Page:The Great Harry Thaw Case.djvu/222

 Peter B. Olney, formerly district attorney of New York county, was a member with William C. Whitney of the commission appointed in 1879 to revise the laws of the state affecting public interests in New York city. He was a graduate of Harvard.

Dr. Leopold Putzel, the third member of the commission, was a graduate of Bellevue Hospital Medical School and had a long experience in that institution. He qualified before the State Medical Board as examiner in lunacy.

A surprise was ahead, however, for former Justice O'Brien declined to serve as a member of the board, after he had been sworn in. He gave ill-health as a reason. Attorney David McClure, a well-known reform worker in New York, was appointed to fill the vacancy.

When the commission was finally in court together Harry Thaw was brought in and found all the members of his family awaiting him. He looked exceedingly well, and smiled a greeting to his wife, mother, sisters and brothers.

The commission began its hearings at once. At the end of the session, which was held behind closed doors, Attorney Peabody for Thaw announced:

"We are perfectly satisfied."

Hardly had the commission seated themselves when Thaw appeared. He was directed to a chair within the inner counsel rail and sat directly beneath the