The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1844-07-07
Charleston.
Correspondence of the Herald ]

CHARLESTON, July LIST, 1874.
Changes in the city, and its CiviliSation-Ihe
Murder of Lyons agaim-M esmerism and Hum
bug, SC.
SlR-Our city has heretofore been proverbial for
its languid and unvarying monotony, rather than
for any great variety of incident; Of late it has,
however, undergone most remarkable change in
that particular. insomuch that were one of its in
habitants for the last five years, compare 1t now
with what it was. he would be somewhat startled
by the contrast, If he did not actually entertain
momentary doubt OF its identity. The great fire Of
1888, which left SO large waste where now ha-
citations spring up as by. enchantment, has not
more changed1ts outward form, than recent occur
rences have the moral character of its population.
But yesterday, and it was place where every thing
around suggested only images OF quiet and repose
assassinations, suicides, robberes, brawls and
even eopements, are familiar things, with which
the public appetite is daily fed, even to safety.
From amid scenes SO fertile in incidents, an occa-
slonal communication, should the present writer
be deemed one whose lucubrations are worthy oil
place in your journal, may possibly interest its
readers, perhaps even subserve some better and
more useful purpose.
The excitement consequent on the murder of
Lyons has partially subsidized and with it the suspi
cion only ridiculous, if it had notibeen propagated
SO extensively as to become cruel and unjust, that
his friends the perpetrators OF that atroclty
This suspicion it is believed. originated in indivi-
sence Of any one on whom the public mind, in its
excited condition, could with any thing like an ap-
proach to Eauslblity, faeten the accusation.
Whilst on this subject permit me to mention for the
enlightenment of the world at large, but more espe-
clAlly that portion Of it which coaposes the medi.
cal faculty and the police, new theory in the art
OF discovering crimes, which, perhaps, those Of
your city may turn TO better account than the
learncdThebans who have for the first time orgina-
ted 1t here. Should it ever become of practical APP
picaton, it will form new epoch in the history Of
human discovery. The name Of its inventors will
live in the pantheon Of history when that of Cali.
leo Is forgotten.
Il is said that several wise men, disciples of the
school of Mesmerism, undertook to apply this new
within whamn manner worthy of an age OF witch
craft. A female was selected and put under the
mesmerlc sleep with view that she should ehold
and proclaim to the world the murderer Of Lyons.
Ancient tradition furnishes nothing Of the incanta-
tons OF the Thessalian wizard which equals the
pOrtentOus revelations made on this occasion.
With astounding accuracy. she pointed to the true
author of the deed-described him infinitely even
to his very beard and breeches. (She must have
been something OF a sentmentalist) Not salts
fled even with this, she beheld den where he
was to be found, surrounded by the bood-stained
spoil torn from the victim: The officers Of jus ice
were immediatelyin requsltion-already the felon
was IN Imagination within their grasp-vlslons Of
rewards hoated before their minds. They repaired
to the spot big with hopes of discovery. There
must have been some error in the experimenting
trace OF the murderer or the spoils was found
In the meantime, men Of sober reflection and dis
passionate judgment are at a loss To which OF the
actors In this most striking and Interesting drama,
to accord the lotiest tribute of admiration-the he
roes or the herolne-thOse who dared TO palm on
the credulity OF society an imposture SO infamous
and insulting, or she who submitted to be the pas
sve instrument in l,s accemplishment-ihe learned
quacks who played the part OF scientific blunderers
or the wierd sister who became lying prophecies