Evening Republican, Volume 14, Number 232, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 September 1910 — Alienists Pronounce “Shorty” Adams Hopelessly Insane. [ARTICLE]

Alienists Pronounce “Shorty” Adams Hopelessly Insane.

Dr. William H. Bohart, chief surgeon of the Chicago & Eastern Illinois railroad, accompanied by two other expert alienists from Chicago, one being Dr. J. F. Hultgen, came to Rensselaer Wednesday and in company with the local physician held an expert examination' of Leonard Adams, the unfortunate young man who is confined in the padded cell at the county jail. The examination was made by direction of the railroad to protect itself against any possible suit for damages that might result from the injury he received by a blow on the head a short time before he became insane. They took some time in the examination and arrived at a conclusion that the insanity was apt to be permanent, although he might have occasional sane periods that would perhaps last for a month or more. They stated that he was insane as the result of dissipation and a wasting of the brain matter through bad habits. Dr. Bohart said that he had attended Adams in the hospital after and that he was not seriously hurt. He was discharged from the hospital and directed to report back for work. The following day he was found in a saloon in Danville, 111., in an insane condition. He was then brought here. The doctors claimed that the nature of his injury could have nothing to do with his mental condition, but they also stated that he was not Intoxicated when found, but had apparently sought refuge in the saloon. Adams has been cared for by Harry Wiltshire, who makes several trips a day to the jail. He eats but lightly and is quite thin. He has not been shaved since he was taken to the jail two weeks ago and presents a frightful spectacle as he stares at one through the little door at the cell. He recognizes acquaintances but immediately lapses into mental abberation. His attendant observed that he had two spoons this morning which he had kept when fed. He took the spoons out of his trouser leg and pounded them together. He gave one up with reluctance but when the other was demanded, he said: “Jesus says wait.” He did not give it up, however, and no further effort was made to get it. The doctors agreed that he should be taken to the asylum as soon as arrangements for his admission can be made.