The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1907-03-31
Lunacy Board Places
Limit on His EX-
animation.
Session Is Adjourned
Until Tuesday
Morning.

NEW YORK, March SO-Distriet
Attorney Jerome won nominal
victory late this afternoon before
the Thaw lunacy commission when
the board decided it will hear
his experts This decision followed
a spirited dispute between the lawyers.
in which jerome several times lost his
| temper, and after ne had made a warm
plea that the experts whom he confessed
It costs him $500 a day 10 retain. should
be heard.
After reaching this decision the COM
mission adjourned until Tuesday. This
means it viii be the middle Of the week
at least before the commission can make
its report. The jury. which viii meet at
1880 Monday, viii be excused until later
in the week.
Testimony Is Limited
In deciding TO hear the alienists the
commission 50 limited the scope Of their
examination that it is doubtful if It
viii co Jerome any good on the stand
The experts can testify as 10 what they
observed OF ThaW in court, and as 70
facts they heard, but long Hypothetical
questions embracing facts of Thaws
alleged predisposition 70 insanity and
supposed insane acts in the past viii be
barred.
That the commission win hold Jerome
strictly within the bounds set was
shown by the examination today Of Dr..
Allen McLane Hamilton. The moment
Jerome tried TO question the expert as
10 what he knew about Thaw's mental
condition from his examination OF the
prisoner he was baked.
Thaw on the Stand.
Thsw was on the stand the best
mart Of the dav No indication was
given as 10 how well Thaw acquitted }
himself except in the brief expression
OF Clifford W. Hartridge, one of his at
tornevs. that he was well satisfied with
Thaw's examination. Thaw, after the
long ordeal on the stand. did not look
particularly hustered- He was more calm
ana quiet than ne has been during his
trial. On the whole II is believed ne
strengthened the impression he gave
the examiners on Thursday that he is
sane within the meaning OF the statute
While Jerome got nothing from the
only witness he called. Dr. Hamilton,
the defense brought in five witnesses
who have been in almost daily contact
with Thaw to testify they had always
found him rational They are the prison
attendants. Delmas and Hartridge
went on the stand and told how Thaw
has advised with them during the trial.
Jerome Baked by Gleason.
Jerome threatened once TO spring
something while Hartridge was on the
stand He asked the attorney if Thaw
had not repeatedly wanted TO send COM
munications- TO court. and had only
been prevented from doing 50 by his de-
tenders Hartridge said he could re-
member no such case. When JerOms
tried to press the point an objection
from Gleason was sustained. Jerome,
in disgust, said he had no other qUes-
tons to ask
The prosecutor put up a hard fight %
get in some of the letters written by
Thaw in the trial. lie also fought TO
Introduce the affidavits OF his diisnists.
expressing their opinion that Thaw is a
paranoiac and iEcurable. In both in
stances the board ove1ruled him
That Jerome and the commissioners
are at Ioggerheads was shown more
than once. When the hearing was
opened 10 the newspapers. after Thaw
Ieft the stand, Jerome lntimated broaj-
" that his hands were being tied by the
board.
Jerome in a QuandaTy.
When the defense had finished with
its witnesses and Jerome was called 10
produce evidence as to Thaw's insan-
ity he virtually threw up his hands.
Il don't know what you gentlemen
want me 70 do" he exclaimed helpless
Is. "I do not know what your mind IS
can summon witnesses, but there is
no use doing so If 1 cannot examine
them as I wish.
Il have a group of facts" he con-
tinued warmly. ION which seven alien
lists viii swear this defendant is not
able to understand the nature of the
court proceedings or to advise his coun-
sci nationally. I can prove these facts
beyond the shadow Of a doubt Il you
will let me. These witnesses are cost
ing me $500 a day. and 1 would ike 10
have them examined"
Renews Plea for Afidayits.
Later jerome renewed his plea TO get
in the affidavits Of his alienists. Chair
man Mcclure interrupted him to say
/ the commission would hear any wit
4, 90, a - cth -. =