The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-03-29
MRS. S|DONIA BAUM
 DECLARED INSANE
Sensational Case Ends In Very
 Sensational Manner
CHEERS FOR DEFENDANT
Attorneys Make Recommendation For Appointment of Guardian For Mrs. Baum, Who Will Not Be Con-
 fined In an Asylum.

Meridian, Miss, March 2s.-(Speeial)- I've the jury find that Mrs. Sidonia Baum is of unsound mind and incapable of taking care of herself and her prop erty." Thus read Foreman J. H. O'Neal when the jury filed back into the court room at 445 o'clock this afternoon after having been out just 30 minutes. This was the end of one of the most sensa- tional trials ever held in the court house of Lauderdale county and one that has enlisted the interest of every man, wom- and child in the county on account of the prominence and wealth of the fami- lies involved.
 Immediately upon the announcement of the verdict exclamations of both horror and delight went up from the 800 spec tators who were crowded close about the railing.
 "Gentlemen, you are discharged," said Chancery Clerk Pistole as MT. O'Neal placed the verdict in his hand. AS the jury filed out into the jury room and thence out into the court room misses went out from d hundred throats. It was one of the most remarkable receptions ever accorded d jury in Lauderdale
 
 opinion was rife in the case. Mounting to a chair an excited spectator shouted, Three cheers for Mrs. Baum"
 Cheers For Mrs. Baum.
 Men, women and children joined in giv- ing the cheers with a will and for fully two minutes the room fairly rang with the sound of their voices. The jury was given the instructions by the court at exactly 4.15 o'clock, at 4:45 o'clock they sent for the chancery clerk and stated that they had arrived at a verdict. Clerk Pistole then announced that he wanted everybody to compose themselves and that he wanted no demonstrations of any kind whatever while the verdict was being read. With these remarks the door was opened and the jury came out.
 Intense silence prevailed as Foreman ONeal began to read the verdict. No sooner had he reached the words, 'Un- sound mind,' than Miss Jeanette Meyer gave a scream. It was several moments before she was able to compose herself. Seated with her attorney, MT. Wither- spoon. directly in front of the jury, Mrs. Baum showed no signs of emotion what ever as the words which changed her entire life and declared her to be in- sane, fell from the lips of the jury fore man. She grasped the hand of MT. Witherspoon, but further than that she
 
 in the proceedings.
 Immediately her friends gathered about her and offered what consolation they could to the heartbroken woman. She was escorted by members of the winner family to a carriage which was Ill walt ing in front of the court house, ana driven to the home of MT. Winner, where she has been staying during the six weeks that the case against her has been Tn progress. She spoke not a word as sne walked down the stairs and out or the court house
 Arranging For Guardian.
 Following the demonstration after the readino of the verdict the court was again called to order. Attorney D. A. Ayitherspoon addressing the court, stated that as he wanted to make some recoIh- mendations as to whom shall pc aP- nointed guardian for Mrs. Baum. lie asissd that he be given until Monday morning to discuss the matter wlth lhose interested in the future of Mrs. BauH' The court granted the request.
 The fact that Mrs. Baum has been fo,,nd to he of unsound mind does not mean that she is to be cohnneo III a. asvlum. In the writ of lunacy sworn out Inv her brother, MT. Sam Greenwald, It a ps snaeificiallv stated that the purpose af tba xvrit was to have a guardian ap- ain+ad to look after the property or Sdrs Raum and not to have her connheu in an asylum. Mrs. Baum 5 she,ie oi the th a estate left by her father, including ing s2sOo in insurance money, IS apou. s1i,0vo. M ''gy The fact that she has been declared i .bo to ha of unsound mind takes from her l,ie power to will her property to whom she nav at her death. She now mas olis e life interest in her share or i,1 enu rerert and at her death the money Will revert s,no1, sno to the family to be divided among her brothers and sisters.