New Britain herald. [microfilm reel] (New Britain, Conn.) 1890-1976, 1915-03-12
URGES JURY TO DECIDE
ON 1HAW'S SANITY
StanchIe|d Makes Strong Closing
Address for Defense.

! In his closing address to the jury
sitting in the case of Harry Kendall
! I'haw and four co-defendants, on trial
Tor conspiracy, John b. Stanchfied,
Thaw's chief counsel. urged the jury
| today to determine whether they be-
neved Thaw had recovered his sanity,
and II they did, to say so in their YER
| dict.
MI Stanchfleld emphasized the
/ claim that Thaw planned his own es-
cape from the state hospital for the
criminal insane at Matteawan because
ne believed that he was sane.
Victim Of Vengeance
Mr.. Stanchf1eld said also that Thaw
was the victim OF some private ven-
geance.'
The prosecution was to sum up this
afternoon. The case it was said,
would go to the jury immediately af-
ter Justice Page had delivered his
charge
Counsel for haw were said to be
prepared today for quick action If a
verdict is returned, releasing Tfaw
from the custody Of New York coun-
". 1t was understood that they would
ask Tor another writ of habens cor
pus under the operation of which
Thaw might again obtain a test of
his sanity.
No Railroading Of Thaw.
Although representative of the
state had announced that if Thaw
was released from the custody of
ho
put in charge of attendants of the
Matteawan asylum, John B. Stanch-
field, chief of Thaw's counsel. said he
was sure there would be no railroad
IDS of Thaw and that a writ or habeas
corpus could be obtained before Thaw
could be taken out of the Jurisdiction
Of the county
On his way to resume the stand for.
cross examination, Thaw passed close
to his mother. He stopped over and
Whispered a word Of announcement
to her.
In reply to questions Thaw said he
GIG not remember who first advised
him he could leave Matteawan be-
cause ne was sane. AS to who ad-
vised him that he would be breaking
no law, he believed Justice Nor
sehauser of Westchester county, had
~ ooNioSu HIS Counsel.
Gave $4,000 Cash.
Where did you pay Butler for his
services?'' "...
I'm Manchester, N. H. replied
Thaw Fs..-
did you pay him the $4,000 in cash
Or by check?''
Il gave him cash."
DO you owe him any more
money!"
NO, / shouldn't say So
"Y GU told your counsel you believed
YOU were sane. Do you believe YOU
ever were insane?"
That's q matter the district attor- |
ney Of this county and alienists have |
answered..
Thaw's Attorneys Sustained.
Do you believe you were sane when
you killed Stanford White?''
Thaws attorneys objected to that
question and were sustained
Similar ruling applied to a question
as to just when Thaw believed he ha
recovered his reason.
On redirect examination. Thaw said
Roger Thompson first knew who he
was after the flight in the automobiles
had started.
After reaching Rochester. N. H.,
'Thaw said, he requested Thompson
to accompany him to Canada. Thoup-
son was arrested. Thaw paid his
counsel fees and expenses, he said
4. Defense Rests Case.
Thaw was then excused and the de-
tense announced that it rested its
case.
Begins Closing Address.
Mr.. Stanchfield then began his clos
ing address to the jury
Mr.. Stanchfield argued that no
crime had been committed and that
therefore the defendants could not be
held in any way responsible for the
escape
Some private vengeance is respon-
sible for the state of New York spend
ing thousands upon thousands of dol |
lars-probably S50.000--to try Thaw
upon puny little charge like this"
Mr.. Stanchfield declared
Proves Thaw Sane.
Mr. Stanchfield contended that
lhaw's behavior in Matteawan as S
tested to by employees, proved that $
ne was perfectly sane. c
MT Stanchfield asked the jury to S
ie'ei nine whether they did not be-
leVe Thaw had been punished enough. l
mere was provision of law. he said, /
''oN''i"s 'hat the jury could BRING Q