Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1865-07-17
THE MARY HARRIS TRIAL.
CLOSING PROCEEDINGS ON SATUR-
DAY
THE QUESTION OF INSANITY.
THE TESTIMONY ALL IN.

After our report of Saturday closed
Ehshd II. Strong was sworn for the prosecu.
cutlon, and testified that he resides at Jane.
vile. and knew Miss Harris. She boarded
with him about ten days in 1864. Never knew
her before, but casually met her in the street
afterwards. While boarding with him, wit.
mental depression. Thought she was in deli
cate health. Did not observe anything very
singular in her conduct. Knew Miss Louisa
DeVlln. She also boarded with witness. She
commenced business in Jane vile in Nav or
June, 1864, and carried ii on for about one wear
~. 10 you know the general reputation of
Mss Louisa Devlin for truth and veracity
among her neighbOrs A. do not
by Mr.. Hughes Had conversation with
the nennfy Marshal atc::tt this case on the 4th
OF July. Was served with a copy of the sum
mons, but no arrangement was made as to pay
ment of expenses. Witness did not wish to
|. come. but the Marshal said he must do So The
Marshal told witness he would get So per day
ana nave ms expenses paid: The Marshal
said there would be no doubt about the pay
Were needed, to draw on him.
Dr. Thomas Miller was here called, and was
by consent sworn for the defence. Witness
ley. He concurred entirely in the opinion ex-
pressed by DR.. May. Many years ago wit
ness had given special attention to the study of
mental diseases, and for long while had
special charge of the insane in this District, and
was mainly instrumental in having the hospital
for the insane established.
the opinion expressed by Dr. May.
Mr.. Darlington suggested that the hour for
adjournment had arrived.
The counsel for defence objected. They de-
sired to finish this testimony at once.
A juror said he thought they should be con-
suited in the matter. Some of them were sick,
and they wanted to have the case finished as
soon as possible.
Judge Wylie said the jury had now been on
the case over eight days, and if the case was
protracted much longer, there would be no jury
to decide upon it, he feared.
Or. f. HOtcdrd was sworn for the prosecution,
Witness being asked to state some of the symp-
toms of dysmennorrhRa and hysteria, said
that hysteria assinilated almost every disease
to which woman was subject. The attack of
hysteria may be accompanied with agitation of
the muscles and a peryersion of the mental fac
ulties. The conduct of the patient is freq uent-
ly violent, and her remarks are lncOherent. A
physician who has made the proper investiga.
ton can discover the existence of dysmennor-
rhoea at a first visit. Witness cannot now re-
member any case of permanent insanity from
that disease as coming under his own immedi-
ate observation, but all menstrual diseases are
recognized causes of insanity.
BY MIR. Bradley Witness had read the nv.
pothetical case submitted by Mr.. Bradley.
Witness entertained the opinion that the sup
posed patient was subject to mental alienation
and insane impulses-probably a suicidal or
hOmicldal mania.
Mr.. Darlington again asked for an adjourn.
ment.
The Court asked if he had any more Witness
es present, and whether his testimony was i'm
portant.
Mr.. Darlington said the testimony was GU
mulative, but that he would leave the decision
of the whole matter with the Court.
Judge Wylie said that he would then decide
the testimony closed on both sides.
The Court adjourned until ten o'clock this
morning