The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-02-17
DECISION TO BE MADE TODAY
Lawyers Hold Conferences and Four
Are said to Favor Dropping Cali
fOrnian-PrisOner's Mother issues
Statement Concerning Alleged Me-
Pike Interview CriticisinE jerome.

ing dropped. The final decision viii be
made BY the Thaw family tomorrow.
The exact detfils as to just what is
the dissatisfaction over Delmas could
not be learned. Early to-day Delmas
issued a statement, or wanted to issue
a statement, having some connection
with the case. This came 10 the atten-
ton of Clifford W. Harridge. who has
been appearing for Thaw for some time.
Mr.. Hartridge was much disturbed. The
statement of Henry c. McPike, Delmas
partner on Friday, in which he criticised
the attitude Of District Attorney Jerome
and made some reference 10 the intro
ductiou of testimony, was not particularly
pleasing to some, especially Mrs. William
Thaw, the prisoners mother.
McPfke Denies Interview.
After FTartridge had obtained an idea
of the statement he gathered Lawyers
Dan O'Reily, A. Russell Peabody, and
John b. Gleason around him. At that
time Lawyer McPike had been asked
about Fridays interview. but he denied
having made it. The other lawyers, from
the inquiries they had made, were salts
the lawyers had talked il over they
marched i'm a body 10 Mr.. Delmas office
The report then was that the four law
yers were going to demand Of Mr.. Del
mas that McPiSe be squelchcd. The in
tcrview started before ( o'clock, and it
was after o'clock before it was over
Hartridge Peabody, O'Reilly. and Glea-
son went over 20 Mr. cartridges Office,
where there was another brief confer
ence. When it was over Gleason went
up to the Lorraine TO see Mrs. Evelyn
Nesbit Thaw Hartridge went To call
ON Mrs William Thaw. Both lawyers
presented to the two women their views
of what they thought about Delmas. Il
was decided 20 hold a conference of the
members of the family to-day.
DeImas' Statement.
1t is said that in Delmas' statement
as prepared there was criticism of some
of Delmas' colleagues. DelInas said 10 the
reporters. The only statement / have
made to-day concerns the question OF the
appointment Of a lunacy commission in
this case 1 say that if such an appli-
cation is made it will be fought TO the
finish From Mr.. JerOmes attitude I do
not believe that he has any intention of
asking for the appointment of a commits
sion"
The fact that Mr.. Delmas WAS anxious
to say something about the case which
the other lawyers did not approve of is
not the only thing which has caused
friction. There was an arrangement for
the Thaw lawyers to meet in the Tombs
at IL o'clock this morning and talk over
the case with their client Shortly be-
fore II o'clock the other lawyers got word
from Delmas that he had been delayed
aud would not they postpone the meet
ing for about an hour,
DeImHs summons Evelyn ThaVv,
Shortly before II o'clock Mrs. Evelyn
Thaw appeared at the Tombs \ mes
senger from Delmas office was waiting
there. He spoke to her. but she paid
little attention. He spoke TO her again,
but she started for the gate TO go up to
her husbands cell. saying that it was
Saturday, and that she would not have
much time to talk to her husband But
the messenger whispered something in her
ear that made her change her mind, and
she turned around and went out with
him. They went TO Delmas' office. where
she had talk with Delmas and ne went
back 20 the Tombs with her
Soon after that Lawyers Gleason. Pea
body, and O'ReilIy arrived. There was a
general talk, and the lawyers went away.
Mrs. William Thaw called on her son
after that.
The other lawyers were not particularly
pleased when they learned that young
Mrs. Thaw had been to Delmas' office
They heard Of this as soon as they got to
the Tombs Then along came Mrs VIII
liam Thaw, who was not in a pleasant
frame Of mind. She was much concerned
over the McPike interview, and wanted to
know all about it. AS a result, she wrote
out this statement which she authorized
Hartridge to make public.
Mrs. William Thavv's Statement.
Mrs. William Thaw wishes it under
stood that the lawyers retained as coun-
sci by her son are Messrs. Hartridge,
Peabody, Gleason. Delmas. and O'Reilly
Any one else sitting by courtesy at the
counsel's table and making statements in
advance Of evidence, does so without
warrant, and it must be regarded as
breach Of confidence if such statements
are founded on fact. Mrs Thaw is moved
10 say this because of the publication Of
methods Of the defense. whether assumed
or real"
1t came out to-day that the Thaws
wanted Charles L. Hughes as chief coun-
sci This was about the time that Mr..
Hughes was talked of as a candidate for
governor. Hughes had been decided upon
as the principal lawyer for Thaw 10 take
charge of the case when he was nomi-
mated for governor. OF course that
knocked him out. It is said that Mrs.
William Thaw was ready TO pay as
much as $4,000 to Mr.. Hughes to take
charge Of the case.
Since Delmas has taken charge Of the
defense there has been some criticism of
how Thaws case has been prepared. II
is now said that all the evidence was
turned over TO John f. Parsons some
time ago and he said. after examining
#. that there was good defense.
Delmas said to-day that Dr. Evans
would be the first witness called Monday
morning Then DR.. Wagner will be
called. After that an effort viii be made
10 get Thaws viii in evidence This
Will be opposed by Jerome
Jerome spent to-day in preparing for
the cross-examinati0n Of the defense's
witnesses.
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