The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-04-01

Or. H. l. Orth, of Harrisburg, mas submit
ted his report 10 the Governor. He says he
came TO Somerset at the requss; Of General
Cofroth and A. A Nicely He then goes
on to describe the patient and the Jail in
which he IS confined The doctor then
says "He Joe Nicely moved in a seem
ingly methodical manner aronnd the rear
half Of the cell, starting from the washstand,
which be would seize hold of. shake and
pound, then to the smooth wall, passing his
right hand along the surface until it met the
projecting rib. which he would famble
short time, then TO the corner of the room,
where be would pass his fingers over the
rivit heads and up and down the angle iron,
then pass on 10 the side and along the wall
TO another projecting rib, go through the
same maneuvers with the same hand Then,
with bis left hand and arm continually NOV
ing up and down in an ainless way, be
would cross the room and repeat bis walk,
as if seeking some starting point to work his
way through the walls. He never approach
ed the cell bars. Noise in the corridors did
not apparently in any way attract him.
"Inquiring Of the deputy sheriff and death
watch l learned that this manner Of walking
was almost constant until dinner tine. AZ I
ter dinner he would lie down and sleep for
some time, then rouse up and pursue bis
aimless walk that he was light eater, but
only ate when he was led 10 tie table on
which food and drink are placed that be
Was cIeanly in personal habits, performing
the usual calls Of nature without suggestion, |
went to bed Of his own volition and did not
require to be often reused got mp when he
swoke, but would not wash unless urged by
gentle force that be slept well at night and
lid not toss and turn in bed, or moan or
after any cries. His color was salloT, his
appearance unkempf, not having been shay
Fl for several days; countensnce heavy,
Iaggard Indifferent skin of forehead
xrinkled by a constant frown eyelids half
closed and under lips constantly working
bis face devoid Of any Indications OF intelE- I
,ence. He was Indifferent and stolid in /
manner. His attention could not be aroused /
and maintained except by taking hold Of 1
him and retaining him in the position you /
desired. This attention was not mental. /
de vas tracta5le to any guiding physical
force, bat he would not talk. His silence /
was persistent and obstinate neither prom 4
.ses nor threats seemed to arouse him from /
bis apathetic condition. His eyes were ex-
pressioniess, sensitive lthe pupils dilating 4
ard contracting in darkness and light. con
staniiy in motion, could not be fixed. The
tongue slightly coated and REDEEMED at 1
edges. The pulse small end rapid about 1
l90 beats per minute. Temperature not 4
.aken. The skin appeared cool lungs in a |
normal condition heart hypertrophied with
impairment of srtie valves. Rsaexes nor
nal. Nothing could be learned as to the |
sensitiveness Of the skin.
Interference with him in his usual walk. !
his access 10 his accustomed |
points, caused him much annoyance which |
be expressed BY frowning, COMPRISING his
ips, shruEgiEg his shoulders and stamping
on the hoor, aud then again starting on
bis rounds with 8 repetition Of his anger |
when he fsiled to find bis well knoxn pro-
ections, which seemed TO engross his whole |
attention. Twice during my frequent visits |
% him awakened him from sleep, but fail |
"a TO detect any CLEANS Of intelligence in his |
manner or facial expression.
The medical officer in charge of the Jail
els me that about four months ago the
prisoner escaped. remaining in the woods |
three or four days, then gave himself up to |
he authorities; that be was in hslfstarv- |
d and nearly frozen condition. and during /
lud after his recovery he had frequent fits |
,f depression which gradually incre ased in |
frequency until about three weeks ago.
xhen failure to have his case reheari bv the
Pardon Board seemed TO totally depress him
nd bis present imhecihty followed, and he
las not, as far as can be discovered. spoken
,ne word since that date
After every effort to secure q reversal of
he verdict or pardon had proved abortive
he motive TO simulate disease was so great,
The carrying out Of the details of this simu-
iation was 50 easy, even under the eye of
keen observer. in the time and place that
could be secured for this investigation, that
approached the examination with great
hesitancy, but the history Of the prisoner tas
learned from Dr. Kiminel and the Jail At
tendAnis) his appearance, his physical con-
dition, his manner Of action all combined to
sweep away my prejudices, and convinced
me Of the present mental and moral ire
Of the prisoner. and unsioubt-
sdly believe him to be insane and proper
person to be committed to the care of an in
sane hospital"
The report was handed to Gov. Pattison
By Lyman D, Gilbert and 5. J. McCarrel,
counsel FOR the prisoner, but the Governor
did not indicate what action he would taxa
General Coffroth and Anthony A. Nicely
visited the Sherif's office Tuesday morning