The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-05-01
Lamb ON STAND
He Testifies In Own Behalf in
Insanity Case.
Trial Takes Four Days in Pro-
bate COurt-Ends Today.

Having testified for five hours, Thos.
J. Lamb, fighting in the probate court
to be declared of sound mind, was dis
missed from the stand at noon. The
trial. which has consumed four days,
will be completed tonight. it is stated
automatically. and placed in the hands
of A. A. Rodgers. real estate man.
E. s. Pettyjohn, a physician, Carl Nell
lis, an insurance man, and w. C. Steph-
enson. Of the firm of Stephenson &
Webb. Not once did Mr.. Lamb break
down during his taxing examination.
His replies were made in a low, even
nervousness The final hearing OF the
case commenced this afternoon at
O'Clock. Lambs wife and his youngest
son, Gerald. will testify.
Court was adjourned at Gas last ev-
ening and reopened at 1880 today. Mr..
Lamb took the stand this morning at
the request Of his attorneys, J. B. Lari-
mer and 8. p. Mold. He left the chair
to shake hands with his wife as she
entered the room.
Mr.. Lamb declared that he had been
offered a position as solicitor for the
X-Ray Democrat at a salary of 800 q
month. He considers himself compe-
tent to earn his own living, and stated
that he would remain away from Law
renee and North Dakota IL it seemed
best. He appeared more at ease today
than yesterday. Mr.sLamb's behavior is
quite different from that exhibited in
most sanity cases in the probate court.
Lamb Summoned YESTERDAY
"Call Mr.. Lamb"
Thomas ]. Lamb, pleading to be de-
clared of sound mind in the probate
court. looked up quickly as Henry
Asher, Representing Mrs. Edith Lamb,
summoned the petitioner to the stand
at O'Clock Thursday afternoon It
was understood GARNER in the day that
Mr.. Lamb would not be- asked to testi-
~. When he SraS summoned he ap-
peared agitateds and asked to be per-
glass OF cold milk. Against the wishes
of Mr.. Asher, Judge Mcfarland de-
clared a. ten minute recess and Mr..
Lamb was excused. When he return
ed he stood ready to be sworn.
For two hours yesterday and several
hours today the man declared a
paranoiac by the Douglas county pro-
bate court had the stand. He gave
his testimony in a low voice, his
hands clasped on his knees. The
able during the early part of the
trial, disappeared. He gave his full
name, age and birthplace, then told
his story in much detail. His agita-
ton decreased as the questioning pro-
ceeded. Occasionally he turned to
the judge, asking If he were obliged
to answer certain questions. Except
that he insisted he had not made his
troubles public, his story was not
vastly different from what had been
recounted by other witnesses. Once
he accused Attorney Asher of trying
to "tangle him up"
Il don't want to tangle you up. Just
go little .aster," responded the law
yer. Mr.. Lamb, did you ever tell any,
one that your brothers were persecut-
ing you? Do you think you have been
badly treated?"
Il will leave that for the jury to de-
cide," returned the witness. turning to
the four veniremen.
DO you think you have been de-
frauded of money!
Il never said sO.''
Before Mr.. Lamb testified, his six
teen-year-old son. Lawrence. told OF
hunting his father in the Lawrence
East Bottoms" at two in the morn
ing; of his fathers threatening him
with q pitchfork. and Of his fathers
mistreatment of his wife. The boy de-
clared that his father lost control of
himself before or after he had been
drinking, and when he was angry.
During the Afternoon examination Of
DIR. Bishop, the attorneys for Lamb
hinted that evidence was being sup
pressed, that a patient whom Lamb
wished to testify had been released
from the state hospital last Monday at
midnight The opposing attorneys OBJ
jected to Mr.. Nold's 'unwarranted, dis
honest and inuin,1afinp SfafomonfS