THE THAW TRIAL.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 27

THE THAW TRIAL.

ACCUSED HELD TO BE INSANE. COMMITTED TO AN ASYLUM. NEW YORK, January 28. English doctors testified to treating Thaw for attacks of insanity in 1899 and 1902, when he was visiting London and Rome. One mentioned seeing Thaw dancing Kke a madman in a xiunsing hospital. January 31. Mr Jerome, in a scathing indictment of Thaw's conduct, said there was plenty of evidence of his depravity. By his alleged insanity he sought to shield his miserable life behind his wife's shame. Mt Jerome asked whether a, business man like Mr Schwab, of the Steel Trust, would have played cards with a man who was irrational or insane. Mr Littleton's plea was that Thaw was insane before and after the tragedy. The judge -will sum up to-day. February 2. A verdict of "Not guilty" has been returned in the charge of murder against Harry Thaw, on the ground that he was insane at the time of the murder. J-udge Deeming sa : d that to discharge tho -prisoner would" be dangerous to pubic safety, and be ordered Thaw to be oonfiDed in the Matteswan Asylum for an indefinite period. Judge Dowiing, in summing up, emphasised has opinion that only such a defect of reason as to make the prisoner unaware of the nature of his act, or t!bat the act was wrong, would excuse Thaw of the responsibilaity of his crime. The jury were 11 hours in deliberation on Friday, and 14 ballots were /taken before they reached an agreement. The mob cheered Thaw and his wife as they were motoring to the Matteswan Asylum. Mr Littleton, for the defence, decided not to take action at. present to hinder his client' 6 committal to the asylum.