Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-04-04
Commissioners Report
Only Partly Made
Public.
MINUTES ARE SECRET
Jerome Secures Delay to Ap-
peal TO Higher Court
to Stop Trial.
New York, April 4.-Thaw is sane.

New York, April An anticipation N
of verdict by the commission i'll III
macy which for more than week has
eenainquiring into the present mental
state of Harry X. Thaw, a large crowl
gathered at the criminal courts build
ing today. Immediately upon the ar
rival of the commission in the court
room Justice Fitzgerald held a long
conference with them At 1880 the
jury was excused until 2 o'clock.
All members of the Thaw family
were early in the court room.
Indicates u Split.
The delay of the commission in sub
mitting it's conclusions gave color to
the earlier reports that there was 4
serious difference of opinion in the
board. 1t was said Mcclure and Olney
were of contrary opinion to that ex-
pressed by DR.. PutZel. Justice Fitz-
gerald, it was reported, was extremely
anxious to have a unanimous verdict
from the commission and argued with
them along that line.
Two Reports Filed.
feet the majority report had been filed
with Fitzgerald, the majority. Mcclure
and Olney, declaring Thaw sane, and
a minority report made by Putzel, de-
claring him insane. 1t was said FitZ-
gerald had ordered adjournment for the
purpose of consulting the authorities as
to which report, if either. he should ac-
hn nir FThpFp
is no way of verifying this rumor.
All Nervous and Excited.
When Fitzgerald came into court at
1880 the jury and defendant were
brought before him. Thaw seemed
nervous and excited. and these feel
ings extended more or less to every
person in the crowded room. Mem
bers of the Thaw family group moved
nervously and seemed to apprehend
that the crisis of the trial was at hand.
1t was quickly noticed, however. the
commission did not make its appear
ance, and this gave rise to a suspicion
that a decision as to Thaw's mental
condition had not been reached.
Ends Suspense.
The suspense was soon ended by
Fitzgerald turning to the jury and say
ing:
Gentlemen of the jury, | am going
TO discharge you until p. m. Be care
full and not discuss the case with any
one, and don't let any one talk to you
with reference to what is taking place
The court was thereupon cleared.
DIR. PutzeI In Huff.
DR.. Putzel withdrew from the confer
ence with Fitzgerald and left the court
building He refused to discuss the
matter in any way.
Olney and Mcclure remained will
Fitzgerald for more than an hour anC
a half after Putzel withdrew. AS the!
left the building they declined to have
anything to say as to the verdict. The!
bade Fitzgerald goodbye however, ant
it was understood their connection witt
the case was ended.
Not ut Once Made Public.
The court room filled up quickly fo
the afternoon session. The Thaw fam
lily group were among the first to Ell
ter.
Justice Fitzgerald, as soon as he ha
taken the bench, said he had succeede
in securing a report from the cOmmi:
sion in lunacy. He had had two copie
made, and while he would not max
the report public. he delivered copies
District Attorney Jerome and counst
for the defense.
Jerome Addresses Court.
Jerome arose to address the coul
before reading the report. 1t was frol
the defendants counsels' table thu
news of the commissions finding en-
anated. Neither Thaw nor the jur
were in the court when the report ws
handed down. Jerome said if the r
port was adverse to his contention,
desired to be heard before it was CO.
firmed
News of q favorable decision, whiC
was declared to be unanimous, W,
quickly whispered to Mrs. Evelyn Ne
bit Thaw and Mrs. William Thaw al
other members of the family.
Messenger Sent to Thaw.
A messenger was also dispatched
the prisoners pen to take the gls
tidings to Thaw. The prisoners fan
lily and members of his counsel we
deIiphted with the news of the commit