The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1904-10-18

There was some Improvement at the
very marked. Witness believed that
today there was noticeable complete
change in the man. an entire change of
life purpose had been experienced Let
ters written from time TO time indicate
growth from childishness. the witness
thought
The witness gave other testimony to
the same general effect.
DIR. Jelly was closely cross-examined by
Attorney General Stearns. The doctor
admitted he was one of the witnesses
for the defence at the murder trial and
had said Palmer was insane. irresponsible
for the crime charged and that his disease
was of a progressive kind.
The witness declared he still believed
Palmer had an organic defect. He would
be considered a high grade imbecile. but
the word imbecle should be taken not In
the ordinary sense, but In the sense OF
imperfect mental development.
INSANE WHEN HE KILLED HER.
DR. Jelly said Palmer had epileptic fits
up TO his 18th year. He thought the ex-
perts were right in saying he showed at
the time OF the murder epileptic symp-
toms and was insane at the time of the
murder. There had been wonderful
change I'm the mental condition of Palmer
and IL would be perfectly safe TO let him
go at large. There was little fear that he
would be guilty of excesses in the use OF
liquor.
Asked II he was mistaken In saying that
Palmer would not get better he might not
be mistaken In saying that Palmer would
be all right IL the restraints of the hos
pital were removed, his answer was that
one could not say as to that. but his be-
lief was that there had been such an un-
looked for change that present con-
illusions seem justified
DIR. Charming. another expert who
signed the statement at the time of the
trial that Palmer was insane and his dis
ease progressive. was the next witness.
He had noted the same remarkable
changes as the previous witness and some
OF those who testified yesterday. Witness
said that Palmer was a man OF good dis
position and generally his tendencies were
TO good things.
Attorney General Stearns read from the
witness testimony at the murder trial the
statement that the disease was progress
sive and that Palmer was an epileptic
These opinions were at the time correct
DR. Claiming did not believe Palmer
would he n menace 20 the community.
QUOTES FROM MAtAZlNt.
1t was stated by the witness that even
after absence OF attacks for five years
a party who had suffered from epilepsy
might have a return OF the diseases
worst effects.
Attorney General Stearns read from a
magazine devoted to diseases OF the mind
statements in an article made by witness
TO the effect that only by the kind treat
ment he had received In his childhood had
the worst symptoms OF Palmer's disease
been prevented from becoming pro-
nounced This article was a very strong
one Some indications OF Palmer's condi-
tion. the article declared, pointed TO de-
generacy
DR. Charming however was OF the
opinion that Palmer would he a safe man
now as his Improvement had been re-
markable.
PALMER'S STORY.
Palmer was the next witness. tie gave
a clear account of his youth and Of sew
eral business transactions with which he
had been Identified. After he left a com
mercial school he acted as agent for his
mother and other parties interested I'm the
Hope Land company. lie had increased
the rental OF this property from 500
quarter 20 about 500 a quarter. At the
commercial school he received Diploma.
Palmer described his life since going to
the Butler hospital. lie was allowed 20
play golf Next he was permitted TO go
20 Swan Point cemetery. He seeiared
~ was not a cheerful place. but anything
seemed a relief 20 get outside the asylum
walls After that he was permitted 10
go bicycle riding and had made lislo
miles according 10 the cyclometer on his
wheel
His next diversion was rowing and he
went as far az Starvegoat island. Lately
he had been permitted 10 go 10 the tneatre
and 10 private dinners with relatives
WHAT HE READS,
Asked about his reading he told the plot