Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1905-02-15

of living, normal standard OF the man,
changes that took place, coupled with
a careful physical examination. Wit
ness knew defendant intimately, knew
he was candid, self reliant, self re-
tanned man, careful in speech and ac-
tions. When he examined him after
the tragedy he found him of an en-
tirely different nature, not so cordial,
so friendly, had appearance of man
trying to solve some problem on his
mind. He didn't notice what was go
ing on, more slovenly in dress, care
first saw him in Jail, he was in state
of violent excitement or eXaltatlon,
had what we call religious mania,
gesticulated, muscles of face were con-
tracted, eyes closed, hesitated, talked
loud, etc. Based his diagnosis on the
fact that he examined him many times,
that he had not only religious mania,
but confused mind concerning dates,
time, ETC., he had delusions and lllu-
sions, no remembrance of committing
the crime, disclosed no motive or
memory, sometimes answered readily
and nationally, sometimes not. some
times laxative, sometimes sullen ana
morose, all these things and others led
witness to believe him insane. and is
still of that opinion. Last l6 days
visited Jail every day, and saw him.
Very much interested in his case as a
study, it is very peculiar one. No
attorney requested him to make fire.
quent examinations, did it to satisfy
himself. He is not shamming; wit
ness has arrived at this conclusion by
carefully watching defendant until he
became convinced that his false
theories were real so far as he was
concerned, the natural superstition
would be to sham to avoid the conse-
ouence of the crime, he denied that
he had committed a crime, cared
nothing about what became of him,
rather wanted something terrible to
happen, was at peace with God. lost
all regard for himself, the public or
his family; had no appreciation OF
right, wrong or responsibility. When
witness became convinced he was cam
did in these actions, this excluded the
reasons for shamming Witness knew
H. A. Bigelow 20 or 30 years, intimate
ly acquainted l6 years, one of the
warmest friends he ever had. This
case is epileptic insanity. A person
suffering from such malady as the
defendant could commit an act of vio-
lence and still be able to relate it.
Witness knows of instance similar to
this tragedy, had case in DEBORAH IA
or 10 years ago-a woman in epileptic
frenzy attempted to murder her little
girl, there was no apparent cause, nc
enmity, thought everything of the
child She dragged her from the bed
and attempted to cut her throat with
butcher knife, was prevented after
saving with dull knife at the child s
neck until her husband came. She is
insane today in the asylum, probably
will not live long. She was able to
tell about the case, remembered it.
Witness was called, found child un.
conscious, blood running across the
floor 10 to IL feet, child lying Oh
floor, mother attempted to stop bleed.
ing by putting her night gown onto
the wound, and twisting braid OF
her own hair in the wound. Immedi
ately afterward the mother was in &
violent hysterical condition. then
later said little about it; she was in
sane. She said she was impelled tC