Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1907-03-28
BLOW FEARED BY
THAW HAS FALLEN
COURT TO DECIDE If TRIAL
SHALL GO ON OR COMMISSION
BE NAMED.
JEROME SPRINGS SENSATION
ACCUSED DEFENSE OF UNPRo.
FEssIoNAL CONDUCT HOLD.
ING BACK FACTS.

New York, March 22.-The blow of
which Harry Kendall Thaw has been
in terror since his trial for the murder
of Stanford White began fell yester-
day. District Attorney Jerome did not
make formal application for the ap-
pointment of commission in lunacy,
but in an impassioned speech he ap-
pealed to the conscience of the court,
asserting that Thaw is unable intelli-
gently to advise his counsel and is be-
lieved by every one who has watched
and come into contact with him to be
insane
Thaw's Counsel Accused.
Mr.. Jerome asserted that the six
alienists who testified for the state
were convinced that Thaw was of I'M
sound mind. Mr.. Jerome dramatically
accused the counsel for the defense of
concealing testimony which, il pre-
sented to the court, would make the
continuance Of the trial crime So
earnestly did he plead that Justice
Fitzgerald dismissed the jury until Fri
day morning and adjourned court until
this afternoon, when he will consider
whatever evidence either side has to
offer and decide whether the trial shall
go on or whether a commission in
lunacy shall be appointed to pass upon
Thaws present mental condition.
Dramatic and Exciting.
The scenes attending the adjourn
ment of court shortly after l o'clock
were dramatic and exciting. ThaW's
counsel seemed taken utterly by sur
prise.
IF the real facts were known" de-
clared Mr.. Jerome, Il have no right to
be here trying, man for his life.
But the knowledg | have cannot be
put in legal form before the jury. 1t
Is mostly hearsay But if l could get
the facts before you they would shock
and horrify the conscience of the court
and instantly this case would be stop
ped"
Defense Scents Victory.
Justice Fitzgerald demanded that
counsel on both sides submit to him TO-
day all the evidence they possess touch
ing upon the sanity or insanity Of the
defendant.
When the trial adjourned Messrs.
Hartridge and O'Reilly of ThaW's
counsel protested the greatest pleas
ure over the turn of affairs.
"The district attorney has aclnowl-
edged himself BEATEN said Mr.. Hart
ridge. 1--WE can combat the lunacy
commission. In the meantime the dis
trict attorney has acknowledged that
he believes Thaw was insane when ne
shot Stanford White. That ought to
give us an acquittal'
jerome Presents Affidavts.
New York, March 80. - District Al
torney Jerome yesterday presented 10
Justice Fitzgerald eight afildaVlts III
support of the suggestion made wed
nesday in the case of Harry X. Iha",
that the defendant is now IN such d
state of lunacy or insanity as to De ~
capable of understanding the proceeu-
ings against him or making MS w.
Tense The court was in session loi
less than an hour, Dolphin M. Deifnas'
for the defense, stating that theli an
swer to the district attorneys plopo'
sition was not ready. justice P'|N
gerald allowed both sides until oa'ui
day afternoon at 2 o'clock to HE suo,'
affidavits as they desire with the clerk
of the court. There will be no 1urther
hearing in the matter of the appoint
ment of a lunacy commission unless
Justice Fitzgerald SO directs after con
sidering such aftidavits and exhlDl's
as are to be offered Neither the jury
nor Thaw was in court yesterday Inc
iury having been excused until this
morning at 1890 o'clock, there WIZ
be brief session at that time ana d
formal adjournment until MONDAY
morning announced. By Monday JUS
tice Fitzgerald is expected to be ready
to announce his decision.