The Morning Astorian

THAW IN AN AWFUL HOLE

Prisoner's Chief Counsel Admits Yesterday TO SEE MOTHER TODAY

Murderer Will Greet Mother For the First Time Since Tragedy.

A STATEMENT MAY BE MADE

Mr. and Mrs. Thaw Will Probably Make Statement to Newspapers Regarding Early Life-Trial May Be Postponed.

NEW YORK, July 15.-Mrs. William Thaw, prohibited today by the prison rules from visiting her son, Harry Thaw, announced that she would see him tomorrow. It will be the first meeting of mother and son since the tragedy. There was a consultation today at the elder Mrs. Thaw's apartments at the Lorraine at which Clifford W. Hartridge, who has been the chief counsel to the prisoner since the latter's unexpected dismissal of the law firm of Black, Olcott, Gruber and Bonynge, was present. What transpired is not known, but in speaking of the case today Hartridge said that while he realized Thaw was in an "awful hole," he did not believe a jury would convict him of anything Previous to making this statement Hartridge explained that for years he had been the personal and even intimate friend of Thaw, and it was as such that he was originally called into the case. As to his reasons leading up to the decision on the part of Thaw to dispense with the services of Black, Olcott, Gruber and Bonynge, Hartridge said he could not speak at this time. He said: Judge Olcott is a personal and professional friend of mine and it would not be fair to him to talk about that phase of the case until I have an interview with Judge Olcott. Hartridge declared he wanted a full and frank understanding with the newspapermen with a view that no stories detrimental to either side got into print and be credited to Thaw's counsel. From a suggestion made by Hartridge it is evident that both Thaw and his wife are anxious to make some kind of a statement for the newspapers to be published after being passed on by Thaw's counsel. It is known that both Mr. and Mrs. Thaw desire to speak on several subjects, relating in the main to their early life and family relations, but their lips have been sealed by their counsel. Hartridge declared he would give a hint as to the line of the defense, saying it would be in the months of November or December, before the case came to trial.