Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-02-02
THAW WH|SKED OFF
INTO MATTEAWAN
Quick Transition From Prison
to the Madnouse.
WENT MOST UNWILLINGLY
Scene When the Verdict Was De-
livered in Court.
PRISONER THANKED THE JURY
Family Wished at First to Fighi
Committal to the Asylum-Dis-
suaded by Littleton.

NEW YORK February i.-Adjudged
White by reason of insanity at the time
the fatal shots were fired Harry Ken
dali Thaw today was held by the court
to he dangerous lunatic and was whrled
away to the state hospital for the GRIM
inal insane at Matteawan.
1t was quick transition from the dingy
little cell in the Tombs which had been
the young mans home for more than
eighteen months TO the te-bedded
wards Of the big asylum tucked away on
the snow-covered sloping banks of the
Hudson river Atty miles above the city
The verdict came after twenty-five
hours of waiting, and when every one con-
nected with the case had abandoned
reached in this any other trial. Four
hours after the foreman's lips had framed
the words mot guilty. with the ac-
companying insanity clause, Thaw, pro-
MatteaWan y little after nightfall he
had been received in the institution under
commitment papers which directed his
detention until discharged by due course
of law.
Passed Sing Sing.
No more unwilling patient ever made a
journey to a state institution Thaw's
train on its way to Fishkill Landing.
where a carriage was taken to Matte
avian, passed beneath the very walls OF
grim Sing Sing, but at no time since his
arrest on the night of June -. 1905. had
the young Pittsburg millionaire ever held
the thought that he would see the inside
1 of that famous prison, and he needed il
not.
| The first thrill of the word "acouittal''
1 brought Thaw to his feet IN the court
room, and with that lack of grace OF ac-
| ton which always has characterized his
movements h awkwardly almost haugh-
tily. bowed his acknowledgements to the
twelve jurymen as they were discharged
by the court. \ smile played about his
pallid features. and there was every rea-
son to believe that he was entirely pleased
with the outcome. 1t was after he had
| heard the words of Justice Downing com
mitting him to Matteawan on the ground
that his release. in the opinion of the
court. would endanger the public safety
and after the elation of the verdict had
died away, that Thaw rebeiled.
Would Shun Asylum.
He commanded his attorneys imme-
diately to out a writ of habeas corpus
to have his sanity tested before he WAS
sent away TO the upstate institution
where the insane of criminal tendencies
were confined. Mrs. William Thaw, from
her hotel where she had received over the
telephone the news of the trials end
joined in the demand of her son. Martin
W. Littleton whose conduct of the case
chief counsel for the defense has won
so much favorable comment, finally pre-
vailed against the wishes of the mot her
Indicating to her that he believed it would
be better for the present to obey the man
date of the court.
Justice Dowling il was said had been
consulted in the matter after he had
signed his order of commitment and in
formally had advised Thaw's counsel
against making an immediate contest.
The prisoners consent was not won until
after lively scene with his counsel ami
his wife, the latter pleading With him
for more than an hour to he content for
a time at least with what fate had given
him.
Thaw Makes a Statement.
Under promise tnat some action speedily
would be taken looking To the appoint
ment of a commission to inquire into
his present sanity for his transfer 10
private institution where his wife and
other members of his family might resias
with him Thaw consented TO so without
further protest
On his way TO Matteawan Thaw dc
tated the following authorized statement
10 representative of the Associated
Press.
Il am perfectly sane now. but | am
going to Matteawan on the advice or my
writ of habeas corpus at this time.
Counsel viii proceed to the matter OF my
release just as soon as they can get
together the proofs they will present that
that my stay at Matteawan Will be for
a short period Of time only.
Talked Plainly to Thaw
T'haw was accompanied from the Ton.os
TO the Grand Central station by his wife
ana Josiah Thaw, his brother. Attorneys
\. Russell Peabody and Daniel O'Reilly
went with him To Matteawan. Mr. Lit
tleton is understood TO have talked very
plainly To Thaw while the subject of
suing out a writ OF habeas corpus was
under discussion. Under an exception
filed by Mr.. Litteton. Justice Bowling
had granted delay until , O'Clock in the
execution OF commitm papers so that
counsel might consult with the defendant
NJ Littlaton Informed Thaw, il was
stated. that there was such a thing AS
public sentiment in New York city
But | shall not go to Matteawan''
Thaw is reported 20 have repeated many
times.
You Will have To 90. replied Mr.. Lit
Teton. Daniel o Reilly joined In this de-
cis.on. 1t remarked later that Mr.
Littleton went neither TO the station nor
10 the asylum with his client. He
said TO b. well nigh worn out, howev.i.
from his arduons work during the trial.
which was rushed to its conclusion aL
highest possible speed. and with the try
.rg wait for verdict.
Thaw had no opportunity to bid his
mother farewell The court order COM
manded forthwith and Deputy Sheriff
Ball, who lad him in chargs. was anxious
20 ;a!.e the first rain leading up the HrG-
son Both taa nfother and Evelyn Thaw
viii visit Matteawan Monday. all WIS.,
Continued on Tenth Page.)