The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1900-11-11
MAS FOUND INSANE
Sarah Dalton Is Examined ia
the Probate Court
WILL BE TAKEN TO ASYLUM
Makes Dramatic Statements
Before the Jury,

The case Of Sarah Dalton. who was
brought in yesterday afternoon from
Grant township by Sheriff Simmons on
charge Of insanity, attracted many PEG
pie, friends of the unfortunate woman,
to the probate court
Sheriff Simmons in serving the warrant
was attacked by Charles Dalton, broth
er Of the woman. who tried to prevent
him taking his sister to the court Some
of the neighbors were pressed into ser
vice as special deputy sheriffs, and held
Dalton while the officer forced the woman
( to accompany him.
The trial brought out the fact that the
woman was under the delusion that all
of her neighbors. were eonspiring to in
jure her. and when uestioned by Judge
Haymaker she told his honor that he was
the leader Of her oppressors.
Bedford Wood. the Rock Island detec-
tive, Mss Dalton stated, is also at the
bottom Of the matter and that he pre-
vented the threshing Of the wheat on
the Dalton farm. Wood claims 10 have
never met the woman The neighbOrs
who testified against her stated that she
has been acting queer for the past three
months and that at times she threatened
their families.
During the entire proceedings Miss Dali
ton displayed no concern whatever as to
what sthe result might be. She refused
to answer questions put TO her and would
only state ITS all bluff, gentlemen, and
assure you that 1 have no time to play
on Saturday. should now be at home
making bread and attending to my house
hold duties"
But madam" remarked Judge Hay
maker, "this IS no child's play. Your
sanity is In question and for your own
good you must answer the questions put
to you"
Judge Haymaker. you are proceeding
nicely with the case go on. I have moth
ing to say. You know why you brought
me to this court. It's all a blum and you
are at the bottom Of the whole affair"
Madam, do you desire me to discon-
tinue this case until you can procure an
Attorney"
At this remark the defendant rose and
very dramatically said:
"God is my lawyer, and If there are any
objections to be made or any pleading to
be done, He will DO 1t for me. But it's
all a bluff and I wish you would hurry
the play"
Seeing Senator Elect James Tapp among
the spectators she cried out: How are
you senator2 I am glad to see you"
Mr.. Tapp was placed on the stand and
also stated that the woman had been
acting queer when IL his store, and that
she had accused some Of his clerks Of
mistreating her, and that when they were
asked concerning the matter. positively
denied knowing her.
you people make me tired" she said.
you know that the senator IS a friend
Of mine and, therefore to pretend that
you intend giving me square deal. you
put him on the stand. But it's all a
bluff"
While the Jury was out for a delibera-
ton on the case Charles Dalton appeared
upon the scecne. and before his sister
could be restrained by the officers she
ran out into the corridor to meet him.
The meeting Of the brother and sister
was an affecting one and no one attempt
ed to interfere. She told him that she
was being prosecuted by all Of their
nefghbors and that she had at last found
out that Judge Haymaker was the chief
one among them and that he was urging
the others on in their hatred for the Dali
tons.
Before parting the sister remarked,
Goodbye, Charlie. 7 don't know how far
they VIII carry this play and I may not
see you again for some time"
Charles Dalton, the brother, said to the
officers: II any one Of you concerned in
this matter ever runs for an Office you
may rest assured that I shall never vote
for you" Outside Of the court house he
was questioned about the case by some
acquaintance This fact was noticed by
the sister. who Immediately ran to a
nearby window and opening It called out.
Don't you say a word. Charlie They
are only trying to trick you and you
know it's al a blur
The Daltons came from Illinois to this
county some years ago. An aunt is now
confined in an Illinois asylum and it is
thought thar insanity IS hereditory in the
family.
For many years the Dalton family has
lived on their Grant township farm, and
a few years ago the mother Of the fam
lily died. and for some time it was
thought that the shock OF her death had
enected 9he daughters mind.
The father William Dalton. has been
one Of the historical characters Of Grant
township and was known over that en-
tire locality for his eccentric ways.