James G. Flanders,
Attorney for Schrank.
"Bear in mind, gentlemen, that your appointment has not been suggested by either counsel for the state or for the defendant, or by any other party or, source directly or indirectly interested in this inquisition. You are the court's commission, and you must enter upon your duties free from any bias or prejudice, if any there be. You should assume your duties, and I know you will, with the highest motives in seeking the truth, and then pronounce your judgment without regard to the effect it may have upon the state or upon the defendant; in other words, in your inquiry and deliberation you are placed on the same plane as the judge.
"If any person seeks to influence you or talks to you as a commission, or to any member of the commission, who is not duly requested to appear before you, report him to the court so that an order to show cause why he should not be punished for contempt may issue.
"If there be any witnesses you desire, the court will command their attendance. The court will grant you the services of a phonographic reporter so that everything that is said and done may appear of record.
"This commission may now retire, select a moderator and proceed with the inquiry.
"Now, gentlemen, perform your duties fairly and impartially and render such findings to the court as your consciences and your judgments approve.
"The question for your determination is, 'Is the defendant John Schrank sane or insane at the present time?'"
Editorial comment from three newspapers is herewith presented as showing the general trend of comment on the course followed by Judge Backus: