Evening star., 1926-04-28


mittee or guardian should represent
more than tive persons.
In reply to the objection that 90
davs wouldn't be sufficient time to
allow trial in 1900 cases. Mr.. Blanton
said that it would be promptly shown
that there are LOO of these patients
who ought to be let free at once. When
the question of lawyers to represent
these patients was touched upon, Mr.
Blanton said that he would tender
his services free to any shell-shock
veteran.
On a motion by Representative Reid
Republican. Illinois, the subcom
mittee was instructed to report
remedial measures to the full com
mittee at the earliest possible date
This was adopted by unanimous vote
Mr.. Gibson stated that the subcom
mittee will soon have to suspend some
Of the night sessions.
Repeats His Testimony.
Mr.. Fenning repeated before the vet
erans committee that portion of his
testimony before the Gibson subcom-
mittee Saturday referring to law
in the District governing the commits
sions on lunacy cases.
mere Is SpIIle QUESTION as To
whether it would not be illegal TO re-
ceive more than 10 per cent commits
sion for acting as committee" said
Chairman johnson. What is the
law"
There is no doubt of 1t, sir, re
piled the witness, there is no law or
rule of court limiting the allowances,
commissions or fees q committee in
luHacy cases may receive"
The chairman asked for the law
with reference to committees appoint
ed in iunacy cases and the witness re-
piled that Section 115 of the District
Code placed the matter in the hands
of judges of the Equity Court. This
court. he added, can appoint a com
mittee after a person has been adju-
dicated insane.
There has been testimony before
this committee" continued the chair
man, that you were allowed 10 per
cent of the principal and income
as committee. What was that for?'
Covered Service and Expense.
THE allowance not only covered
services rendered to the ward. but
professional services and natural
overhead expense of the committee's S
office
Mr.. Fenning then was turned over
to Mr.. Luce. the ranking majority
leader. for questioning. He was ask
ed if he specialized in lunacy cases
and the witness replied, Il have been
recognized by the members of the
court and the bar of the District as
a specialist in lunacy cases.
did you become guardian for any
World War veteran before you left
the service?"
II may have, don't recall, the
records will show
Must Make Report.
What are the duties of a com
mittee with respect to the estate?'
'They are to gather in from every
quarter and conserve all assets of the
lunatic," he replied. Otter this is ac
complished, within 80 days a report
must be made and then efforts must
be centered about making the estate
productive. the witness explained
The committee also should supply his
ward with necessary clothing and
such amount of spending money as
can be used by the ward for his per
| sonal use. Mr.. Fenning also said the
committee is to do with the funds II
| his care what the ward would do II
| of sound mind, and this included pay
| ments of portions for the support ol
| dependent relatives. The committee
"acts as an arm of the court and tt
| facilitate the protection the court ex
| tends to persons non compos.
Are you brought into relation o.
these cases before and after commit
ment?"
II cannot recall q case where
| came in contact with it before com
mitment and I don't recall haVint
shared in the commitment of Worlt
! War veterans cases. was never
appointed committee until after ad
| judication."
Had Signed Proceedings.
"I want to know whether you hat
taken steps for commitment of Worlt
War veterans?"
81 say no, unless since l went u
the District Building l signed pro
ceedings In INDECENT cases. The Com
nissioners are vested with this power
land if there was a World War vet
eran among them I would have M
wav of knowing. / never, VIII
knowledge, took steps to have vet
eran committed
Mr.. Fenning explained when
man is committed to st. Elizabeth