Evening star., 1924-01-03

file the petition before Christmas had
been abandoned because of congested
court calendars
Coyne today definitely confirmed re-
ports that his client, the slayer OF
Stanford White, now In a Philadel-
phia asylum, would soon seek his
freedom.
Philadelphia lawyers representing
the Thaw family yesterday vigor-
ousIy denied printed reports that a
move to free Thaw was contemplated
and that if declared sane he would
return to New York to face charges
of having assaulted Frederick Gump
jr.. son of Kansas City manufac-
turer in 1917, pleading temporary
insanity when the alleged offense
was committed.
Coyne's connection with the Thaw
case dates back to the trial of a
suit against Thaw for $50.000 attor-
neys' fees. He successfully defended
Thaw. and since then has been re-
tanned by him as private counsel.
Held Sane by Doctors.
Mr.. Coyne's statement follows:
II have read the articles emanat-
ing from Philadelphia regarding the
contemplated Thaw proceedings.
am Mr.. Ttaw's New York attorney
and lave had charge of his affairs
here for eight years. Recently I have
been informed that the physicians al
the hospital who have had Mr.. Thaw
In charge for seven years have unani-
rlously stated that he has recovered
from his ailment. His private physi-
clan, DR.. Kirby of Philadelphia. has
likewise so stated. In view of the
;,,s1 <Nf Il
have made some preparations to have
the question determined by a jury
Just when the matter will come up
am unable to state.
There are so many groundless ru
mors regarding his affairs that i
seems difficult at times for the trutf
to prevail. The story that he ha:
been out OF the hospital is not true
In the entire seven years he has beer
out but four times, upon an order
from Judge Martin, and on each occa
sion he spent the entire time allotted
jby Judge Martin with his mother
Mr. Thaw has done everything dur,
ing these years, by exemplary con
duct, to help his mother, whose devo
tion to him in all his troubles ha:
won the admiration of all.
"As to the luxurious quarters at tn,
hospital and privileges allotted t.
him by the authorities, he has JUS
one room and lives under the sam,
regulations as other patients and ha.
no privileges whatsoever. which re
bounds to the credit of the manage
ment of Kirkbrides, by which name
the institution is known"
Denied by Family.
Mr.. Coyne's announcement followed
tprinted reports from Philadelphia
that IL he succeeded In having him.
self declared sane Thaw would sur.
render to the New York authoritie.
to face charges OF having whipped
Frederick GumD, jr., son of Kansas
hotel in 1917. The Coyne statement
also followed denials of Philadelphia
attorneys representing the Thaw
family that any efforts would be
made to have Thaw declared sane in
the Pennsylvania courts.
Of Thaw's reported intention to take
steps to have himself declared sane
that he might face charges pending
against him In New York. Announced
that his office would vigorously pros
ecute the two indictments against
him should he gain his freedom
Son of a Pittsburgh millionaire
Thaw on a night in June, 1906, sho,
and killed Stanford White, a noted
American architect, in the midst of q
old Madison Square Garden. Thaw',
grievance was based on a confession
he said had been made to him by hi.
wife, who was Evelyn Nesbit, 9
chorus girl. regarding Whites reIa.
tions with her prior to her marriage
Many of these incidents were al.
legged to have occurred in Whites
famous "hall of mirrors" In the tow.
er of Madison Square Garden.
Thaw won a nine years fight 70,
freedom carried through the courts
! Of New York. New Hampshire anG