The Washington times., 1911-07-07
ESCAPE OF PENALTY
SEEN FOR SLAYER
Vcndermller Attorneys Following Jury Disagreement,
Will Make Application For His Release On Bond,
. And Think He Will Be Acquitted.

nesses. and evidence given during the
trial tended to show that almost any
move of supposed rational human
being might be construed as an act Of
insanity. 1t was explained by the ex-
perts,s however, that 1t was the collat-
eraI acts. and not the individual acts,
that indicated insanity. Thus, one per-
son might do a thing that was peculiar,
and not be considered insane, but II he
performed several peculiar acts, he
might be classed as q maniac.
Persons who heard the testimony of
lay witnesses, however wondered II
there was any act or move, taken COL
lateraIly. that could not be considered
an insane act.
For instance, Policeman BENJAMIN
Williams, one Of the veteran members
of the Washington police force, who
knew Vondermiller intimately, said lie
considered the defendant insane, because
he heard him talking to, his bicycle on
break up a lodge meeting by playing
the organ. Alone, Williams said. he
would not have considered either an
insane act, but taken together. he
thought 1t indicated an unsound mind.
Talks To Bicycle.
It developed that the one-sided CONVEX
sation between vondermiller and the
bicycle occurred just after a spill, /"
when Vondermiller picked up the wheel,
and addressing the handlebars, said:
''Old fellow. you and had a pretty
close call"
At the lodge meeting things were not
going as Vondermiller would have them,
SO he started pounding the organ, re-
sulting in a general exodus Of members.
Didn't you ever hear a darky talk
ing to his muller" asked Commonwealth
Attorney Mackey.
II never did," replied Williams, but
II did l would consider him an excep-
tional darkey."
Another witness testified that in his
opinion a man who wore an automobile
cap and didn't own a car was a candi-
date for the insane asylum. 1t was
brought out that Vondermiller had worn
such a cap and had also put an automo-
bile horn on his bicycle.
Another thing which, might be con-
strued as an act OF insanity, according
to the testimony, is eating celery on q
street car. Vondermiller ON one occas-
ion had gone to market, purchased a
large bunch of celery and nibbled the
ends while riding home on the car.
We'd All Be There.
The Commonwealth attorney suggested
that IL persons who ate peanuts and ap-
pies on street cars were classed as lu-
notes, the insane asylums would be
overcrowded and large additions would
have to be built.
Another characteristic of a weak mind.
It was testified, Is in being persuaded
to take a drink. The witness who gave
the spirits fermenu testimony said that
he believed a man who allowed another
man to induce him to take drink when
he didn't feel the need Of It, and wasn't
thirsty, anyway. was lunatic. He said
that on one occasion he had seen
Reeves drag Vondermiller up to the bar
and force him to take another three
fingers against the latter's protest
80 q man who can be persuaded to
take a drink when he says he doesn't
want II is crazy?" inquired Mr.. Mackey.
Yes" replied the witness.
In view Of the foregoing, It might be
well for persons who contemplate ap-
pearing before a lunacy commission to
exercise all their will power in places Of
LIQUID refreshment.