The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1907-03-30
Medical Experts Before Thaw
Lunacy Commission.
Had Been Understood That None
Would Be Called.
HE is ON THE STAND.
Accused Is Being Examined by
Members Today.
DR.. Hamilton Will Be First
Doctor to Testify.

New York. March 30.-District At
torney Jerome's cross examination of
Thaw closed at 3:07 D. m, and the
session was then resumed and DR..
Hamilton called to the stand. DIR.
Hamilton was. however. not allowed
to testify before the commission
New York, March 30.-Resumption of
the examination of Harry K. Thaw by
the commission of lunacy which will
determine his competency to understand
MS trial for killing Stanford White and
to consult his counsel, began this morn
ing-Two hours were spent in interrogat-
ing the prisoner Thursday, but how
long the commission will take to ques-
ton him fully is not known.
1t is conjectured that he will be in
the witness chair all of this mornings
session and part of the afternoon.
Almost as important as the inouisi-
ton and observation of Thaw by the
commissioners will be the examination
of the alfenist, DR.. Allan McLane Ham
ilton. The news that he had been sub
poenaed was surprise as 1t had been
limited by Chairman Mcclure on Thurs
day that no medical experts would be
called by the commission.
The peculiar position DR.. Hamilton
bears toward the case intensifes the
interest IN his testimony. He was one
Tense. He examined Thaw not long af-
ter he killed White and he was furnish
ed with data gathered in Europe and
elsewhere by Thaw's original counsel
as to Thaws pathological antecedents
prior to his shooting White, including
his trips with Evelyn Nesbit and the
medical history of his family. He was
quoted as saying that Thaw was hope
lessly insane, and it was while he was
on the stand, having been called by the
defense that the appointment of the
lunacy commission was applied for. He
will probably be examined when Thaw's
pYQ
questioned at length by the commits
sion as to his reasons for believing
Thaw paranoiac. Fresh sensations
are looked for in consequence.
Now that DR.. Hamilton has been sub
poenaed, it is rumored that other alien
lists will follow him before the commits
lation. as to when the commission will
be able to reach asconclusion and re-
port to Justice Fitzgerald.
In any event, the hopes cherished by
himself. that the commission would
close it's work with his examination,
have been shattered.
The persons in the Tombs, who have
had anything TOT do with Thaw since
he has been confined there will also tes-
tify before the commission. Included in
this number are Doctors Mcguire and
Campbell, respectively, the prison
physician and his predecessor. and such
clergy1nen as have talked with the de-
PENDANT.
In Executive Session.
The Thaw lunacy commission went
into executive session at 1925 o'clock
today. Harry Thaw was Immediately
called before the board. His counsel
reported him today as in good spirits
and fully capable of standing what
ever mental tests were put to him.
DR.. Allan McLane Hamilton. the
alienfst who was summoned last night
by the commission, was waiting in the
court house corridors when today's in
TO-
he did not know what was required
of him.
II am in the hands of the commits
sion." he said. 3
There was much speculation as to
the reasons which prompted the sub
poenaing OF DR.. Hamilton. One ex-
PLANTATION was to the effect that DR..
Hamilton had stated on the witness
stand before Justice Fitzgerald. his
belief that Thaw at present is incap-
able of nationally advising his counsel.
and the lunacy commission can not az
ford to ignore him if its records are to
be kept clear of objections.
The commissions examination Of
DR.. Hamilton is likely to be brief, for
it is known that he has had no init
mate relationship with the defendant
asked his reason for stating that Thaw
is of unsound mind today; and then.
when he fgives the date Of his last ex-
a animation, the commission may place
whatever value 1t desires on his testi-
mony. DIR. Hamilton believes that
Thaw is a paranoiac.
Nearly Done With Thaw.
Harry K Thaw was under examina-
ton for two hours and so minutes to-
day by the commission in lunacy ap-
pointed to inquire into his present
state; and when al 1:15 D.. m.
a 25-minute recess was taken 1t was
that his ordeal was nearly
over.
After half an hours further ques-
tioning it is believed the commission
will have concluded their mental tests
Of the defendant. and there will then
be an open session for the examina-
ton of Dr. Allan McLane Hamilton.
The commission is bending every en-
ergy to conclude its work this aft
arnoon. 1t was stated today there had
been a clash of authority before the
commission as to the CUSTODY of the
prisoner. Police Court Captain Lynch
wanted Thaw's prison guard to WITH
draw from the sroom. butkthe latter
declined to- do 50 without a receipt
for his prisoner signed bv the COM
mission. The guard withdrew during
session. but todaN had diff
ferent orders from his4Superiors.
He remained in charge
Cross Examine Thaw.
District Attorney Jerome has been
permitted by the commission to cross
examine Harry Thaw and this phase
Of the inquiry was still In progress at
3:05 p. m. behind closed doors.