New Britain herald., 1925-08-04
SCOTT'S MOTHER ON
 STAND FOR DEFENSE
Aiding Her Son in Fight for Life Via Insanity
 Route

Chicago, Aug. 4 Ip) - Mrs. Rilla Scott of Bay Village, Ohio, mother of Russell Scott, testified today in behalf of her son In the sanity hearing before Superior Judge Jo- seph S. David.
 Under the law excluding witnesses until they have testified Judge David ordered all ali.n%Ls from tho court. psychiatrsts sat at the counsel table yesterday during the selection of the jury and opening statements. The ruling excluding them was vigorously contested by the state.
 Later one alcnist from each side was permitted to remain in court on condition that his testimony be confined to obsevational conclusions rather than hypothetical questions touching insanity.
 Mrs. Scott said Russel was her second child. born S1 years ago.
 A question as to the condition of her first child was withdrawn after | q U OllJtCtluu DN tllt SldlV'
 Questioned as to the birth of Rus sel were also overruled.
 W. S. Stewart of defense coun- sel said he would connect the mothers testimony in regard to the child's birth with the insanity plea through the testimony of alienists.
 Then you must establish your foundation first" the judge ruled.
 Stewart was granted permission to withdraw the witness for the time.
 1 When Dr. II. S, Hubert, first i defense alienist testified that Seott's mother had been In i'll health and his father alcoholic" Judge David arose from his seat.
 Don't you object to that?' the 1 judge demanded, turning to the prosecution table. The prosecution did and the court sustained them.
 Dr. Hurbert said examination convinced that the prisoner has be- come insane since February 14, the | date of the sentence to the galloWs,
 Judge David took the alienist in hand. You say that this prisoner had declusions of conspiracy, of prosecution in his business affairs in Michigan and Canada? Do you know anything of those affairs?"
 "No."
 Very well. you will please con- fine your testimony 10 facts"
 The court ruled repeatedly that Scotts history would not be ad- mitted. General conclusions as to the manifestation of insanity and 1 hypothetical questions as to the causes were alike excluded.
 The defense brought out that Scott had been a drug addict but the court halted an effort to es- tablish the habit as factor con tributory to insanity.
 pr. Hubert said Scott told him he had been persecuted by the crown attorneys of Canada, "He said they bribed Governor Small, the parole board and Judge Lynch whe tried him for murder" This testi' money was ruled out as was also 2 general statement as to how a long period in jail under a sentence ot death might affect a mans mentali' ty.
 Scott, at the counsel table, slep through the wordy session.
 On cross.examination pr. Huber said he found no indication of in sanity in his physical examination of Scott. Blood pressure. pulse anC skin texture were normal,
 There was no evidence of In sanity in that?" he was asked, No"
 Dr. Hubert said he found n' evidence of organic troubles in tn nervous system. He was oriente' to his surroundings. he knew hi name. where he was, and the time He knew he was in jail and sen fenced to hang. but he understoo (Continued on Page i0