This closed the direct examination, and Mr. Delmas then read a letter from Harry Thaw to Anthony Comstock, the foe of vice in New York. In it Thaw described the studio in the Madison Square tower, and said it was filled with obscene pictures, and should be raided. He also described the studio at 22 West Twenty-fourth street, which he said was “consecrated to debauchery” and was used by “a gang of rich criminals.” He described the studio and said in it there were many indecent pictures.
In this building, the letter said, were the famous red velvet swing and the mirrored bedroom. He inclosed a sketch of the arrangements of the rooms. “Workmen on the outside of the building,” says the letter, “have frequently heard the screams of young girls from this building.”
The letter continued that the place was run by “rich criminals,” but was frequently visited by young men who did not know its character. The letter said that the place had been partly dismantled three years ago.
The letter called attention to still another house, saying:
“You may also abolish another place at 122 East Twenty-second street--a house used secretly by three or four of the same scoundrels.
Mr. Delmas then asked permission to recall Mrs. Thaw for one more question--a startling one. Mrs. Thaw blushed violently and said in reply that White was a monster given to such practices that they would not bear repetition.
Evelyn Thaw, when first she told her story of alleged wrongs at the hand of the dead architect, did not falter in details as to the approximate time and circumstances.
“Counsel for the defense,” said the attorney, in speaking of the progress, “are greatly pleased with Mrs. Thaw and her testimony. What pleases us most is that she followed the instructions given her, which were that she should tell the truth, no matter what question was asked her. We told her she was not to consider the effect upon herself or the defendant, but to tell the truth bluntly and without consideration of the consequences.”
MRS. CAINE TELLS HOW HARRY THAW OFFERED EVELYN’S MOTHER A VAST AMOUNT OF CASH FOR HER HAND--EVELYN RECALLED TO THE STAND--TELLS OF POSING IN STUDIOS--ANOTHER DAY OF TORTURE--THE VISIT TO THE “DEAD RAT”--MRS. THAW IN TEARS--HUSBAND WEEPS WHEN SHE IS FORCED TO TELL HOW SHE WAS FOUND BY A VISITOR TO WHITE’S STUDIO--ADMITS SHE VISITED HIM OFTEN AFTER THE “MIRRORED STUDIO” INCIDENT--ALMOST FAINTS ON STAND--HUSBAND IN TEARS--EVELYN IN DELIRIUM AFTER THE ORDEAL.