Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1879-03-18


Now the Scribncr trial is over for the
present, it may not be amiss to offer few
words in relation to the amendment of the
revised statutes, the past winter, for the dis
posa Of insane criminals This law, taking
effect in thirty days, provides that the court
when traverse jury acquits any person in
dlcted BY reason ~ insanity. may commit
him to the insane department of the State
prison, or to the insane hospital The object
of thus amending the old law WAS, iirst-that
the jury might be able to decide upon the
question of insanity itself, without bringing
into view the possibility, if sent to the insane
hospital of escape. and again being at large
to do injury. for the Judge would be equally
as capable of considering the interests of the
people and from the evidence before him
giving such decision as would render the
prisoner secure; Sccona-that no person ar
raigned for crime should put in "A plea
for insanity. with the idea of being
declared insane and sent to the in
sane hospital. where few weeks OF
patience may offer chance for escape.
for the judge may send to the insane depart
ment OF the Stat" Prison. where he will be
secure. 1t may be thought best by some to
send all insane criminals to the insane de-
partment of the State Prison. but cases might
cruel to send anywhere but to the Insane Hos
pital. The question of responsibility of in
sane criminals will be put upon better and
trucr basis, that the responsibility of per-
sons shall rest not upon their knowledge of
right and wrong, but upon the poWey of doing
right The morals of State suffer when
crime i, committed by responsible persons.
but not so when done by an act of insanity.
Let no insane be sent to the State prison. but
10 the insane department of that institution if
necessary TO allaY the fears of friends and
ensure the safety of the community.
Supreme judicial Court-Judge Danforth.
Mo>DAY, March L..
Mrs Eldridgc ". the city Of Gardiner. This
cause which was commenced on Friday after
noon was agucd and given to the jury at noon.
They found mhch difficulty in agreeing, but
at half past four came in with IA verdict in fav-
or of the city.
No other trial was entered upon this after
noon.
Dn motion of l.. Clay, Esq. Edward +. Dan
forth of Norri lgcwOck was admitted TO prac-
ticc As an attorney ana coun.elor at law in
all the judicia! courts of thi, State.
Mr. Vickery Corrected.
In reference to Mr. Vckcry's card | will
state that Mr.. Nickcryncvcr intimatcd to me
that he was 4 messenger from the City Com
mttcc, or that he represented the com
mttcc in any way. His interview was in
substance this Said hc-''I will run as al
man for ward two if You will run for Mayor"
| replied that he might do as he chose, but
that he must not depend upon me at all-hat
| declined to talk about the subject.
II Mr.. Nickerv means. to he understood
that he minated to me that he represented
the City Committee. he states what
is false and has short memory.
His whole interview seemed to be Tor the pur-
pose of making bargain with me. and run
for Alderman provided would run is Mayor
and pull him through. His reference to any
other bargain. has the same importance his
abuse of the republican party had when he
left it a few years ago.
CHAs. +. NASH.
The grotesquc and comical play of BABY
was enacted last evening. at Granite Hall! to
AN audience which was small on account of
the storm. Charles II. Thayer in the title
role, supported by company which has
scarcely been surpassed here. presented this
mrthful piece in a manner which will ensure
a full house. should the company come here
again.