The record-union., 1896-04-17


to realize his condition.
At one Of the interviews with Rattan
he stated that if he was set free he
would get his money if he had to kill
some one in order to get it Subse-
quently he said he thought it wrong to
kill and he would not do it for fear Of
punishment.
DR.. G. c. Simmons was present at the
examination OF Rattan and did not think
him sane. He could not give an opinion
as to whether he could consult ration
ally with his attorneys concerning his
case as the matter was not brought up.
His answers seemed to be clear and wit
ness thought that at that time he knew
the difference between right and wrong.
He thought from Raten's request for
counsel that at present he could plead
intelligently, but in paranoia no one
could tell at what time the lucid interval
may go away. On subjects not con-
nected with his delusion he would prob
ably be responsible. He would class
Raten as morally insane, as he gave
clear answers, but there were symptoms
Of degeneracy. His degeneracy partook
of the nature of a born criminal and is
found in many of the criminal class
Degeneracy is a swerving from the
standard type, which a man with a
healthy brain presents.
A man should be under observation
for much longer time than he had seen
Raten in order to form an intelligent
opinion of his condition. It was rather
the case that the questions Of the physi-
clans ran to money than that Raten
continually recurred to that subject.
His attempt to establish an alibi to his
employer showed his mind to be clear
and that he was responsible at that
time.
None Of Raten's keepers were ex-
amined or gave information to the ply
sicians who examined him as to his be-
havior in Jail. He thought their evil
dence would be very important in max
ing up their minds. Several Of the wit
nesses, notably Nelson, who avowed
himself a firm friend Of Ratens, were
not sworn, but the. examiners took their
statements in making up their minds.
Had witness known that the physicians
could have as much time as they wished
he would have advocated longer time
a week, or a month, if necessary in
order to observe him. Warden Aull left
for Folsom before witness had a chance
to talk with him. The District At
torney and Sheriff were not present dur
ing the latter part of the investigation
while Nelson was brought in
Tom Scott had been acquainted with
Raten for several years, but had never
seen him since his release from Folsom
until Wednesday. He knew no facts on
which he could base an opinion of
Raten's sanity or insanity.
II. l.. Buckley, who conducted the
prosecution Of Raten for the Lansing
murder, had two conversations with
him about year ago. Raten accosted
him and told him that before he was
convicted he deposited $50 in a private
bank on Fourth street, and also claimed
that his attorney had broken open his
trunk and taken his money from it,
witness thought from his statements
that he was insane. He could not remem-
Der that at the time Of Raten's trial
he found fault with his attorney for
drawing his money due at the shops
and taking some from his trunk. The
main factor in forming witness opin-
ion OF Raten's insanity was the fact
that he was once sent to the, asylum.
When he saw Raten the other day he
spoke to witness and said he recollected
him and appeared rational.
During the trial District Attorney
Ryan stated that as the examining
physicians said their judgment as to
Raten's insanity was based on informa-
ton received, as well as Raten's be-
havior, and they had not heard testi-
mony of his keepers, he wished to re-
examine them after they had heard the
rebuttal testimony he proposed to intro
duce
The court adjourned till 10 a. m. to-
day.