New-York tribune., 1896-11-30
1 PHISICIIN SAID TO BE TNSINE.
SUICIDAL MANIA FOLLOWED BY VIOLENCE
AGAINST HIS Young WIFE

DR.. Charles j. Latin. OF No 'l5ie Madison-aVe
was committed 20 Bellevue Hospital yesterday
morning by Magistrate Cornell for examination
as TO his sanity Or Latin is thirty years old. and
was graduated a; the New-York University Medi-
cal School in lS3 Before beginning his studies
there he had spent three years in Africa as
missionary and while there had suffered from a
attack OF African fever. and II Is thought
that this is largely responsible for the present un-
balanced condition Of his mind Ills insanity was
at first suicidal mania. but has since developed
into a desire to murder his wife.
lie married June - last 10 Miss Clara
Freeman. Of this city. Miss Freeman was AZ the
time visiting her brother. the Rev. J. ID. Freeman
a. Milton. y. s. and the ceremony WAS performed
by him at that place 1t was the wedding tour
to Fredericton. y. b. that Dr. lafin's queer ac-
tions began. lie accused his bride Of unpardonane
extravaganza. although the only money that the
couple had spent was for railroad fare. onring
the stay at Fredericton he imagined that his wife
insanely jealous OF him. and In his frenzy
declared that he would kill himself.
The Young couple returned to this city 10y the
Fan River Line The husband refused TO engage
stateroom and only by persistent entreaiies could
his wife prevent him from committing suicide ny
jumping overheard. The Madison-ave. house was
rented July !. and soon aftcrward II is SAID
DR. Lafin's insanity turned toward murder al
though his suicidal mania continued. He threat
ened his wife with violence and. II Is said, AZ
times beat her numerically. Yet during his ra-
iional moments he treated her affectionately and
Notwithstanding his peculiar conduct at home
built up lucrative practice and 1t is not probable
that any OF his patients ever suspected that ms
mind derangcd.
Three weeks ago Mrs. Iaffin decided 10 spend
the evening with friend Miss lrmseber. VINO
lives at No l29 East Tcnth-st. Dr. lalln escorted
her on the elevated train he abused her ny cal-
ing her names. and after reaching the young
woman's house. ii is said. he grabbed his wife by
the throat and threatened to stab her win a pen
knife which he held in his hand but dosisted JUST
as Miss Irmseber entered the room IL has been
he acts nationally In the presence OF anybody "x-
copt his wife. and ceases his threats toward h"r
Immediately upon the appearance OF n thirh per
The climax OF the trouble came last "Wednesday
morning. when DR.. Laf'in broke several pieces OF
furniture and violently beat his wife; Samue
Ere, man. Of Worcester. Mass. who had heard of
the doctors conduct and had come TO this city
advised his sister. Mrs Lafin. to go 10 the house
her husbands suicidal mania would again tax"
poss, ,sson Of him In her absence. The Rev j. -
Freeman. who had performed the marriage cere-
monv arrived I'm the city Friday. and the two
brothers persuaded Mrs. Lafin To- have her hus-
band arrested. Al the police station Dr l.afin
pointed the Rev i. II. Freeman and sad:
There stands the man who has been the cause
Of it all"
Magistrate Cornell committed Dr. Iatiin upon
and he will he arraigncd in the Harlem court for
examination at $40 o'clo'k this morning
Dr. Latin recently elected president OF thc
Philip and Andrew Society Of the Wcs' End Pres
byterian church. and intended TO join that church
next Sunday.