New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-04-01
MRS. STEPHANI TESTIFIES.
SHE SAYS THAT HER SON WAS INSANE.
PHYSICIANS TELL ABOUT EXAMINING TIL
YOUNG MAN-HIs MIND, THEY BE-

YOUNG MAN-HIs MIND, THEY BE-
LIEvE, WAS AFFECTED.
when the trial of AIphonse J. stephani for the
murder of Clinton G.. Reynolds continued before
Presiding Justice Van Brunt in the Court OF oyer
and Terminer yesterday, the crossexamination OF
Mrs Stephani was continued by Assistant DISTRICT
Attorney weman. She declared that she had toIu
Mr. Reynolds that she thought her son was out OF
his mind and she tod other people that she thought
he was 1oueero she could not remember 10 whom
she had said that her was "queer." She told Of
the eplept,c fits which he had had. Upon redirect
examination she told how she had been forced to pay
as $50 TO General Littlehed and DR.. Fleming, 1t beng
represented by these two men that this sum was
necessary TO conduct the lunacy proceedings.
John H. Bird who counsel for young stephanis
father before his death, next called. He had
seen the prisoner first when the latter was about
fifteen years old lie boy, the witness said, %
graceful manners and an afectonate nature. The
witness had been greatly shocked and surprised 70
see the radical change In the boy when lie saw MN
three years later The Young man at the later period
WAS Inorose moody and abrupt in his conversation
In the witnesses opinion Stephan was mentally IN
sound at that time This answer about stephanls
mental condition was stricken out by order of the
Court Mr.. Bird related an incident Which had &C
Cured one day when he called upon Mrs. Stephahl'
Alphonse opened the door for him and the young
man seemed in the best Of spirits ana peIecuS
rational When he reached the parlor he found Mrs.
stephani weeping. He inquired the cause ana Mrs
stonhani told him that Alphonse had committed a
brutal assault upon her. She showed her arm which
showed signs Of the assault. There were ugly wounds
on her arm and wrist, and 1t was black and blue IN
many places. Mr.. Bird said that he seized the young
man by the throat and he felt like throwing him out
of the window Mrs. Stephani fell on her knees and
begged Mr. Bird not TO inure the boy, because he was
insane and was not responsible for what he did Mr.
Bird said that had he believed that Alphonse was
Insane he might have dropped him out OF the 'front.'
window. He then plninly told Mrs. Stephan tlat II
she continued to allow Alphonse access to her per-
soua estate he must refuse to act her counsel any
longer He had not seen her from that day until
the present trial was begun Upon crossexaminaton
Mr.. Bird declared that he believed Mrs. stephani
irratiotal as well her son. This remark caused
considerable stir in the courtroom. Mr. Bird did not
believe that the young mans father was mentally un
sound, although he was Of a retiring nature.
Dr. John Packard, surgeon of the Pennsylvania
Hospital who was the next witness. bad examined
Young stephan as long ago 1885, at the request OF
the Young mans father. At that time he had found
the prisoner In state of abnormal nervous ritablity,
which was brought about he believed, on account Of
physical troubles.
Dr. A1onro D. Ball, of ST. Luhes Hospital had also
examined stephani several years ago. 1t was his
firm opinion that the physical trouble from which
stephan suffered would, when aided by some mental
trouble, produce insanity.
Edward DOnly, one Of the keepers OF the City
Prison. described stephanis appearance and actions
while In prison. At times stcphani would treat his
mother kindly when she called to him and at other
times he woud be most abusive.
DR.. Louis La Place, q French physician practising
in this city, had known young Stephani since 1879
lie had met the prisoner often since 1881, at which
time he became the family physician Of the stephan
family. When he first met tile young man I've was
polite and amiable. In 1882 he observed decided
change I'm the young mans condition lie became
nervous and excable and had decisions. He thought
that some one was trying to poison him and he be-
lcved that his mother met without his knowledge
DR.. william E. Lusk had been requested TO examine
young stephani in 1856. The request had come from
the young mans father. He saw Alphonse and be-
lcved that his mind was affected. His conversation
ncoherent aud the ply scian believed the young
man 10 be helpless case.
DR.. Matthew D. Field, who IS on examiner in lunacy
In the Department Of Charities and Correction, was
tho next witness Nc had not seen Stephan until
after the killing and he was not allowed TO give his
opinion as TO the prisoners mental condition. lie
described, however his actions in prison. Then Mr..
Howe put to him Hypothetical question covering all
the actions OF the prisoner for several years. lie asked
as MIR. Howes imaginary person acted and DR.. Field
said emphatcally that he was q lunatic.
The case Will be continued at 10 80 O'Clock this