Omaha daily bee., 1915-03-12
HARRY THAW TELLS
STORY OF ESCAPE
Slayer of Stanford White Begins Re-
citsl of Experiences in Flight
from Matteawan.
TALKS IN LOUD, CLEAR VOICE

NEW YORK. March 1l.--Harry
X. Thaw took the stand in his own
behalf, this afternoon at his trial
charged with conspiracy in escaping
from Matteawan asylum and gave the
jurors opportunity to judge for them
selves as to whether he was rational.
His attorney. Mr.. Stanchneld. placed
him in the witness chair after re-
peated attempts TO get evidence into
the record concerning Thaw's sanity
had failed. Justice Page bad ruled
out all testimony of this character as
improper.
Talks In Loud Voice.
Thaw testified in loud, clear voice and
kept his eyes directly upon Mr.. Stanch
field. In reply 60 questions he said;
There were three writs OF habeas corpus
on which I appeared In court None of
the vrits had a jury trial I was told.
however, | might have had a jury trial
the last time, had my counsel requested
H."
Thaw then told of the times he had left
Matteawan and where he had gone.
what was the insane population OF
Matteawan I'm 19l9." asked Mr. stanch-
| field.
About SEQ or 800" replied Thaw.
| In reply to other questions Thaw said:
by August. 1918. ! had come to believe
that 1t would be an impossibility for me
to get out by legal means. was informed
that the methods by which people usually
got out would be unsuccessful In my
case"
Thaw GriIIed.
The direct examination ended. Thaw
was cross examined by Deputy Attorney
General Franklin Cook.
DO you remember when you pleaded
asked Mr.. Cook.
Yes l remember that" Thaw replied,
'The plea was made by Martin Llttle-
ton. my counsel. but ! did not authorize
IT, 1t was made without my permis-
sion"
! Mr.. Cook started to ask further aues-
tions about the insanity plea, when Mr..
llStanchfield objected. The objection was
sustained,
Thaw was then questioned at length
about tho writs of habeas corpus he
has sued out. He said former Governor
Stone OF Pennsylvania was among tho
persons. who had told him no could not
hope to gain his liberty by habeas cor
pus wr4ts.
Never Made Application.
Thaw said he had inquired as to the
possibility of obtaining from the various
superintendents a certificate OF recovery,
but that he had never actually made an
application for one. Where did you
first meet lawyer named AnhutT'
asked Mr.. Cook t,---- --'o- ~
eat Afattsawan," replied Thaw.
Ibid you have a business relation with
! Anhurt?" Mr.. Stanchfjeld's objections TO
the question was sustained. Justice Page
excluded any reference to Anhut's at
tempt at bribery-the idea behind the
next several questions.
Thaw said any number OF people beside
MIR. Lewis had advised him that there
was nothing Illegal about his walking out
of Matteawan provided he cared to do so
and did not employ violence or corrupt
anyone"
who were the five men who came with
| the automobile2" asked MIR. Cook.
i ulun I KNOW lnenl' IePlloo AhH"'
Instructions to Hoffman.
Thaw saio he had instructed Hoffman,
his agent. to have the landaulet at the
gate and the big machine at the bottom
of the hill
! How much did you pay. and what did
you pay for this job?" asked Mr.. Cook.
| Il paid Mr.. Butler 5000, with the under
standing that he was TO pay all the others
for the trip from Matteawan 20 Connecti-
cut" Thaw replied.
How much did you Roger Thompson
for the trip TO CANADA
Il paid him a salary and, gave him a
present" Tbaw said
How much was the present.
! An objection by Thompson's attorney
was sustained.
| ~ - III