The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1870-11-26
The WINTHROP LUNACY CASE.

| MIR. Winthrop Establishes His Snnity--A Ter
| ribie Ordca!-What Might Have Been-0as
of the siough--A New Lease OF Life.
Some lew weeks ago a case was brought into the
courts which involved the question OF the sanity or
insanity or al Old and respected citizen oil New
York, Mr.. Richard winthrop. rhe person most sur
prsed, ~ most naturally ne must nave BEEN al the
motion for an inquiry s,aq,tlre,ldo lucando was
Mr.. Winthrop himself and with madness that had
ali Of Hamlet's method in 1t ne combated
the motion OF his friends to have his case
submitted 10 few Interested individuals.
He preferred, IA Iact to take the case out OF the
hands OF hs particular friends, that ne might not
be taken unawares, and moved In the courts that
the question OF his sanity insanity should be sub
nltted 70 referee appointed by the Court. The
disposal OF moneyed relatives according TO the die.
tum or desires OF greedy relatives especially when
madhsuse is In the perspective, IL not task or
suci easy accomplishment In the free and enlight
ened United States OF America as 1t Is even proba-
bly, now and up to q Few years past has certainly
been IN England; but the HERALD has netwith-
standing, frequently TO chronicle such attempts on
the part OF relatives eager to supplant the enjoy
ment OF the good things OF this world he who py his
economy ana industry amasseo the coveted prize OF
influence and wealth. We have had several proofs
OF THIS desire to supplant ana enjoy, To reap
where we have net s0wn In the great
drama OF The late Commodore Meade, ana
now, later, In the case OF Mr. Winthrop The latter
on his own voiton but with the aid and as ssiance
OF outside friend attached 20 him. and VINO knew the
fearful ordea 10 which he would have been sub
Iected had ne once fallen into the clutches OF his
IOes Appealed III time TO the courts for protection.
The aeis OF the courts was thrown arouna hun, as
IL ever WIN oe threwn around those who justly claim
IT'S protection ana the oil Mr.. Winthrop was sub
United 10 referee III the person Of Mr. Jarvis OF the
Court OF Common Pleas. The fact OF MIR. Winthrop
the additional factt that there was a large amount
Of property involved, threw good deal OF interest
apoana e caIe Ne snd caused ae referee 70 give
been the Following report on cue refefence.--
GErEEEE's REPORT
DO respectfully report shat have been attended
by the said Richard winthrop and his counsel, ana
ny the committee OF his person and estate and their
counsel and that have taken the testimony of sncn
witnesses az were produced before me, whether in
support OF the prayer Of the petition OF in opps-
sition thereto, and that such proofs are annexed
hereto anu form part OF my report; that | have
had frequent and scruCnizing interviews and con
versations with the SAID Richard Winthrop ana that
dence OF his sanity. do therefore. report, as my
opinion, founded upon the said testimony taken by
ne Is oil sound mind and fully capable Of TAX
Ing care or his person and property; and
mat ne has been Of sound MIND and capability since
the nonth OF August, 1870; and do advise that he
DC restored to the care OF his person and property
according TO the prayer OF his petition. do lur.
fher report that the said Richard Winthrop has been
since the Issuing OF the commission and the appoint
ment Of committees OF his person and estate, left
restraint 70 provide for his living and protec-
ton, without receiving any pecunlary assistance
rom MS estate, ana entirely wthoug the care and
attention Or his committees; and that the intcll-
geuce and energy shown by the petitioner under the
circumstances OF deprivation ana neglecE aford,
together with the testimony taken by me, satsfac-
tory proof Of his ability. not only TO rake care sf
hnlself and MS property, but 70 sustain himself by
his own exerttOns
All which IL respectfully submitted.
, NATHANIEL JARVIS, JH., Referee. &.
NEW York. Nov. %, 1870.
This Is another healthy sign shat no combination
OF selfish parties can new. IS In times past. consign
relative. friend or IcgatOr 10 the dreadful Jlmbo
heretofore destined for those unfertunates who
stood in the way OF the enjoyment Of heirs or lega
tees. Mr.. Winthrop has escaped the terrible net
spread fer him, and IL enjoying TO the top OF ms
bent and with all his faculties unimpaired for sucn
enjoyment, the goods which the gods and his own
energies and labor prepared for the winter Of his
days he won them weI-may he enjoy them lsng.