward, a resident of 192 Main street, who has frequently befriended the aged negro.
 Sixty -three," gently remonstrated Mrs. Ward.
 ''Yes, Judge,' confessed Christian. TT always leave my age to Mrs. Wards memory. She's one year old CT than I am. She's GA and@I'm 63'' Mrs. Ward blushed becomingly, and the witnesses and spectators enjoyed a smile at her expense.
 After Dabney had rambled on for some time about the electric currents
 l, rying pistol, though he denied con- templating harming anyone, Judge Hallen conferred with Atty. Hubbard. He said he keenly appreciated the worth of Christian, and had always enjoyed talking with the versatile preacher, and regretted the present condition of affairs.
 Dr. McGovern aSsented to the sug- gestion of Judge Hallen that some one might furnish a bond to insure Dabney's being cared for at home. bard
 seBut who's to furnish the bond?" asked Judge Hallen
 Mrs. Ward arose quietly and re- marked, 'I shall be glad to do so.''
 The bond was fixed at $1,000. When this is furnished, and the necessary papers are made out, Christian will be allowed to return to his home in Beardsley street, in the East, End, where he will be cared for. This was satisfactory to all concerned
 4 a0% Arn HaD rrnrAHre