Surnames: Luchterhand, Schein, Paul, Washburne, Lorenz, Green, Wahl

----Source: COLBY PHONOGRAPH (Clark County, Wis.) 06/16/1932

Frameup, Says I.L.D. Protest

Elmer Luchterhand, a Colby boy attending University at Madison, was committed to the state hospital at Mendota after being arrested at Madison when leading a Communist demonstration near the courthouse.

Superior Judge S. B. Schein ordered the commitment after Drs. Francis Paul and Annette C. Washburne decided the young man is insane.

Protest against the alleged "frame up" against Luchterhand was voiced in a statement issued Monday by the Madison branch of the International Labor Defense. That organization announced it would bring one of its attorneys to Madison to fight for the communist's release, according to the Capital Times, Madison, which paper prints:

The I.L.D. statement charged that Luchterhand was imprisoned a subterfuge "to suppress any working class protest."

The I.L.D. is contemplating seeking a jury trial for Luchterhand on the insanity question, and asking Dr. William F. Lorenz to give him a new, mental test.

Following are extracts from the report of the psychiatrists who examined Luchterhand:

"Under strong nervous-tension; antagonistic, delusions of persecution, fanatical in regard to political ideas; bent to overthrow the present bourgois social order in favor of Communism.

"Forcing his own ideas of relief measures upon legal authorities; disregarding city ordinance despite official warning.

"He believes that he is superior in ability in understanding social problems and their solution, and nothing can change these ideas.

"In our opinion, the patient has the following dangerous tendencies: Using forceful and criminal means in trying to achieve his political and social aims."

In the questioning of Luchterhand, it was reported that the young man admitted the writing of a note containing a veiled threat against Max Wahl, county relief committee chairman, was a "plot," but Luchterhand refused to reveal the nature of the plot.

Following is the statement released today by the International Labor Defense, Madison branch:

"A very peaceful meeting protesting forced labor in Madison was held before the Dane County courthouse. Immediately Elmer Luchterhand and two other workers were mobbed by the police and arrested on the trumped-up charge obstructing the *** Note: The rest of the article was cut off.

----Source: COLBY PHONOGRAPH (Clark County, Wis.) 06/23/1932

Elmer Luchterhand Ordered Released by Judge

Elmer Luchterhand, Colby boy who was recently committed to the state hospital for the insane at Mendota, was ordered released by Superior Judge S. B. Schein after Dr. M. K. Green, hospital superintendent, and another alienist said the youth is highly nervous and emotional and has a "psychopathic personality" but is not insane.

The youth was sent to the hospital shortly after his arrest for obstructing a sidewalk and disorderly conduct during a street meeting in protest against the county relief system.

A note suggesting that Max Wahl, chairman of the county welfare committee leave town was found in Luchterhand's possession. That led Judge Schein to order a mental examination for him. Drs. Francis Paul and Annette Washburne reported him insane. He was sent to the hospital for observation and treatment.