Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-07-30
THAW SAYS JURY
BELIEVED WHITE
DESERVED DEATH
Striding Proudly to Witness
Stand, Matteawan Madhouse In
mate Begins His Bitter Duel Of
Words With Attorney Jerome.


the stand TO prove by his own words
that he is sane and deserving release
from Matteawan asylum Then he set
tied hack in the witness chair and in
a low. but STEADY voice. began his duel
with District Attorney Jerome
THAw-S WIFE IN COURT.
The appearance OF Mrs Evelyn Nesbit
Thaw in the court room was believed by
some 10 be the result OF a prearranged
plan on the part OF her and others in
terested in keeping Thaw in the mad
house. Thaw Is enraged and has directed
lawyer Morschauser to have her exclud-
ed from the court room. II is said she Is
tier eto worry him
Mr.. Morschauser said he would later
call Mrs. william Thaw to the stand.
The very first answer Thaw made TO At
torney Jerome created 9 sensation.
Il believe" he said, that in acquit-
ting me the jury was largely influ-
encedd by the belief that Stanford
White deserved his fate.
Another reason i was acquitted. he
continued. was, / believe, because the
attorneys on both sides told the jury
that my act was caused by certain de-
lusions."
JEROME BEGINS.
Then District Attorney Jerome be-
gan
1OU are q gentleman ana SAA-
caIed mann he asked
The witness nodded.
You believe that a gentleman should
defend his honorT
Yes"
And II you committed an act in
the defense OF your honor would you
consider yourself justified in commit
ting perjury to escape the consequences
OF your actT
NO." replied Thaw. shaking his
head
The district attorney abandoned this
attack and spoke Of hypnotism-
Did you ever take lessons Of hyp-
notisrg'
They could hardly be called les
sons" said Thaw. smiling. Il talked
with one four or ave times"
WHITE HAD INFLUENCE.
Did you ever think that Stanford
White exerted a hypnotic influence over
Miss Evelyn NesbitT
From her remarks. thought such
a thing possible At least he certainly
had a very strong influence over her.
Speaking OF Anthony Comstock, Thaw
said, half apologetically, since my ar
rest am afraid haven't had any in
terest in his work"
Jerome examined Thaw at length on
the testimony at the trial regarding
number OF little girls were locked up
In the fail where he was confined when
first arrested
That's rubbish" said Tnaw.
Then did you. dominated by this
fdea OF nobiesse oblige. allow Mr.. Lit
Teton CThsw's attorney, TO put this
in evidenceT'
Jerome read to Thaw the testimony
given at his trial by Doorman Lynch
~ q errsa Thaur aaln
he did not think II was entirely true.
Then you sat there in court, gen
tleman schooled in the meaning Of no
blessess oblige and allowed your witness
TO commit perjuryT' snapped Jerome.
SCORES HUMMELL.
Thaw appealed to Justice Mills, who
directed him TO answer.
II did nothing Of the sort I told Mr..
Littleton that the man was mixed UP
IN his story at the first trial and ought
10 be Strengthened out Mr.. Littleton
said he thought the man thought he was
telling the truth and afer you had used
Humme1, he did not believe he was doing
anything wrong in letting his witness tes-
tIfy"
what was the matter with Hum
mell7''
Il think nearly all he swore to was
false"
I'd 10 InlS 4udN
ted himself well and his lawyers, alien
lists and relatives exchanged glances OF
congratulation.
DIVORCE MENTIONED.
Did your wife reproach you for lash
ing these women regarding whom Mrs.
Merrill testified. and say she could get
a divorce on that ground? And did you
tell her that she could not?'' asked Je-
rome.
No
Are you willing that we should cali
her here as a witness against your
Thaw hesitated and his attorney inter
posed an objection, declaring that he in
sisted upon the privilege Of the domestic
relation. until he could keep Evelyn Mes
bit Thaw of the stand.
Thaw agreed with the view of his at
torney.
Because" retorted Thaw. I've seen a
good many sorts of witnesses you've
brought here"
Dbl you ever write a letter to your
wife conyaining an improper drawing?'
asked Jerome.
TILT BETWEEN COUNSEL.
On objection Of Thaw-s counsel. the
question was not answered, and legal
tilt between counsel ensued regarding Mr..
Jerome's right 10 introduce a letter writ
ten by Thaw 70 his wife
Mr. Morschauser, for Thaw. insisted
that letters between a husband and wife
were confidential Justice Mills post
poned his ruling and the letter was held
up for the present.
Thaw left the stand for a few moments
at this point 10 let his side put on Peter
b. Osney, a member Of the sanity COM
rnissioners. whose report was presented In
April, 1907.
When Thaw resumed Jerome questioned
him about his life at Matteawan. The wit
ness said he was in a ward with 81 luna
tics
IT have always been same medically"
could a stranger tell in five minutes
conversation whether OF not you were
crsz-f''
Yes. IL he were accustomed TO ex-
aiming lunatics."
How about DR.. Evans2 He saad at your
trial that you were afflicted with de-
lusions7-'
"ALIENIST WAS MISLED."
''Dr. Evans" replied Thaw, after a lit
tie thought was misled. He was told
By Mr.. Jerome and those connected with
his office that everything said was I'M
true"
While Eir. Jerome addressed the court
on a legal point. Thaw calmly polished
his big spectacles. He directed a trium-
plant smile at his counsel and seemed
we'll satisfied.
1T Is not a matter OF private prejudice
20 the peoples atto|ney." said the district
49, l.