Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1906-06-28
The Alienists Who Investigate
His Sanity Pronounce Him
Compos Mentis
EXPERTS WATCH HIM CLOSELY
Actions of the Murderer Such as Lead
to the Conclusion That He Is Not
lnsane-He Refuses to Talk to the
missioners-Asked Medical Men
Difficult Question.

Thaw was perfectly sane when he MUIR
dered Stanford White Monday night.
and that no amount of evidence can be
produced at his trial concerning his
past life and his escapades sufficient
to make jury believe him insane. was
the conviction formed Wednesday by
those engaged in the prosecution of
the case
This conviction was the result of
what happened yesterday morning, at
what was the opening round of the le-
gal battle. when Thaw was taken over
to the criminal courts building to be
examined by the district attorneys eN-
perts. When Thaw faced the experts
he sat down easily in chair and an
nounced in determined way that he
wasn't going TO answer any OF the
questions put to him on the subject of
his mental condition. Nor could he be
induced to change his mind, altho his
counsel tried TO make 1t appear that
Thaw had his consent to submit to the
examination. But Thaw would not OPP
en- his mouth, tho he asked some re-
markedly irrelevant questions of the
doctors, made comments creditable to
man of normal intelligence. and talked
in an easy and natural way.
Experts Puzzled.
All the time he talked the experts
watched him closely, and every word
that was said in the half hour the ses-
sion lasted was taken down. Tho II
was fruitless so far as getting Thaw's
answers to certain questions, the doc
tors wanted to ask of him, it seemed to
remove every bit of doubt on the side
of the prosecution that the insanity
plea. if made for Thaw, would save
him.
The excuse which Thaw made thru
Attorney Olcott, his counsel, according
to the statement of the latter at the
examination, was that he wanted first
to describe his condition to Dr. Allen
McLane Hamilton. After that. he said,
he might submit to the examination of
the district attorneys experts. DIR.
Hamilton was retained only yesterday
as the expert for the defense. He had
not had a chance to see Thaw until the
examination.
The prosecutions experts, Drs. Nc
Donald, Flint and Mabon, We're retain
ed on the morning after Whites muir
der and had seen Thaw half an hour
cell before he had had chance to have
any medical examination or advice
from any one.
Acts Wisely Without Advice.
1t was pointed out by one of those
on the prosecutions side that what
Thaw did yesterday was what any
good lawyer might have advised him
to do under these circumstances. His
lawyers denied, however that they had
given him privately any such adj
vice.
Almost as soon as they had seen
Thaw on Tuesday his lawyers had con-
sented to having him examined yes
terday. Thaw was brought over from
his Tombs cell handcuffed to a keeper.
He wore the same suit he had on Tues
day, a collar that had seen two days
wear, and did not present at all the
natty figure known to Broadway. He
had spent good night, however, had
done bit of exercising in the corri-
lor and looked to be in pretty good
shape.
In the library We're Drs. Mcdonald,
Flint, and Mabon, Assistant District
Attorney Caravan, and a stenographer.
Terence J. McManus was there to rep
resent Thaw, but Thaw didn't seem
and insisted in having Olcott,
20 he was sent for.
DR.. Mcdonald was the first of the
doctors who spoke. He started to in
reduce himself when Thaw broke in
upon him sharply.
Il beg your pardon" he said, Il in
end to answer no questions what
yer"
DR.. Mcdonald seemed surprised. Be-
ore he could say anything Thaw turn
ID around to DR.. Austin Flint and said
pleasantly:
Doctor, has your son gone to New
,ort this SUMMER"
Hes gone to the Yellowstone. Do
.ou know him." said DR.. Flint, while
he other doctors kept their eyes fixed
N Thaw.
80, 1 know him WELL" said Thaw as
asily as if he was at his favorite all |
light restaurant talking around the
able. I've been to the Yellowstone, |
ut that's not what it was"
Just then DIR. Hamilton, who hadn't |
zen there at the start, came in and |
vas introduced. Thaw asked him |
leasantly if he would prescribe cigar
or him. DR.. Hamilton pulled out one
nd Thaw took it and began to smoke. |
hen he turned to Dr. Mcdonald
Doctor" he said, with twinkle in
is eye. you're too wise to smoke too
luch."
Medical Poser to Physician.
When DR.. Mcdonald said he believed
n doing things in moderation. Thaw |
aushed. took puff, and, still looking
t DR.. Mcdonald, with a bit Of smile
laying over his features. as If he was
njoying this new experience, said:
rs 1t distinctly normal for male
uman being to be born without the
albit of smoking-that is, to be born
;ithout a sufficient prediction to ac-
uire the habit?''
Il don't know about that" said one
f the doctors. "Some have those pro-
ensities.'
There was more talk of his character.
'haw chatting easily, according to
ONE of those present until Mr.. Olcott,
tho had been sent for, arrived He and
,r. Hamilton took Thaw to one end of
he room and talked with him in low
ones Then Mr.. Olcott came back and
,ade the announcement that Thaw