Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-07-01
HAU TOBE TRIEDJULYl7
EFFECT OF WIFE'S SUICIDE MAY
DAMAGE HIS CASE.

KARLSRUHE, Germany, July mot
wtthstanding the fact that he has been
formally examined and pronounced sane
by experts, it is probable that mental !r-
responsibility will play part in the de-
Tense Of Karl Hau, the young professor
formerly attached to George Washington
University. who is charged with the muir
der of his mother-in-law, Frau Molitor.
The trial will begin on July II, and his
counsel have given notice that they will
call Prof. Schaffenburger OF cologne as
an expert on insanity.
Although greatly affected by the suicide
of his wife, who drowned herself near
Zurich a few weeks ago. Hau bears up
we'll He occupies a room alone in prison,
which was given him at his own request.
He is given considerable liberty, such as
being allowed to walk the corridors when
ever he desires, and is granted one hour
day in the prison courtyard.
Hau chats a great deal with the prison
attendants, and, being Roman Catholic,
is frequently visited by priests. He also
enjoys the privilege Of having his meals
sent from a nearby hotel, and is per-
mitted to have wine in moderate quaint
ties. These and other Injuries are paid
for out of the 1900 marks which were
found on him at the time of his arrest
He enjoys unlimited reading matter, and
his only deprivation Is tobacco.
Suicide Hurts His Case.
The suicide Of his wife undoubtedly has
hurt Haus case. The newspapers con-
strue her act as due to belief of Hau's
guilt, and recall the fact that prior to
the formal institution of proceedings
against him on the murder charge she Wis
tied him frequently when he was conhned
in Baden Baden.
In the letter which she left, according
to the Swiss newspapers, she said that
she loved her husband, in spite OF his deed
but that even her little child was not a
sufficient reason for her to continue living
Hau is twenty-seven years of age, tall
and slender, and gives the impression OF
an educated man of ingratlating manners
He was just twenty when he married Miss
Molitor, daughter of the widow Of the
medical councillor DR.. Molitor of Baden
Baden. 1t was an elopement and the
young couple began a restless. rowing life.
Hau had begun to study law at the Uni
versity of Freiburg, but had discontinued
his studies.
He claims to have negotiated loans as
intermediary, but the statements made 10
his own attorney about these have failed
of confirmation after tedious Investigations.
His life appears to have been rather that
of an adventurer, according to the inquiries
of the prosecuting authorities.
Testified He Shot Her.
At the beginning of the investigation,
however, she testified that once In Paris
hotel, upon her refusal to comply with his
demand that she write to her mother for
money, Hau drew his revolver and shot her
In the hip While the marriage ITSELF con-
tracted against the mothers will, carried
with it all the elements calculated to dis
turb the relations between the mother and
her children the continuous applications for
money also did not contribute toward i'm
proving her relations with her son-in-law.
she received the couple at her
house upon their visits to Baden-Baden, and
she sent them money during their travels.
The sums sent however, were not so large
as Hau demanded. Hence the life of the
family was always distressing story.
The False Beard.
In his testimony before the investigation
Judge Hau was cautious and reserved. He
denies the murder itself now as from the
very beginning But in the face of the over
whelming testimony he has admitted being
at Ba den- Baden up to the time when the
murder occurred.
In Frankfort he had false beard made
and the barber who made it and tried 1t on
Hau has been found and has recognized
Hau Another beard was made and the bag
way stations of Frankfort and Karlsruhe
who had noticed Hau's beard at that time
have also recognized him when wearing the
second false beard.
Frau Molitor, as will be recalled, had I'M
dertaken her fatal walk because she had
been teephoned that there was a package
for her at the post Office, which she must
call for in person. She was shot and killed
while going on this errand. Her servant girl
who answered the telephone asserted posi-
lively after the murder that she had recog-
nized Haus voice in the telephone. Search
rested in London and extradited to Ger
many.