Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1915-03-08
Whites Slayer, With Five
Others, Before New
York Court
ESCAPE TWO YEARS AGO
Mother and Sister With Evelyn
NeSbit'S Former Husband
in New Ordeal.

New York, March S.-The trial OF
Harry Thaw, charged with conspiracy
/ to escape from Matteawan asylum, was
begun in the criminal branch of the
supreme court today. Five men charg-
ed with assisting in the conspiracy
were placed on trial with him. In the
examination of taIesmen all defend
ants will be allowed five peremptory
challenges. The mother and sister of
Thaw were IN court Thaw is in ex-
Cellent health
Five jurors were selected before re-
cess. The state indicated it would
seek conviction for conspiracy to es-
cape from Matteawan on the grounds
that, although insane, Thaw had unim-
paired capacity TO conspire. The de-
tense apparently will seek to show that
Thaw was sane at the time he escaped.
or rely upon the prosecution to prove
this for them.
Ever since he was brought back 70
the Tombs, six weeks ago today, Thaw
has declined to sec newspaper men.
In this respect. it is said, he has obey
10 discuss his case, as he was former
ly wont to do.
When Thaw faced the court today
his counsel included John B. Stanch-
field, Morgan J. O'Brien and Abel ].
Smith, formerly assistant United
States district attorney.
Opposed to these men and repre-
senting the state of New York were
Franklin Kennedy and Frederick
Cook, deputy attorneys general, while
James O'Mailey, assistant district at
torney, viii represent New York coun-
ty.
Thaw has been prisoner or fugitive
since the night Of June %, 1906, when
he shot and Billed Stanford White on
the Madison square garden roof. Aft
er two trials. the first of which result
ed in a disagreement, Thaw was ac-
quilted on the ground of insanity and
was sent to Matteawan.
Then began his fight for liberty
Writs of habeas corpus were obtained
at various times, requiring his appear
anCe in court to establish his sanity.
These proceedings Invariably resulted
unfavorably to him.
on Sunday morning, Aug. II, 1913.
Thaw escaped from Matteawan in an
automobile, eluded capture for two
days, and finally was arrested at Coati-
cook, Can. He was subsequently re-
leased by the Canadian authorities
and sent into Vermont. He fed IN
Colebrook, n. H. where he obtained
counsel and prepared to fight against
returning 10 Matteawan.
A writ of hCbeas corpus was obtain
ed from federal judge at Concord
and Thaw automatically became a gov
ernment charge Argument on the
writ was delayed until Governor Felix
er OF New Hampshire should decide to
grant or deny the fugitive's extradi-
tion.
Case to U. S. Supreme Court.
The governor finally decided that
Thaw could be extradited. and then
the case went back to the United
States supreme court on the broad is
sue that Thaw's rights under the con-
stitution were being violated that
New York, holding him legally insane.
sought his extradition on charge Of
conspiracy.
Thaw was kept in custody, although
allowed wide privileges, but was taxi
en- in charge by New York state Off
GERS about seven weeks ago when the
supreme court. in passing on the ex-
tradition proceedings, ruled that Thaw
could be brought back to this state on
an indictment for conspiracy.