New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1912-06-27
JEROME COMPLETES HIS
EXAMINATION OF THAW
SLAYER of White Seems to Enjoy
Privilege of CritiCiSing His
Former Prosecutor.
IGNORES WIFE'S PRESENCE
Objects to Bringing in Names of
Women and His Victim, and Is
Pleased When Court Ends
Shearn's Interruptions.

Snedrn lnb6TTupIlOlS'
Leading his witness through the gamut
Of moods and emotions by changing his at
titude 10 suit the purpose Of his questions
former District Attorney Jerome and Harry
K Thaw appeared TO quarrel and make up
with the facility Of young lovers at the
second days examination yesterday Of Thaw
before Justice Keogh at White Plains TO de-
termine Thaws sanity. Mr.. Jerome. who
is opposing Thaw's release from Matteawan
as special deputy attorney general, An
ished with the witness at the close Of the
days session
Thaw has expressed some admiration at
the manner in which his wife. Evelyn Mes
bit Thaw. parted and spared with Clar-
ence j. Shearn, his own counsel, during her
examination al witness for the state. He
evidently attempted TO follow her lead In
holding his own with Mr.. Jerome, for
whether in anger or good humor he never
missed an opportunity TO pay his former
prosecutor pointed compliment" At
times he severely criticised Mr.. Jerome on
the ground that he was unable TO conduct
a fair examination into his mental state
because Of his prejudice He JokingN
censured him on other occasions for using
his own witness with undue consideration.
Thaw had a freer hand in answering
questions without the interpositon OF OBJ
1ections on the part Of his counsel. and he
seemed to enjoy the privilege Mr.. Shearns
repeated objections evoked sharp rehuke
from Justice Keogh. who criticised the law
yer's tactics and instructed him to allow
" n
terrupton The court said
Mr. Shearn. If you are going 10 assist
me in arriving at a sensible and just re-
suit will ask that this witness be allowed
10 proceed continuously. Considering the
responsibility put on me in this grave ques-
ton, I am entitled 20 have this gentleman
answer the questions as best he can With
out interruption. unless the question is in
competent or irreleyi Mt Either you or I
will have 10 ask the questions if there Is to
be this continual Interruption
Thaw caught at the last sentence Of the
courts remarks eagerly He evidently
thought he saw an opportunity 10 escape
further eruelling by Mr.. Jerome Leaning
far over in his chal., he said
Mr. shearn did you hear what his honor
said. that either YOU or he ask the dues-
t!ons?"
Mr. Shearn motioned Thaw 10 sit back In
his chair, replying that he had heard.
sbearn said he thought u his duty 10 object
uhen Jerome asked questions which he
deenoed were not meant 10 bring out the
truth
The truth we are seeking here Is 10 hnd
out the condition Of mind OF this witness.
said Justice Keogh. AS long as the ques-
tions are competent ones they must be al
lowe You know that
shearn Objects to Repetiticns.
Nv, shearn pursued the argument. de-
D. claring that Il was the duty Of the court
&l not 10 ALLOW the witness to be submitted 10
" an unfair and prejudiced examination. He
objected to Mr. Jerome asking the same
question three or four times over.
You seem 10 misapprehend the nature OF
the examination" said the court severely.
The object Of this is not TO prove the
truth Of the statements contained in the
questions-not al all Here the issue is the
state Of mind. the soTndness or unsound-
ness Of the mind Of this gentleman He
may repeat the question the fourth time,
and the fourth answer may throw a food OF
light on the condition Of the mind. ! can
rot proceed with the examination unless
you gentlemen cooperate with me. Ask
another question. I am not going to hold
this examination unless l can do II salts
factorily.
Thaw took occasion at this point 10 re-
mind the court Of what he had said about
Mr. Shearn or the court conducting the eX-
animation Of the witness Justice Keogh
paid TO attention 10 his remark Mr..
Jerome said he could not well discontinue
-,
the interest he was there 10 represent. He
was allowed 70 continue the examination
Thaw's counsel maintained a discreet and
silent attitude after that Thaw improved
the opportunity to answer questions fully
and volunteer many explanations. Evelyn
Thaw was in court all day, and sat where
she could look AZ her husband on the wit
ness stand He did not glance her way but
once or twice during all the time he was
testifying She expressed her disapproval
OF some Of his answers by a shake Of the
head or by pursuing her lips as If she would
eNclaim oh" in surprise.
Thaw's attitude at times was pompous
and overhearing toward his inquisitor, but
he was quick to catch himself when ne be-
gan 70 show irrtability Sometimes he
seemed 10 want to have finger in all ends
% the examination. making suggestions 70
the court the stenographer and 10 Mr..
Jerome At the close of his examination he
occupied twenty-five minutes in explaining
memoranda which he had made for his
counsel at one Of his trials for killing
White He ratified OF the explanation with
remarkable rapidity He ended his testh
mony with little indication OF real brain
flag He will be recalled to-day for cross
examination by his counsel Mr.. Shearn
Mr.. JeI ONE asked Thaw about the oppro-
brious names he had applied 10 White and
others and the immoral practices he had
described them as indulging in, according
10 various memoranda Thaw had made
Thaw admitted that his statements were
considerably exaggerated, but he said he
believed many Of the stories he had heard
about White. some Of which he had had IN
vestigated himself
Were these stories true in connection
With Frances Belmont asked Mr. Jerome
Mr. Jerome" said Thsw. II think II is
unealled for to talk like that about young
woman whose relatives live in White
Plains"
Wen, you knew her very well?" asked
Mr.. Jerome.
Mr. Jerome, ! think It is about time to
change this subject" said the witness. with
a show OF anger.
Mr.. shearn came to the rescue with an
objection.
Objects TO Objections