Rensselaer Republican, Volume 19, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 May 1887 — The Case of Rev. J. H. Siddall. [ARTICLE]

The Case of Rev. J. H. Siddall.

The Rev. J. H. Siddall, late of Kentland, is now in jail at this place, and will be tried at the June term of the circuit court, his case having been sent here on change of venue. While there is no question as to his having committed the abhorrent and unmentionable things that are charged against him, nor of the baneful effects his offenses will have upon his many victims, there is a question as to his legal and moral responsibility for his acts. It is scarcely conceivable that a man of his position and attainments could descend to such unutterable depravity except through abberation of his mental faculties. But the question of his mental condition will, of ccnirse, be fully investigated at his approaching trial, and if proved to have been insane when his offenses were committed he should be treated accordingly, and if the contrary condition of mind is shown he should receive a punishment commensurate, as far as may be, with the evil results of his crime.