The Washington times., 1913-08-18
nmit some act of violence, even

commit some act or violence, ever
murder.
These homicidal paranoiacs are es.
pecially dangerous to their supposed
| enemies, because they plot and
scheme and murder. taking their vic.
| tins unawares, giving him no possi-
in the case of Stanford White.
| The conditions at Matteawan since
, the reorganization effected by Col. Jo-
| seph F. Scott, in the fall of 1911 in
volving the enforced resignation OF
DR.. Charles Lamb as superintendent
| and DIR. Amos T. Baker. first assistant
have up to the present time been most
deplorable and disgraceful.
"Dr. May, Colonel Scott's first an
| pointee as superintendent, was soon
transferred to the State commission
in lunacy. His successor. DR.. Pms
sell, was forced to resign.
Immediately following the CONFIRM
alton of Judge Riley as superintendent
of prisons. / wrote to Governor SulZer
that in my opinion the only avaiIab BILE
man who could bring the Matteawan
State Hospital to its original condition
of efficiency was DR.. Amos Baker, the
former first assistant TO DR.. Lamb. At
my earnest solicitation, DIR. Baker con-
sented TO accept an appointment as
superintendent for one year. He ex-
pected to appoint DR.. Kieb, then of
Dannamora, his first assistant, expect
Named In June.
Early in June Judge Riley appoint
ed DIR. Kieb superintendent. after dis
cussing my plans with Governor Sui
zer. IN a letter Judge Riley said, in
regard TO DR.. Kieb, his appointment at
first will be for probationary term
of three months.
Il was much disappointed that my
plan was not carried out, but as an
evidence that there was no abatement
of my interest in the institution l
asked DR.. Kieb not to commit himself
in regard to the selection of a first as
siStant before consultation with me.
After much urging / succeeded in
inducing DR.. Baker to consent to ac-
cept an appointment as first assistant
Matteawan had been thoroughly re-
organized. DIR. Kieb and DR.. Baker
being personal friends. and DR.. Kieb
having repeatedly stated that he de-
sired of all things DIR. Bakers CO.
operation, l was astounded and disap-
pointed. not to say Disguised, when DR..
Kieb declined this proposition.
Il then predicted to DR.. Baker that
some great trouble would occur at
Matteawan. In the institution there
are at least fifty turbulent and highly
dangerous inmates. DR.. Baker knew
did not. DR.. Bakers assistance to DR..
kleb would have been invaluable and
in my opinion II DR.. Kieb had accepted
my proposition Harry K. Thaw would
still be in Matteawan.
Suggests Quick Remedy.
There is still a remedy for the un-
fortunate condition in Matteawan. It
Is more than ever evident that Dr. |
Baker Is the only available man who
has knowledge, experience. and strength |
Of character to effect reorganization. !
DR.. Kieb's three months of probation |
does not expire until September II DR.. |
Baker could be induced to accept the |
position of medical superintendent, the |
present permanent difficulty practically |
would be solved.
The escape Of Thaw has been due.
not to his culpable neg
igence, but mainly to the fact that he !
vas inexperienced in such difficult ques-
lions as his treatment. and he had un-
Ter his charge a highly dangerous
money. necessarily in the custody of
poorly paid employees who could not be
to resist the influence which
lie has been able to bring to bear upon
hem.
"Thaw has evidently been planning
his escape" DR.. Flint added, ''since he
eaIized that he had exhausted all legal
measures to obtain his freedom through
he courts. 1t is certain, to my mind
hat he had to bribe at least one at
endant. and II may have taken him
ONE time to pick the right man for the
rrange for the automobiles, and also
o see that the man VINO was to help
i'm was on duty at the proper mo-
nent."