The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1889-07-25
STRANGE SCENE In A COURT.
Harry Munsers Singular Transformation in
Voice and Manner While i'm the WitnesS-Box.

CHICAGO, July PA most peculiar case
of insanity for psychical study was that of
Henry Munser, which came before Judge
Gary this morning. According to the evil
dence, it would appear that the strange case
of DR.. Jekyl and Hr. Hyde. and the strang-
CT case of Archibald Malma, which have
created much comment in circles of fiction,
are not altogether physical impossibilities
The story which Harry Munser, sane, told
of Harry Munser, insane, was so fascinat-
ing that the jurymen quailed and skunk
back in their chairs, half-afraid to be so
near one who could admit himself to be the
victim of such psyschical changes as the
witness claimed to have undergone. Munser
is about twenty-seven years of age.
and never having INDUCED in the general
practices of fast city young men, his feat
ures bore decidedly innocent but intelli-
gent expression as Re entered the witness
box. The soft. black hair curled rs an
actors about his broad, business like fore
head. For four years he had acted as entry
clerk for Edison Keith. and his manipula-
tion of figures was considered something
wonderful. He had been subject to gloomy
spells at periods about two years apart,
during which he would become q recluse
for weeks at time. He spoke OF these.
court, listening to the minor details given
above.
II feel something approaching heavily"
said the witness. but l can take care of
myself here.n Beads of perspiration stood
on his brow, but he displayed no nervous
ness.
THE queer sickness came on me again
about year ago." said he. land this time
became much alarmed at the developments.
| seemed to be approaching q state alto
fbar
aguelike feeling crept over me, beginning
first in my brain. / was then living at my
fathers house, on West Lake street: My
mind did not seem growing weaker, but lt
seemed to be altering its functions mate
rally. Presently the sight. of tool, or
anything with a blade, would start every
fiber and nerve in me to tingllng, and L
became afraid of myself-afraid for my
me to harm or kill. l knew what | was
about. / recognized the faces OF my
friends. l had cool control of my
mental faculties. l 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 vOlitiOn. 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 physl-
clans. They have been unable to assist me-
| grew worse. knew 1T and realized the
dread change. Never have lost my senses.
The doctors gave me chloral, but l fear
that has hurt my nervous system, ana
served to augment this fearful develop,
ment rather than cure it. We consulted
me. | now insist that / be placed some.
where so 1 may be watched and treated
differently. The week l have been here
since left Geneva have not been home.
l will not GO there; believe
take place Immediately should go back.
This mania would unman me and force me
to do that which / have been battling
against. would kill them. | might kill
myself, and yet l would know what was
The story itself was not so very different
from what one might expect to hear from a
man who felt himself becoming insane.
What terrified the jury was the complete
change In his features as he proceeded
From an innocent, harmless expression at
the beginning. they changed to one OF ex-
I, treme cunning and malignity. AS he pro-
ceeded deep lines appeared In his cheeks
beside his nose. The eyebrows fell dark
and the corners of the mouth drew down.
His forehead wrinkled up, as an old mans,
that listener might have sup
posed 1,,, that a man . OF fort fortyddnSe ydaSe
down in his 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. 1t was re-
markable. The court gazed at the phe-
When the narrator reached that portion OF
his recital where he spoke of killing the
jury gazed upon the face of man about to
commit murder.
That will do" said the Judge in husky
voice. Munser was startled at the com
mand. He looked up wildly. then fell bach
| I'm his chair half exhausted, with n sigh
Tears fell down his cheeks. The wrinkles
disappeared from his forehead, the tiendish
expression left his face. and In minute
more he was the young man. Harry Munser
| again. with the innocent face. The jury
brought in verdict finding him insane.