Page:The Great Harry Thaw Case.djvu/223

 eyes of the men whose decision as to his mental capacity was of such vital import to him.

Thaw appeared to be in excellent spirits and sat unflinchingly under the steady gaze they turned upon him. In the big courtroom there were only the newspaper reporters and three of the prisoner's family—his wife, Evelyn Nesbit Thaw, who has never missed an opportunity to be near him since he was placed on trial; and his two brothers, Edward and Josiah Thaw. Mrs. Thaw sat between the brothers.

After the session had formally been opened by the reading of the court's order, Clifford W. Hartridge, acting as counsel of record for Thaw, arose and stated to the commission that his client was ready at any time to submit to such examination as the commission desired. His only request was that the hearing should be private.

"Being a prisoner on trial for his life," said Mr. Hartridge, "he feels he should be protected as far as possible in this matter."

Chairman McClure then announced that whatever examination of Thaw the commission might decide upon would be held behind closed doors.

District Attorney Jerome protested. He remarked that if the commissioners resolved themselves into a body of medical examiners and undertook a physical examination of the defendant in private, he would not attend such an examination.