New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-23
Il SEVERE ORDEAL.
Diagnosing Insanity at Sight III
most Creates q Panic.

most Creates a Panic.
What! Do you affirm that you can diagnose in
sanity at sight?"
81 do" was the calm dieni6ed b,,+ ar,,ba+t,
response.
This question put by John Van Buren, at
that time Attorney General OF the State Of New
YORK and was answered by DIR. Amariah Brigham
superintendent of the Utica Asylum for the Insane
The occasion the trial of William Freeman a
negro, for the murder of the Van Ness family in
the vicinity of Auburn Cayuga County n V on
the night of March r. 1886
The theory Of the defence was insanity and
among the eminent alienists summoned as expert
witnesses was Dr. Amariah Brigham. He was
superintendent of the Asylum for the Insane ar
Utica and was regarded as the highest authority In
MS speciality in this country. He had previously
seen the prisoner and fully sustained the theory OF
insanity AT the time Of the trial he had desired to
see the prisoner again and make a more thorough
study OF the case. In order to weaken as far a.
possible Dr. Brigham's testimony the prosecution
4eiuseu 10 aIo" him to examine the prisoner during
the triai He was compelled. therefore to form his
opinion or the mental condition of Freeman nv dail,
observations Of mis- appearance and actions In court
The testimony of Dr. Brigham was REGARDED as
the pivot on which the should ultimately turn
anu Puohe excitement was at its height when he
was called to the witness stand
On his direct examination he described 4, -.
detail the signs and symptoms of dementia and
gave his reasons for believing that this was the
special FORM or insanity with which the prisoner
was ahiicted He admitted that his opinion was
based on his study and observation OF the prisoner
"hlie IN court In reply TO questions as to his
ability to diagnose insanity at sight he ex
pressed the most positive opinion that he could do
SO ordinarily. and had often proved his power 70
detect the absence of insanity when insanity was
feisned. by observation and without asking a
question
On the cross examination Mr. Van Rura, ~
sorted to every possible stratagem and bubble 10
destroy the effect OF these firmly expressed opin
ions. The character Of much Of this part of the
record. ~
is suicide contagious asked the counsel
think 1t was in the French army until Ma
poleon put a stop to it," the witness replied II
Is stated that litter ran through the audience.
and the Attorney General renewed the charge
rs Mysteries contagious?' he asked
1T seems to be catching the doctor plsciaIv
said. '4''
Suppose. DOCTOR" said the counsel with a. snesr
that should go out and steal a hundred dollars
and then come in again and sit down here 1EorI5
you swear insane?'
Il think should calmly replied the doctor
AL length the examination took a more practical
form when the counsel inquired as to the method
pursued oy the witness in diagnosing insanity ar
sight. The witness replied that he relied on thu
features OF the patient which he always attentive
studied
Which feature do you rely in your diagnosis?'
queried the counsel
rely on no one feature but study them as
group" was the answer
do you rely on the CHM" he was asLa6 ..N-o -
he said DO you rely on the nose?' was the nex+
question. No" he said DO YOU relv on the
carr? the counsel persisted. Mo- said the witness
Do you rely on the cheek?" was the next tantaliz-
Ing question No was the answer DO Won
rely on the MOUTH" the counsel continued 'sverv
much" said the doctor. do you RELY upon The
eyes?" was the next question. Still more than on
the mouth" the witness answered. 'If then this
prisoner were concealed all but his mouth or his
eyes, you affirm that you could decide accurately
whether or not he is insane?" duered Mr. Van
Buren,. mo, do not state that: must see all Of
the features at once" the witness urged For a
considerable time the astute Attorney General
deavoTing by his wit and sarcasm to throw the ut
most ridicue upon the witnesses method Of detect
and In the most quiet self possessed manner the
the slightest irritation the gibes and jeers Of the
Willy ana witty counsel as he held up to ridcule be-
nosing insanity. N''9
The ne ad. of the SOgrt Jury counsel and the
examination progressed, until the nervous tension
and the suppressed excitement 1 Was i1teSsp a4I 6
climax was reached when the Attorney General
on every word What DO You afrm that you can
aias noss insanity az ssht! i do. was the calm,
thumbs into the armhoes OF his vest and turning
toward the jury and the spectators. the Attorneyy
ner and tone. Point out to the court and jury an
insane person. This challenge was the critical
test of the competency of the witness on the
credibilty OF whose testimony the defence placed
its chief reliance. DR.. Brigham accepted the chal-
lenge without a moments hesitation. and with an
air or reserved confidence which impressed every
one with the belief. or perhaps fear. that he would
prove equal to the emergency.
II is impossible 20 describe the scene which fol-
lowed. A breathless silence fell upon the court
room. The venerable judge raised MS glasses In
his forehead and surveyed the excited mass OF
people about 70 undergo the ordeal OF an examina-
ton as TO their sanity The large number OF legal
gentlemen within the bar arose TO their feet and
gazed at the crowded hall and passageways with
intense curiosity. The spectators simply awe
stricken when they realized that the crucial test
was TO be applied TO them. and. being one OF the
number, 1 still feel the thrill OF horror expert
enced.
DR.. Brigham from his chair very deIiber-
ately and stood for moment surveying the people
as II to determine where TO begin his scrutiny
tie was as white and emOtionlsss as marble
statue: Turning slowly g. the or nrst tier OF
seats ne began deliberate OF
tors. scanning the features of each one with the