The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-04-18
THAW CHEATED
 OF HIS CHANCE
 TO TELL STORY Remains On Stand II Minutes And Is Asked
 Seven Questions ALLEGED LUNATIC
 DAZED BY ACTION Had Been Preparing For Months For Expected
 ross-Examinati0n

PHILADELPHIA April 17.-Harry K. Thaw had his day in court Thurs day, day that dwindled to II breath less minutes as the most famous al. legged lunatic of the age sat in the wit ness chair, perspiring, restless, until suddenly he was told:
 That's all, Mir. Thaw.'
 His chance to speak for himself, to convince the world through his actions in open court that he was sane and en- titled to freedom had come and gone.
 Thaw was asked but seven questions -his name, his age, and his purpose in appearing-and then abruptly the attorneys who are conducting his fight for liberty turned him over to those op- posing.
 It was a clever legal trick. Billy" Gray's jaw fell foot. Gray is Phila- delphia's famous trial lawyer represent ing Evelyn Nesbit, Thaw's former wife, in the action to block the millionaire's release. With an unexcelled reputation for cross-examination, his attack upon Thaw on the stand was expected to be the dramatic climax to the sanitay trial.
 The purpose of Thaw's counsel in for questioning was evident. They want ed ito thrust the initiative upon Gray, thus delivering him to the opposition and hold him responsible for any cratic answers that might develop to his questioning.
 Dazed By Action
 After hurried consultation with his associates, and with alienists who later testified against Thaw, Gray met the move with one of his own.
 We have no questions" he an- nounced, and Thaw, almost dazed by his sudden turn that robbed him of his chance to testify, was helped from the stand.
 Thus passed the great moment of the trial. It was minutes before the spec tators who had perched tensely on chair edges, grasped the purpose of what had happened.
 Running his tongue over his lips, his eyes fixed on the witness chair toward which he made his way past the jury box, Thaw walked steadily to the stand.
 Spectators, jury, and even counsel literally held their breath as they leaned forward to catch the first words. Thaw gave his name and age, B, speak ing in low gutteraI voice that held . nEononnced trace of aeeeut 2 1
 Mr. Thaw, you ask sfise to sIlit xi3si on the stand in ordef that you niirht have an opportunity to demonstrate your sanity to any one, no matter who. who might care tosquesfion you, did you noty" Judge Patterson asked.
 "I did, Thaw answered.
 Patterson turned to the opposing counsel table. S
 Question the witness" he said, and sat down.
 Smiles At Jury
 What Thaw intended to tell. not even his own counsel. knew, 1t was dis closed. The opposition let him sit there for what seemed an, interminab ble period. His furrowed brow was bathed in sweat, and he turned to look at the nondescript jury in lhose hands his fate has been placed, and smiled at them. Then he was told to leave and almost tottered from the stand. The let-down was terrific; there were many among the spectators who would have needed similar assistance. Then Pat terson announced that the Thaw side rested.
 Four doctors, called lby attorneys representing the committee of the Thaw estate who oppose his release on the ground he IS not competent to manage his affairs, testified in the afternoon.
 They swore they believe Thaw to be insane at the present time; that be would revert to his former malpractices if released, and that he was incompetent to manage his estate.
 Evelyn Nesbit, Thaw's former wife, was in town, but did not come to court. She may herself appear on the stand next week. The trial was adjourned until Monday because. of the Easter holidays.