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About Morning Oregonian. (Portland, Or.) 1861-1937 | View Entire Issue (June 28, 1906)
TITE MORNING OREGONIAN, THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 106. IS TO BE SANE Report of Alienists Who Have Unsatisfactory Interview With White's Slayer. ALL . QUESTIONS PARRIED Pittsburg Millionaire Says Ilis Nerves Are Unstrung and He Will Submit to Physical Ex amination Only by Force. HA THAW Si NEW YORK, June 27. That Harry K. Thaw, the slayer of Stanford White, Is perfectly Bane was the report made today by the alienists retained by the District Attorney's office to examine into the prisoner's mental condition. This report was made after the physi cians had spent an hour with Thaw, who. In defiance of the advice of his counsel, ex-Judge Olcoft, refused to answer any questions and declared that nothing: short of actual force would compel him to submit to a phys ical examination. When the commit?ee of physicians called upon the prisoner. Thaw said firmly, as the first member was in troduced to him by Dr. Allan McLane Hamilton, retained for the defense: "I beg your pardon, I will answer no questions whatever." Then began a general conversation on trivial subjects with Dr. Austin Flint and Dr. Hamilton, Thaw deftly parrying any questions that had any bearing on his mental or physical con dition. Finding him obdurate, the doc tors hurriedly summoned Mr. Olcott, but to him Thaw vehemently reiterated his determination to answer no ques tions. Says Nerves Are Unstrung. "You can put it down to the condi tion of my feelings. If you will," said Thaw. "My nerves are unstrung; their ten sion is great. I will not be examined today." Pressed for a clearer cause for his refusal, he said: "I have not any; I have none at all. t Put it down to obstinacy if you wish." He had promised Mr. Olcott before the examiners met to submit to the examination. "This refusal will hurt you," Mr. Olcott is said to have pleaded. Refuses to Ke Examined. "I don't care. Nothing but absolute force will got, me to allow myself to be examined or say anything today. I think I first ought to talk with Dr. Hamilton and then have a talk with Mr. Delafleld. Later I will tell you whether I will talk with the commis sion or not." He was then taken back to his cell. Mr. Olcott said later that he was un able to account for Thaw's attitude and that he could only attribute it to unacoountable obstinacy. As his counsel, he said he had no objection to Thaw's answering any of the questions addressed to him by the physicians. Visited by Mrs. Thaw. After the alienists had departed, Mrs. Thaw was permitted to see her hus band for the tlrst time since his arrest. She came to the Tombs in a carriage, accompanied by her husband's brother, Joslah Thaw. The meeting between husband and wife was affectionate, and they talked in an undertone. Thaw also received a visit from his sister, Mrs. George Carnegie, and Clifford W. Hartrldge, of Pittsburg. Before visiting the Tombs Mrs. Thaw had a long conference with ex-Judge Olcott and Frederick Delafleld, at which it is said the line of defense was dis cussed, and the intention to interpose a plea of insanity was confirmed. Nearly Mobbed by Reporters. Mrs. Thaw remained with her hus band about an hour. As she was pass ing through the corridor of the Tombs on her way to her cab. a crowd of newspaper men surged about her, but she motioned them away with a sweep of her arm. "Please excuse me, please excuse me" she exclaimed, her eyes 'brimming with tears, as she pushed through the door into the crowd which surrounded the prison. Mrs. Thaw's brother-in-law was obliged to fight the crowd to make a passageway across the side walk for her. As the cab drove away it 'was followed by the crowd until it dashed around the corner and disap peared. The prisoner seemed little affected by " I the interview. He satdown to a hearty dinner immediately after his wife's de parture. When asked about the letters from White which Mrs. Thaw yesterday turned over to Mr. Delafleld, Mr. Olcott said that he believed they were of ma terial value- to the defense. Further than ihls he declined to comment on the case. Inquest Begins Today. Coroner Dooley announced today that the inquest, which opens tomorrow, would not be a formal proceeding to establish the cause of White's death, but that all available witnesses will be examined for the purpose of fixing the crime on Thaw, in order that he might be held for the action of the grand Jury. Mrs. Thaw will not ap pear at the inquest, and it was said today that in ull probability, she will not bt required to appear before the grand Jury, In which case her testimony will not Ue taken until the trial. In the meantime the District Attor ney's office will prosecute a most searching investigation of the habit3 and movements of Thaw and White during a period of several weeks pre vious to tile tragedy. Thaw's Valet Is Questioned. No less than 20 witnesses were ex amined in connection with the case by the District Attorney's office today. Among the most prominent of these was Thaw's valet, William Bedford, who has been in his service for. six years, and is believed to be conversant with the events which are supposed to have been the immediate incentive to the crime. It was announced at the office of the District Attorney that Mr. Garvin, who is preparing the case against Thaw, today discovered a witness who alleged that hi overheard White make deroga tory remarks concerning Mrs. Thaw while in the Cafe Martin a few hours before he was shot. According to the witness, whose name is concealed for the present, he heard the remarks of White, who was seated two or three tables away, and evidently was not whispering. At that time Mr. and Mrs. Thaw- were in the cafe dining. It is believed that this witness will not appear before the Coroner's Jury, but that he will be reserved for the trial. Mrs. Thaw's Maid a Witness. Another important witness, who was examined by Mr. Garvin today, was Nellie Leahy, Mrs. Thaw's maid. The funeral of White will take place tomorrow from his late Summer resi dence at St. James, L. I. Quarrel With Mrs. Thaw. In the course of today's investigation as to Thaw's recent movements in the search for the immediate motive for the killing of White, It was learned that Thaw sailed for Europe April 24, last, on the Kaiser Wilhelm II, after a stormy scene with his wife, with the avowed purpose of never returning to her. On the same boat with him was his sister, the Coun tess of Yarmouth. At the time of the sailing of the boat, his sister was not aware that her. brother was a passenger, for he apparently took pains that his presence should be concealed until after the sailing hour. According to a report made to the agents of the line. Thaw said several times in the smoking saloon that his life had been ruined and that he had "left that woman for good and all." He is said to have made this same announcement to the Countess of Yarmouth, as ' soon as Ve made his presence known to her. It was reported aboard the boat that his sister pleaded with him to return to his wife on the next boat from the other side. listened to Sister's Pleading. Apparently the sister's pleading had some effect on Thaw, for he remained on the other side only a few days, taking re turn passage ,at the last minute on the Kaiserin Augusta Victoria. The steamer sailed from Hamburg on May 10 and ar rived on May 19. Thaw's name did not appear on the passenger list. Detectives are now trying to find out where Mrs. Thaw spent the time between her husband's departure for England and his return. Her friends say she did nut leave New York City. The Tribune, after commenting on the alienists' decision that Thaw is sane, will say tomorrow: "This fact, it is now believed, will change the defense and will cause Thaw eventually to be brought to trial under indictment for homicide. Chances fop Acquittal. "It is the belief of the defense that Thaw has an excellent chance of acquit tal. Various episodes in the life of Stan ford White, quoted yesterday, indicate that the defense of justifiable homicide will be entered, and that Thaw may be able to prove that the shooting was Jus tifiable. It is understood that the famous case of Major-General D. E. Sickles, who shot. Barton S. Key in Washington, will be held up as a precedent. Sickles was acquitted without the jury leaving tne box, it being held at the time that he was absolutely justified. "A statement, the meaning of which the police were unable to fathom, was that Stanford White, John Delaney, cor poration counsel, and his daughter and a friend, a close business associate of Mr. White, were booked to sail today on La Provence, the new flyer of the French Trans-Atlantlque Line. Not only, were they honked to sail, but it Is understood on excellent authority that Harry K. Thaw and Mrs. Thaw were also to be passengers on this boat. Owing to the statements of Mr. and Mrs. Thaw against White, the fact that they were all to be passengers on the same boat puzzles the police." SURE HIS FRIEND IS INSANE Burr Mcintosh Tells of Erratic Be havior of Thaw. NEW YORK, June 27. Burr Mcintosh, for many years a friend of Harry Thaw, who was with him just before the shoot ing, is positive the man was insane. He says that only last Monday morning Thaw accused a person who was practically a stranger of paying attentions to his wife and threatened to kill him. "This man," said Mr. Mcintosh, "was John A. Forgotson, a well-known real estate operator, who was standing In front of his place. Thaw approached him, although he knew him only slightly, and exclaimed: 'Are you still In love with my wife? If you are I'll kill you.' Mr. For- PRINCIPAL IN THE WHITE MURDER CASE AND HJS WIFE, WHO FURNISHED THE MOTIVE FOR THE ASSASSINATION : " fnj Eve f J I J F If i! s i K ' ' f - i m i v 4 t J f gotson was amazed, and then, seeing that Mr. Thaw was distraught, replied that he had not even the honor of Mrs. Thaw's acquaintance and had never seen her. "I have known Mr. Thaw since boy hood, and I have noticed that in the last few years he has been erratic in his be havior. I have not the slightest doubt that he was insane when hs committed the deed. Mr. Thaw was jealous of his wife. He was in love with her, and she seemed to be in love with him. Within the last few months he seemed to be possessed with a mania that everybody was making rbve to her. "My interview with Mr. Thaw in the prison of the West Thirtieth-street station was very brief. I warned him not to dis cuss his case until he had seen a lawyer, and consequently I did not seek to learn anything from him concerning It. His first question was 'How's Evelyn?" " The only statement secured from Mrs. Thaw was one made while she was on her way to the offices of her attorney yesterday. She said1: "The incident of last night is too painful to discuss. I am not a fugitive from Justice. I am here with my lawyer, and I shall not try to get away. I hope poor Harry will soon get out of his trouble. I did not think he would do It." Jammed Jills Hat on His Head. NEW YORK. June 27. Among the witnesses questioned yesterday by the police was the waiter who served the dinner to the ,iaws at the Cafe Martin Monday evening. He declared that Mrs. Thaw was very quiet during the meal; that Thaw did not meet White at the restaurant, and that White's en trance did not cause any particular ex citement, except that Mrs. Thaw was very pale. As to Thaw's conduct after the dinner the waiter said: "When I handed him his hat he literally Jerked it out of my hand, and in putting it on he crushed it down over his fore head and eyes with a crackling sound, which Indicated that it had been broken by the violence of his treatment." AW JIXTH 6MOBBIS0N OF (Continued From Page 1.) marked that he supposed Thaw had been accustomed to having a stimulant of some kind before retiring, and that he would miss it. He told the prisoner, however, that under the prison rules he could not be permitted to indulge in his habit. Thaw admitted that the physician's sur mise was correct, and he appeared grate ful when the physician told him he had left two potions for him In case he should be restless during the night and unable to sleep. However, he was strongly urged not to call for them unless he felt him self unable to do without them. This morning the medicine remained un touched, the prisoner having enjoyed a natural sleep. Seventeen letters were received in this morning's mail at the prison for Thaw. Most of them were from women. Thaw received visits from several of his attorneys during the forenoon, and also from a friend who called to learn what the prisoner needed for his Imme diate comfort. All he asked for was a change of clothing. Effort to Reach Thaw's Mother. NEW YORK, June 27. Mrs. Thaw's relatives fear that reading a public notice of her son's crime might se riously affect her, and they are anxious to send her a. message before she arrives in London. The position of the Minne apolis, on which she is a passenger, is such that no message can be relayed, as the vessel had covered about one-third of the distance to London when the shoot ing occurred. The Minneapolis was prob ably out of the range of wireless com munication from Sable Island yesterday. The only hope of getting word of the killing to Mrs. Thaw is by cable to Lon don, thence by wireless transmission from the White Star liner Majestic, which leaves Liverpool at 5 P. M. today. The Majestic should be within communicating distance of the Minneapolis on Friday. A cable message might also be sent to Southampton and put aboard the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse, which leaves that port today. If these steamers fall to pick up the Minneapolis a cable message will be sent probably to the Marconi station at Poldhu, reaching Mrs. Thaw about 15 or 20 hours before she arrives at London. The Minneapolis will be in communication with the Lizards about 11 P. M. on Saturday, and la expected to arrive in London the next day. FOLLOWS FUNERAL TO TOMBS. 9 Mrs. Thaw Finds Immense Crowd Gathered About Entrance. NEW YORK, June 27. While Thaw was still In the Criminal building, undergoing examination of the alienists, Mrs. Thaw called at the prison to see her husband. She was accompanied by Josiah C. Thaw, the prisoner's brother. They were obliged to wait in the Tombs consultation-room MASTER MODEL rlfCKfil I I UMSffl 1 A-Lti 1 'I '1' We have selected fifty secfond-hand and slightly used, pianos, every one in fine condition, which we will sell today at from one hundred to two hundred dollars each. Every piano is easily worth twice the price asked for it Every instrument is of standard make. Come in early and you will have a large number to select from STORE OPEN EVENINGS Saturday, June 30, Is the LasttDay of Our Pre-Transfer Sale. July 1st Our Successors Take Possession until the alienists permitted Thaw to re turn to the prison. The arrival of Mrs. Thaw at the prison bad been anticipated, and a crowd num bering several thousand pressed around the prison entrance when her cab arrived. An Italian funeral cortege was passing down Center street, the brass band play ing a funeral dirge, and Mrs. ThaWs cab was obliged to take its place in the long line of carriages behind the hearse. When the Tombs was reached the street was so crowded that It would have been impossible for her to alight, and a circuit of the square was made while a large force of policemen labored to clear a passageway from the street to the prison entrance for Mrs. Thaw. Mrs. Thaw was obliged to wait about half an hour before word was brought to her that her husband had returned to his cell. Both she and her brother-in-law then were subjected to search, as Is customary in the case of all visitors to the Tombs. Nothing was taken from Mrs. Thaw, but the attendants gave Jo siah Thaw a numbered check in place of a small penknife which they found in his pocket. Mrs. Thaw and her brother-in-law were then conducted to Thaw's cell on the second tier. The prisoner and his wife greeted each other affectionately. "You don't look very pert." she said, as the attendants left them alone for a long talk. Attorney Watson for Defense. PITTSBURG, June 27. It was stated here today that Attorney David T. Wat son, of this city, who reoresented the Uni ted States Government in the Northern Securities case, will likely figure large ly in the defense of Harry K. Thaw, when he is placed on trial for the kill ing of Stanford White. Mr. Watson, who is now in London, has been called to meet Mrs. William Thaw when she reaches England. DANCE J AT DORCHESTER Congressman and Mrs. Longworth the Guests of Honor. LONDON, June 27. Congressman and Mrs. Nicholas Longworth returned to London from Kiel this evening. Mr. and Mrs. Longworth were the guests of honor at another notable entertainment at Dor chester House tonight, Ambassador and Mra. Reid giving what they termed a "small dance,' but which took on the proportions of a ball at which there were several hundred guests. Will Recommend Lighter Sentence. PARIS, June 27. The Ministry of Jus tice has rendered a decision on the ap plication of Elliott F. Shepard, of New York, grandson of the late W. H. Van derbilt, to remit the term of three months' imprisonment Imposed upon him October 26 last, with a fine of $120 and J4000 damages, for running over and kill ing a girl while driving an automobile at St. Oun in April, 1905. The decision says it is Impossible to recommend that President Fallieres re mit the entire three months, but the Min istry will advise a reduction of the sen tence to six weeks. No date has been aet for beginning the Imprisonment France Faces Big Deficit. PARIS, June 27. Finance Minister Poin caire Introduced the budget In the Cham ber of Deputies yesterday, showing a con siderable deficit in consequence of the extraordinary expenditures for the mili tary preparations during the Moroccan crisis, amounting to JoO.OOO.OOO, and also $30,000,000, owing to increased expenditure resulting from internal reforms. Goluchowski May Resign. VIENNA, June 27. The persistent at tacks on Foreign Minister Goluchowski In the Hungarian delegation have led to the renewed report tonight that the Min ister will be compelled to resign In the near future and that he will be replaced by Count Mensdorft-Poullly-Dletrichstein, now Austro-Hungarian Ambassador at London. British Claims Are Settled. PARIS. June 28. The correspondent at Pekin of the Temps states that the Brit ish claims against China growing out of the rioting at Nanchang in February of this year, resulting in the death of the child of an Englishman and the destruc tion of mission buildings, have been set tled except as to formalities. Not Desirable to Publish. LONDON, June 27. In reply to a ques tion in the House of Commons tonight, whether the government would instruct the British Ambassador at St. Peters burg to investigate and report on the Jewish massacres. Foreign Secretary Grey said it would not be desirable that the government should publish such a report. Australian Bill Passes. , MELBOURNE. June 27. In the House of Representatives today the government bill "for the preservation of Australian industries and the repression of destruc tive monopolies" was passed on second reading without division after a motion for postponement had been defeated by a vote of 39 to 20. STS. U). ASK ANY MAN WHO EVER OWNED A COLUMBUS VEHICLE and he will tell you that it is the most satisfactory make to be found and also, considering value, the - cheapest A Variety of Columbus Vehicles and also other lines, on hand with . SCOTT & MUNSELL 321-329 EAST MORRISON ST. EARTH SHAKES IN WALES Chimneys Are Thrown Down Peo ple Shriek In Terror. CARDIFF, Wales, June 27. Violent earthquake shocks were felt through out South Wales at 9:45 this morning. Houses rocked and many of the cheap er ones were damaged. Hundreds of chimneys fell, occupants of dwellings were thrown to the ground and people fled from their houses, shrieking in panic, with visions of the San Fran cisco disaster before them. Though there were many narrow escapes from falling chimneys and copings, there were no casualties so far as known. Earthquake shocks were also felt at Bristol, Ilfracombe and elsewhere. They were accompanied by loud rum blings. The shocks were felt with particular severity in the collieries, wheer the men tell of terrifying experiences. While underground they were thrown about in all directions like ninepins and they all left the pits as speedily as pos sible. Another Side of the Story. PORTLAND. June 27. (To the Editor.) Heading as to the controversy between cer tain policemen of this city an the sailors from the warships recently In Portland har bor, It seems as If only one aide of the case has been given. ' i I can hardly Imagine that eight brave sail ors of Uncle Sam'a Navy should stand' as meekly as lambs and take a solid thrashing from two policemen without doing or saying anything to defend themselves. If this is the case, I would sug-geat that those bold warriors Immediately exchange their swords for plow shares and that the policemen put In appli cations for positions as soldiers of Uncle 6am. as they in time of war would be better fighters for their country than those who take-In the sights of a town until 8:30 A. M. and run like rabbits when confronted by op ponents. CHAS. O. JOHNSON. Gans to Fight Dave Holly. SEATT.LE. June 27. (Special.) Joe Gans has accepted a proposition to meet Dave Holly, the colored Philadelphlan who beat down Rufe Turner at Pleasant Beach in 20 rounds, if he is guaranteed a 3000 purse on a 60 per cent basis. The Pleasant Beach fight promoters have accepted Gans' terms, and he will be brought here for the fight, to occur durine the third week in July. Army Surgeon to Investigate. SEATTLE!. June 27. (Special.) The King County Medical Society has asked Surgeon-General O'Reilly, of the United States Army, to send a committee of san itary experts to examine the Cedar River Valley and report upon the dangers of contaminating the municipal water supply in the event the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul builds down that stream. The farmers of the Montreal and Que bec country sold J30,000.000 worth of but ter and cheese during last season. WAG GO MANN DIES ON FARM Ex-Treasurer of Catholic Unlversltj Failed for Over $4,000,000. WASHINGTON, June 27. Word has been received here that Thomas E. Waggomann, ex-treasurer of the Cath olic University, who failed for over 14,000,000 about a year ago, died today at a farmhouse near Annapolis, Md., where he had been for a number of months. The cause of death was can cer of the face. He was 69 years of age. Waggomann's failure startled this city, where hundreds of persons had placed with him various sums of money for In vestment. His art collection, which was regarded as one of the most valuable in the country, was sold at auction In New York in order partially to satisfy his cred itors. Girls Overcome by Smoke. . CHICAGO, June 27. A six-story building at 446-448 Carroll avenue, was badly damaged today and 50 girls fled from the place in a panic when the Are was discovered. Some of them were overcome by smoke, but recov ered in a short time. Antony Grlcilla was suffocated by smoke. Financial loss J56.000. No Peace Conference This Year. THE HAGUE, June 27. The Foreign Minister In the lower house of Parlia ment today formally announced that the second international peace con ference would not be held during; the present year. Vest or Trousers Free With every suit costing $22.50 or more we will make you an extra pair of Trousers to measure or a Fancy Vest free. SUITS TO MEASURE $17.50 to $40 ELKS' BUILDING SEVENTH AND STARK STS. (