Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-13
MARRY THAW
rs ACQUITTED


almost triumphal procession. Friends
| and spectators intercepted him, theii
! hands stretched across the railing, as he
/ walked toward the sheriff's office, where
the Thaw family held a jubilant reunion
! That Thaw feared the Jurors action,
! even after the brief time taken by them
| following the refreshing of their memor-
! les regarding his testimony, was evident.
| Thaw was lined up, standing, with his CO.
| defendants in the dock"
As the Jury filed in and the foreman
arose Thaw stiffened perceptibly. His
| face set in tense anxiety. and as he
closed his eyes HE lips moved, apparently
| in prayer as the foreman began his AIT
! nouncement OF the verdict.
Mrs Thaw and Thaws other relatives
leaned far forward in their seats. their
ears strained to catch the foreman's
words None of the Thaw family had OPP
portunity to thank the jurors, who filed
out before Thaw could reach them.
ASKS FOR RECoMM1TMENT
Richard Butler Roger Thompson, Eu-
gene Duffy and Thomas Flood. the other
defendants. who had obtained the auto
mobiles and otherwise helped in Thaw s
light, scurried from the courtroom upon.
being discharged.
their discharge. stating that the State
had no other charges against them. They
did not even stop to speak to Thaw, left
standing alone in the dock when the
Prosecutor asked that Thaw be recom-
mitted TO Matteawan as an escaped luna
tic Under the 1903 commitment or justice
bowling
Thaw smiled confidently as the Prose-
cutor insisted that he should be taken
back to the asylum.
Attorney Abel T. Smith, of Thaw's
counsel, reminded the Court that mo-
tlon, submitted last night, was pending
asking that, II acquitted, Thaw be turn
ed over to the New Hampshire authori-
ties.
Justice Page decided that he would
hear arguments on this motion Monday
afternoon If the decision is favorable
to Thaw, all legal authorities concede
that Thaws freedom Is won forever.
even If he should live in New York state.
"CNTTED STATES TO FREE THAW."
Thaw's lawyers outlined today their po-
sitiun on their motion. They maintained
that the only purpose for winch the
United States Supreme Court ordered
Thaw returned from New Hampshire was
for trial on the conspiracy Indictment
As he was acquitted, they contend that
New York state cannot hold him for the
purpose of being returned to Matteawan
and, If such adverse ruling should be
made. they declare the United states SUI
preme Court would free Thaw on habeas
CORPUS, fHDeIS lOI sum 81 N't'pN '''' ''
ready prepared II Justice Page rules that
Thaw shall not return to New Hamp-
shire.
The States attorneys admitted this |
afternoon that the evident theory of the |
jury upon which Thaw and his co-de- |
PENDANTS were acquitted was that no |
technical criminal intent was proved |
and that all involved in the escape |
honestly misconceived" their legal rights !
and intended no violation OF the law.
lawyers for Thaw say the verdict !
establishes Thaws sanity but this the
states attorneys deny.
CHRONOLOGY OF TIIAW CASE.
June %, o06-sanford White, an archi-
ect of international fame, was shot and
illcd al the Madison Square Roof
iarden, New York, by Harry * Thaw,
who was lnfuriated by the recital of his
wife. Evelyn Nesbt Thaw, of Whites
alleged immoral conduct.
January 70, 19O7-Thaw put on trial for
murder.
April ). IgO7-Commission appointed by
'oIrt 10 examine into Thaw's sanity pro-
lounCed him sane.
April II, l907-After celebrating As hours
ury disagreed seven holding out for
conviction.
January g. 1oOs-Second trial of Thaw
'egun.
February l. 19O8-Verdict for acqultaal
m grounds of insanity, and Thaw was
ommitted to the Asylum for the Criminal
insane, at Matteawan, n. Y.
Following this Thaws application for
elease was denied the court declaring
i'm TO be dangerous to the public" His
ppicaton for transfer to the State hos
ltal was dismissed. and his demand for
jury trial to prove his sanity met the
anne fate in two courts. An attempt
made the hpfnra fha |
'nited States supreme Court, and two
forts were made to get him freedom
y habcas corpus proceedings.
August II, l9l3-Thaw escaped from
Iatteawan Asylum and fled TO Canada
l an automobile Was captured at
oaticook on following day on charge of
iolating immigration laws
September TO- 1913-Was deported on
rder of Minister of Justice and arrested
pom reaching CoIebrook, n. III.
September 49, l9l3-By obtaining writ of
abeas corpus in United States District
opurt Thaw headed of efforts TO have
i'm removed to New York on warrant
harging conspiracy tn escape from Mat
aawan asylum.
January u, 19l4-Commission appointed
Y United States District Court reported
lat Thaw would not be a public menace
released on bail
April H. 19l4-Thaw wins habeas cornr.
ght against eXtradtion
May &, l9l4-Unted States District Court
rders Thaw released in custody of
herin, pending result of his appeal to
,e United States Supreme Court.
December q, 1914 Supreme Court ruled
e must be delivered to New York State.
March s, l9l5-Tral on conspiracy
larges begun in New York.
March l3.-Acqutted of conspiracy to
'cape from Matteawan