Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-26
DRAMATIC SCENE IN COURT.
An Insane Man Transformed on the Wit
ness Stand.

A peculiar case Of insanity is that Of Harry
Munzer, which came before Judge Gary, in
Chicago, Wednesday morning. Munzer is about
twenty-seven years Of age, aud never having in
dulged in the general practices Of fast city
young men, his features bore decidedly inno-
cent but intelligent expression as he entered the
witness box. The soft black hair curled about
his broad, business-like forehead. For four
years he had acted as entry clerk for Edison
Keith, and his manipulation of figures was con-
sidered something wonderful. He had been
subject to gloomy spells at periods about two
years apart, during which he would be-
come a recluse for weeks at a time. He spoke
of these.
"Just tell US about the last one," said the
court
THE STORY OF ais SPELLS.
81 feel something approaching heavily" said
Munzer, "but can take care of myself here"
Beads Of perspiration stood on his brow, but he
displayed no nervousness "The queer sick
ness came on me again about year ago." said
he, land this time became much alarmed at
the developments. / seemed to be approach
ing state altogether different from the nat
ural one. A ague-like feeling crept over me,
beginning first In my brain. 1 was then living
at my fathers house, on West Lake street.
My mind did not seem to be growing weaker,
but it seemed to be altering its functions ma
terially. Presently the sight of a tool or
anything with blade would start every fiber
and nerve in me to tingling, and became
afraid of myself-afraid for my friends
felt an impulse growing upon me to harm or
kill. I knew what was about. recognized
the faces of my friends. I had q cool control
Of nv mental faculties. was not out of my
head in the least, but there was desire which
seemed to be muscular as well as mental, and
wholly apart from my natural volitions. My
father saw only the outside Of this and dared
not explain to him the complete revolution in
my being. He sent me to Lake Geneva to be
treated in private institution there, and now
for seven months have been there under the
constant care Of several experienced physi-
clans. They have been unable to assist
me. grew worse. knew it and realized the
dread change. Never had I lost my senses.
The doctors gave me chloroform, but fear that
it has hurt my nervous system, and served to
| augment this fearful development rather than
cure ii. We consulted and thought change
would be good for me. now insist that be
placed somewhere so / may be watched and
treated differently. The week / have been
here since left Geneva have not been home.
l will not go there. l believe that some rapid
change for the worst would take place immedi-
ately should 60 back. This mania would I'M
man me and force me to do that which l have
been battling against. 1 would kill them. I
might kill myself, and yet would know what
was about"
THE JURY TERRIFIED.
The story itself was not SO very different from
what one might expectto hear from q man who
felt himself becoming insane. What terrified
the jurors was the complete change of his
features as he proceeded. From an innocent,
hsrmless expression at the beginning, they
changed to one of extreme cunning and malig-
nifty As he proceeded deep lines appeared in
the cheeks beside the nose. The corners of the
mouth became drawn, the forehead wrinkled
as an old mans, and the voice actually
changed The words came from the chest and,
in fact, the entire aspect of the man was
changed. He bent forward in his chair, his
shoulders stopped, and his eyes became watery.
When the narrator reached that portion of his
recital where he spoke of killing. his face was
sinister enough to brighten the spectators.
THAT will do" said the judge, in a husky
voice.
Munzer was startled at the command. He
looked up wildly, then fell back in his chair,
half exhausted, with sigh. Tears fell down
his cheeks. The wrinkles disappeared from his
forehead, the tiendsh expression left his face
and a minute more he was the young man,
Harry Munzer, again with the innocent face.
The jury brought in u verdict finding him in