New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-25
a NOVELIST Asa COURT REPORTER.
HTS NARR AIvE OF WHAT HE SAW AT AN IN
QUEST OF SANITY.

QUEST OF SANITY.
Chicago, July PA peculiar case OF insanity was
that Of Harry Mrnzer, which before Judge Gary
this morning. According to the evidence, 1t wonld
appear that the stran,ye OF DR.. Jekyl and Mr..
Hyde and the stranger case of Archibald MalmasOn,
which have created much comment IN circles Of
fiction, not altogether physical imposSbilIties.
The story which Harry Munzer sane, told Of Harry
MunZer, insane, fascinating that the jurymen
quaed and skunk back in their chairs, half afraid to
be who could admit that he subject
to physical and psychical changes such as the wit
ness claimed to have undergone. MUnzer is about
twenty-seven years OF age, and he INDUCED
in the general practices of fast city young men his
features bore decidedly innocent but intelligent ex-
press on he ente ed the witness box The su black
hair cured about his broad business-like forehead.
years he had acted entry clerk for EdsoD
Keith, and his manipulation Of figures was considered
something wonderful lie had been subject 30 gloomy
spells at periods about two years apart in which he
would become a recluse for weeks at time. Ho
spoke of these.
just tell us about the last one" said the Court,
listening to the minor details given above.
"I feel something approaching heavily said the
witness, but take care of myself here. The
queer sickness came on me again about a year ago.
and became much alarmed at the developments.
seemed TO be approaching state altogether different
from the natural one. An ague-like feeling crept
I over NE, beginning first in my brain. l was then
living at my fathers house in West Lakest. My
mind did not growing weaker, but it seemed to
be altering It's functions materially. Presently the
sight of a tool anything with blade would start
every fibre and In me to tngling and became
afraid of myself afraid for my friends felt an Inn
pulse growing upon me to harm or KILL knew what
| was about. l recognized the faces OF my friends
I had a cool control Of my mental faculties. 1 was
not out of my head in the least but there was desire
which seemed be muscular we'll as mental and
wholly apart from my natural voltons. My father
saw only the outside of this and dared not explain
to him the complete revolution in my being. lie sent
me to Lake to be treated in private ns ttton
there and now for seven months l have been there
under the constant care of several experienced phys
clans They have been unable to assist me. ! grow
worse | know it and realized the dread change
Never have 1 lost my senses. The doctors gave
me chloroform, but 1 fear that it has hurt my
nervous system and served to augment this feaf-
full development rather than cure it. We consulted
and thought a change would be good for me- now
insist that 1 be placed somewhere, so l may
be watched and treated differently The week nave
been here since left Geneva have not been nome
I will NOT 90 there | believe that some rapid change
for the worse would take place immedlateV shouId
I 20 back This mania would unman me ana lorce
me to do that which have been battling against
| would kill them. | might Kill myself anu !ct
would know what | was about"
The story itself not different from what one
might expect to hear from a man who felt himself
becoming insane. What terrified the jurors was the
complete change in his features as he proceeNed'
From an innocent, harmless expression at the Degih
ming. they changed TO one Of extreme cunning anu
malgnity As he proceeded, deep lines appeared III
his cheeks beside his The eyebrows teli uarh
and the corners of the mouth drew dOWn' MS
forehead wrnkled up old mans, ana MS NC-cc
actually changed 50 that listener might nave srP 1
uosed that a man OF forty five talking. The
words came from deep down in his chest, ana, IA
fact the entire aspect Of the man was changed. ne
bent forward in his chair, his shoulders stopped, ana
Lls eyes became waery. IL was remarkable inc
Court gazed at the phenomenon before HIM IN aston
isbment When the narrator reached that pOiulll
of his recital where he spoke Of killing, the Jury g@ou
uuon the face OF a about to commit MURDER
- That will dor said the Judge
Munzer was startled at the command Hc IoOhcu
nm wildly then fell back in his chair, half exhausted
With a sigh Tears fell down his cheeks Inc
wrinkles disappeared from his forehead, the hendish
sion left his face and minute more he was the
young man Harry Munzer, again with the innocent
face The Jury brought in verdict finding him III