The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1883-12-20
REREFT OF HIS REASON.
Ton. James B. Ryan Shows Unmis-
taxable Evidences of Insanity.
At the Instigation of His Wife He Is Piaced
Under Surveillance to Await Action
of a Commission.

Tho initial steps were taken, yesterday TO-
ward having Hon. James B. Ryan, ex-Traasurer
of State and formerly man OF large political
and financial influence, declared insane. so tEat
he could be sent TO the hospital for treatment
At the instigation Of Mrs. Ryan, DR.. W. j. Kelly
instituted surety OF the peace proceedings agains
him, and he was placed under surveillance at
the jail to await examination by legally
constituted commission, which will take place TO-
day. 1t seems that business reverses and conse-
quent dissipation have so weakened Mr.. Ryan's
MIND that he. has become irpesponsi
BILE, and for several months past has
been threatenIngly violent, SO mach
90. IN fact. that his family wore in constant fear.
Of him. A few days ago 1t was arranged tnat
change Of scene would improve his condition.
Tt had the contrary effect, however and, upon
his return yesterday, he violently assaulted his
tiOn. and began demolishing the furniture. He
was accordingly taken before Justice Fei0ie-
man, ap' placed under restraint. and there Is
little oubt that he will be sent to the Insane
Hospital for treatment.
Mr.. RYAN is about sixty years old. and
no has been prominently identified
with the business and political interests
Of the statefor many years. At one time he was
very wealthy having been very successful in
the Wholesale liquor business Afterwards he
became prominentin politics. aud in 1872 was
elected Treasurer of State He lost his fortune
in the panic and his financial reverses drove
him to continued dissipation, which terminated
IN mental A0erratl0n TD0So VINO knew MN III
his better days win be sincerely sorry to learn
Of his present condition.
MR., RYAN's STATEMENT.
Mr. Ryan was seen by Journal reporter, last
night, in the private office at the jail. He was
very nervous, and his statements were some
what incoherent. He was engaged in reading
the Evening News, and was violently excited
over the article referring to himself 81 will
them for libel tomorrow" said he. land
will make it mighty hot for them. 1t is all
pack of infamous lies. You can see that am
not insane, and it would be outrage to send
me 10 the asylum" (Here he reviewed the arti-
Gle in detail, aud indicated its alleged inaccura-
eies.) "The trouble is with that Doctor (mean-
ing Dr. Kelly who boards at my house. I
don't know his name, only he is bald
headed. did order him out of my
house this morning, and had o poker
in my hand, but did not strike him. 1 don't
Like that man and wouldn't have HIM around.
About month ago he said in my hearing, 'All
IDdiaHians are ignoramuses. and l wouldn't
stand that from anybody. 1t is an insult TO me
and my children, and told him said that
this State paid more for public schools than any
other in the Union, and that such statement
could not be true when Indiana had produced
such greas men as Governor Morton, Tom
Hendr icks and Joe Mcdonald. kept thinking
about that insult all the time, aud made up
my mind when came home that wouldn't let
that man stay my house. and didn't. Of
fered 10 Givehond In court this afternoon, but
u
suffer for it,. i am Expecting Senator Mcdonald
every minute and he will take up my case for
me and push it through" Mr.. Ryan talked in
this strain for sometime and made statements
rehecting on various well-kHown people, which
certainly could have foundation In fact. In
spoke nationally and calmly, but
generally was excited and not always perfectly
Ineligible. He denied explicitly that he had
ever abused or struck Mrs. Ryan, and said that
she had been good wife to him.
WHAT MRS. RYAN SAYS.
Mrs. Ryan is a sister of Hon. James Fl. Rice
and a most exemplary lady. On account of her
husbands failure to provide for the family for
several years. she has been compelled to resort
to her own resources, and lately has been keeping
clearinghouse just below the first Presbyter-
ian church, on North Pennsylvania street, and
her guests include a number of reputable people.
To Journal reporter , last night, she said that
she had finally been compelled TO take steps to
na We her husband placed under restraint and
treatment, much as she regretted the necessity
for such a STEP Her relations and friends had
advised her TO do 1t many months ago, but she
|. was unwilling to do so. On Tuesday night,
however, MIR. Ryan came home from Washing
violently assaulted her, striking her three
times in the face. In the morning. she
feared renewal of the violence, and
left the honse until her husband could
to burn the house and do various other things,
and she felt that she was longer safe in his
presence. DR.. Kelly, she said, had instituted
tho proceedings against her husband at her in
sbigatioh. Mrs. Ryan told ptiful story, which
was cOrroborated by Others in the house. 1t is
evident that she has suffered until 1t could no
longer be endured, but only since Mr.. Ryan has
beoUme irrational.