The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-11-11
THE DE LION INSANITY TRIAL.


sudden Collapse of the Prosecution in
the Matter OF Medical Testimony.
PoRr TOWNSEND, Nov. i0.-TSpeciai. +
For a while this morning it looked as
though the prosecution in the De Lion
insanity case was rapidly going to pieces.
A splendid foundation by the introduction
of testimony indicating a disordered in
tellect on the question of Mrs. DE Lions
chastity had been laid by the prosecution,
and all that was necessary was the evil
dence of two reputable physicians. - the
law says. certifying that the accused was
insane. When il came to an issue the
subp1naed physicians, outside of the
court room, gave emphatic notice that
they would not pronounce De Lion in
sane or dangerous to be at large. This
was great surprise. and gave much salts
faction to the defense. The case was
abruptly closed for the state. and the
examination Of the defendants witnesses
commenced.
On the other hand, De Lion has two
highly reputable physicians from Seattle
in attendance, who will testify tomorrow
that after several examinations they pro-
nounce him sound, both mentally and
physically.
The mystery and sensation Of the day
was an ailusion to a small tin box. now in
the possession Of the prosecution, the
property of De Lion, which is supposed to
contain documentary evidence that will to
certain degree prove that De Lions al
legged strong hallueinations are correct in
part. Much interest is manifested in this
particular.
Capt. j. B. Libby. manager of the Puget
Sound Towboat Association, testified at
the opening of the court that De Lion ap-
peared 10 be much distressed that member.
of his family should try to send him TO an
asylum. Witness had known De Lion for
many years, and knew him TO be of nery-
Gus temperament. but he did not regard
the accused as an insane person.
Ling Sing, Chinese domestic who was
employed in the captains family some
years ago, and whom De Lion subse-
quently thrashed and discharged for some
trivial offense. testified that the accused
had asked nam if he had ever known OF
any man ciandestinely visiting his wlfe.
The introduction OF this witness did not
have a favorable effect on the prosecu-
tlon's case.
After the prosecution had exhausted its
witnesses ii waited some minutes for
Doctors l.. r. Seavey and ]. G. House 10
appear and examine the accused IN open
court in relation to his sanity. A lev
minutes consultation in the ante-room
slth the physicians, who positively stated
In advance that in their opinion DE Lion
was sane was sufficient 10 warrant the
unexpected announcement that tie state
rested It's case
The defense took advantage Of the situa-
ton and Immediately moved for a dis
m;ssal on the ground that the statute re-
Quires the board OF insanity commits
sioners 20 prepare rules and regulations
fer the admission of patients 20 the asy-
!gm, and one of the essential requirements
j. thata physicians certificate shall accom-
pany each warrant of commitment. The
court held that when the accused &c manded
and ~ as granted trial by jury the Jury trial
sapp.aats the necessity OF an exam nation
III court by two reputable physicians Ii
the accused had not demanded q lary trial
then the certificate would have been
necessary. The court spoke about the
ridiculous position the court would he
placed in shoGld the physicians 5e com
PEELED 30 act in the capacity OF iEry as
we.l as the twelve men summoned for th al
purpose. The conrt was inclined 10 the
OPINION that a physicians certificate is
unnecessary when the trial IS by Jury and
il the asylum authorities could be COM
pslsed 20 receive the patient by mandamns
proceedings. Tbs motion vas overruled.
SIX Or gat witnesses were called by the
deiense. Nho testified tnat IA general con-
versAtlon and business affairs the accused
VAS perfectly sane and thoroughly com
peteHs 70 manage his business interests
without de'r.m ment. De Lion conveTsea
with only one witness relative 10 his wife
and family. and be referred 10 them in 8
respectful and kind manner. To the other
witnesses he Lion sad nothing appsrtain-
ing 10 has family affairs.
A. the close OF the trial today counsel
for the defense asked sos tine 70 obtain q