The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1906-08-26
BELIEVE BURGE
FEIGNS INSANITY
Opinions of Alienists Who
Have Examined the Con-
Victed Murderer.
DISTRICT ATTORNEY TO ACT
will Ask That Case of Convicted Man
Be Disposed Of by
Court.

There IS considerable doubt in the
minds OF many whether William Burge,
colored, who stands convicted OF the
murder OF his wife. Nettie Burge. will
pay the penalty OF his crime on the gal
lows. His IS a peculiar case. Although
once sentenced 10 be hanged he is not
now under sentence. the Court OF APP
peals Of the District having granted him
q new trial after his first conviction
more than a year ago. Soon after Burge
was granted a new trial he developed or
pretended 10 have developed. a certain
indsscribsble phase OF insanity. Expert
alienists who have made examinations
OF Burgess mental condition are firm in
the belief that he is simply feignlng In
sanity.
During his last trial which was held
last May IN Criminal Court No. I, Jus
tlce Gould presiding, Burse created
many scenes by his actions and eNcla-
nations Most Of the time he would
cit eurled up in the chair in which he
was placed when he entered the court
When he aroused himself from this
position ne would either slip 10 the floor
and. outstretched, remain In an apparent
y unconscious condition for an hour or
longer. or make an effort 10 rise and
leave the room. On such occasions he
would hop about the court room with
the motion or a hObbled chicken.
Vicious Attacks on Witnesses.
After an effort of this kind Rurge
would often break out in a loud and
vicious attack of any witness who
might be tesufying abusing him or
her as the case might be, In the vilest
language he could utter When called
upon by his counsel 20 testify in his own
behalf. Burge paid no attention what
ever 10 the request, so the jury which
declared him guilty of murder i'm the
first degree never heard his version OF
The story of the crime Of which he was
convicted.
After his first conviction. May Is.
1906, BUrge was sentenced 70 be hanged
in the District jail November 10 last.
The Court OF Appeals Of the District,
however, granted him a new trial and
lie was tried again last May Immedi-
ately after his trial and conviction there
was talk of a commission being asked
FOR by counsel 10 determine BurEe
mental status. From that time until
now. however. no steps have been taken
along this line.
Since Burge was convicted he has
been In practically the same condition
as he was during his trial. He does
not speak coherently on any subject.
and fails to give an intelligent answer
10 any question asked him. He. how
ever. eats his meals regularly. but in
a very bestiaI way. It IS said he re-
fuses 10 use a spoon. and conveys all
his food TO his mouth with his hands.
His Form Very Emaciated.
During his trial his form was very
cmaciated, he being practically nothing
but skin and bones. This condition, il
was said. was the result Of his refusal
10 eat for several days al a time and
also because OF his mental and physical
eXeTtiOn in feigntng insanity.
II IS probable. however, District At
t0rney Baker viii. at the opening OF
the fall term of the Supreme Court Of
the District, If not earlier, ask the court
10 dispose Of the case.