Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-04-17
MRS. GAGE QU|zZED
Mental Condition Is Subject of
Examination by Jury.
MISTAKEN IN TESTIMONY
Still Declares Mrs. Oracle Told Her
of Bells Alleged Enmity.
ADMITS TO A MISTAKE
Court Tells Daughter Not to Prompt
Mother-Status Of Colonial
Daughters II Attacked.

Mrs. Mary d. Gage. whose mental con-
dition Is being inquired into by a jury
before Justice Barnard, withstood for
more than an hour today a searching
cross-examination by Attorney A. d.
Warrington, as friend OF the court. and
by Assistant Corporation Counsel Schuidt.
Her testimony was mistaken that she
had received communications from MFs.
Archibald Oracle and from a Newspaper
reporter that Charles J. Bell was suppos-
ed to be interfering with her social and
other success in this city.
To Attorney Worthington Mrs. Gage
admitted that she never entertained any
thought that Mr.. Bell was thwarting her
ambitions before receiving the alleged
communications, as she considered MI.
Bells business interests were too large to
permit OF his caring about her progress.
Mrs. Gage reiterated the statement that
she now il satisfied that Mr.. Bell had no
connection with the annoyances Of which
she complained, and no longer entertains
resentment against him.
Believes Herself Mistaken.
The witness also is assured at this time
that she was mistaken when she thought
Mr. Bell was attempting to keep her out
of church. The witness said 1t had been
explained to her that owing to the large
numbers of strangers who visit local
churches the attitude Of the congregation
toward strangers Is not so cordial as in
other cities.
Miss Margaret c. Gage. the daughter.
became so absorbed in her mothers tes-
head in acquiescence or in denial Of in
quiries put to the witness by Mr.. Worth
ington. The action OF the young wom-
an attracted the attention OF Justice Bar
mother or interfere in any way with the
cross-examination. The young woman
Immediately desisted.
Mr.. Worthington was especially curious
about the Society OF Colonial Daughters.
which Mrs. Gage organized. In response
to objections from counsel for Mrs. Gage
to certain questions concerning the So
ciety, Mr.. Worthington announced that
1t 10 his intention to show the society
is fake and consists Of nobody but Mrs
Gage"
Says. She is Sane.
Col. r. E. Piunkett Of Landers, Wyo..
testified that in his opinion. Mrs. Gage
Is sane. and added. God help this coun-
try II she ia found not to be- Col.
Plunkett said he had been marshal of a
town In. Colorado. which he described as
the toughest place in the country" He
gave his evidence in breezy style and kept
the crowded courtroom in an uproar or
laughter.
A number Of other witnesses testified
that Mrs. Gage Is sane in their opinion
Attorney A. s. Worthington in his ex-
animation Of Mrs. Gage went back to her
arrival In Washington and to the pur-
chase Of the property at No. : Dvpon.
circle. when she previously declared her
troubles in this city began. In the course
Of the examination Mrs. Gage admitted
she wrote two letters to the District Com
massioners In 1905 complaining of action
of servants in the adjoining house and
of policemen on the beat.
In response to one Of her letters. wit
ness said. Mr.. Cox went to her house
from the police department. but he
spent most OF the time of the interview
''perched on the piano stool. curling his
mustache."
Tells Of Colonial Daughters.
The Society Of Colonial Daughters was
organized by her. Mrs. Gage told Mr..
Werthngton, and she had named herself
president for life. She Is also secretary
treasurer and board of directors. Mrs.
Gage admitted. The society holds no
meeting. the witness stated. and she
receives no salary as president.
From the funds received from members
rent of the portion Of her house reserved
for the work Of the society and pays her.
self and daughter each 700 per annum
for clerical work.
year from the members and volunteered
the Information that the sum OF $3.50,
all OF which she had expended, was
small expense account for q society. ana
pointed out that 1t costs $4,000 annually
to run the d. A. II.
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