The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-08-14
INSANE ON DRINK
Mrs. Susan RiOrdan the DipsO-
maniac, of UnsOund Mind.
Is Declared Insane By the Pro-
bate Court.
HER DAUGHTER HERE
Testimony Shows Her Insanity
Isn't Due to Drunkenness,
But That Her Drunkenness Is
Due to Insanity
HER DAUGHTER HERE

Mrs. Susan Riordan is insane. Six
men signed a probate court document
this morning under oath, saying that
they considered Mrs. Riordan of un-
sound mind and unfit to take care of
herself and to manage her affairs.
The police have been bothered a
great many times lately by Mrs. RiOr-
dams sprees. She has been arrested
about ten times in the last month, each
time in an intoxicated condition. Her
daughter, who resides in Lawrence,
has done everything she could for her
unfortunate mother, and as a last re
sort had her brought before the pro-
bate court today to be tried for her
sanity.
A jury consisting of Silas Rain, J. NJ.
Miller Geo. d. Epps, NJ. T. Bailey,
Capt. Curtis and DR.. w. Z. McVey,
listened to the case.
Mrs. Riordan sat on a chair directly
in front of the jury and famed her
self She wore a loose fitting wrapper
and her face was very red. She did
not seem to realize what she was being
tried for When a witness would give
damaging testimony about her she
would some times deny it. and at other
times affirm it by vigorous nod of
the head. Near her sat her daughter.
She is a neat little woman of 80 years
and rather good looking. She was
greatly affected and sat with her hand
on her forehead during the trial Mrs.
L. o. Case, who has been so kind to
Mrs. RiOrdan, sat across the room from
her charge, and a number of specta-
tors were grouped about the room.
Mr.. r. BedweH, who keeps the pri-
vate insane asylum southeast of the
city, said that he considered Mrs. Rior-
dan of unsOund mind. She was under
his care about a year ago when the
gold cure was given her
Dr. W. S. Lindsay said that he had
examined Mrs. RiOrdan and that he
considered her of unsOund mind She
petted him when he went to see her.
She treated me just like I was a ba-
by" said the doctor. I think she is
of unsOund mind. It is a degeneration
of mind marked by unnatural conduct.
There is lack Of control of the will.
1 think the unsOundness of her mind
IS the cause of her inten peTance. THE
doctor explained to the jury the effect
of liquor upon the brain tissues
While the doctor was testifying Mrs.
RfOrdan moved over near to her daugh-
ter and famed her. The mother tried
to soothe her daughter who was weep
ing by taking her hands and petting
them.
The daughter was next called to the
stand and she showed great emotion.
She said that her mother was 50 years
old That years ago she was a gen
teel, cleanly woman of refined tastes.
For three or four years she has been
afflicted with insanity said she She
has drank for a number of years I
have done everything I could for her,
and now am physically unable to
take care of her. I think she ought to
be put where she can be taken care
Of" Her voice began to weaken, and
she would have tainted but for the as
sistance of Mrs. Case and NIessrs. Lu-
cas- and Bundy who took her into an
other room and revived her. She was
overcome with nervous excitement
While friends were working with her.
Mrs. Riordan came into the room, and
going close to her daughter, said:
Never mind, dearie, it's all right:
mammals testified. God is above US.
If you don't stop feeling so bad you
will kill me-"
Restoratives were brought Mrs
MOak and she was soon able to go to
the friends with whom she is visiting
The verdict of the probate court jury
was that Mrs. Riordan was insane and
it was ordered that she be put in the
Topeka insane asylum.
Mrs. RiOrdan has been one of the
most persistent drunkards with which
the authorities have had to deal for a
long time. She seems to be unable to
resist the temptation to drink, and
when intoxicated she is sometimes
terrible in her temper Ordinarily she
is quiet and of a pleasant disposition,
but when she is intoxicated she sWearS
in a way which would shock a sailor
She has about $50 now-the last of her
money.