The New York herald., 1879-09-25
SIX DAYS ASLEEP.

FARM LABoRER REMAINS UNCONSCIOUS FOR
NIT SUICIDE?
For seven days past the residents of the farming
village OF Canarsie L. l.. have been much exercised
over the condition of Bernard Musterman. farm
laboror who went to Sleep" as the villagers termed
his condition. on Wednesday. September II. and re-
mained in that state until two O'Clock
on Tuesday morning last. when he expired.
The deceased, who was native of Germany. was
about thirty years of age. and to this country
two years ago. He said he ran away from homo to
avoid military duty. In doing so he said he had
sacrificed his claim to some money. he could not
90 back again to collect it without making himself
liable to arrest He obtained as laborer
on the farm OF Mr.. Richard l.. Baisley Collector Of
Taxes OF the town of Flatland lie was rather
and distant in his manner and appeared to have
some great trouble on his mind. Several times lie
was heard to say that he did not want to live any
longer NO particular attention, however, was paid
by his village companions to his despondng remarks
which they attributed to his drinking propensities
Though he was wont to pass his evenings visiting
the Canarsie barrooms and indulgn his taste for
whiskoy ho was always up With the lark in the
mornings and attending to his duties on the farm
In the summer Barney made his bed III the
upper part OF the barn. which is but short distance
the house. In the winter he changed his quar-
to the domicc. where he always kindly
treated by Mr.. and Mrs. Baisley. On Wednesday
eleven o'clock. Mrs. Baisley heard him 20 to tho
larder and get something 20 eat alter which he
out. That was the last time he was ever his
feet. He went to the barn to his sleeping quarters,
it is supposed after leaving the house, and, falling
put in appearance ut the breakfast table,
seuger sent to the barn to ascertain the cause
OF his absence. The was unable to
arouse him. aud supposed he was sleeping OIL
the effects of the preceding nights debauch. On
Thursday morning Musterin4n was found in the
same condition. and though the long sleep
garded as something beyond ordinary experience,
stin no raala falt Rnf Nhat,O IN
Friday morning Mr. Baisiey WAS informed that there
was no change in the mans condition he became
ccedindy anxious, and sent III the forenoon OF that
day for DR.. W. II. Bowlsby. of East New York.
DR. BowIsBY's STATEMENT
reporter OF the HERALD cal ed on that ply sician
last evening, ut his Residences in Wyckof avenue.
and the Doctor, who stands high in reputation
among his professional brethren. made statement
OF his connection with the case, i'll which he said -
II went to see the deceased, ut the request OF Mr.
Baisley, on Friday afternoon, and found him lying
in u comatose condition, and from the symptoms
Judged that he was rade, the Influence OF an opiate
All the symptoms to me seemed to point to
opium poisoning The pupil OF the eye was con-
tracted the pulse regular the respiration regular
anu the skin perspiring. My opinion is now, rs 1t
was them that the man took overdose OF
phine for the purpose of committing suicide. I
administered antidotes to opium ana ordered beef
ten stimulant. also ordered thorough injec-
tions. which latter. I understand. were not made.
When found him there was evidence OF his having
vomited some hours before l saw him.
MIR. Baislcy, who acted very humaney toward
him, caused his removal to the house,
where he carefully watched. On Saturday, when
again saw him, his condition unchanged aud
he had the same pulse, sixty. Ho able to
his limbs slightly put was still unconscious. There
was o slight color IL his cheek. On Sunday morn
ing, when I again called told him to put his
that he was conscious then. He put out his
tongue readily as any man could when told
him. In the afternoon he again showed signs Of In
teligcnce by showing his tongue when told him to
do But that was the only sign OF recognition
he gave. night or day, up to the time OF
his death. On Monday night he began to show
slight symptoms Of paralysis of the right side. I
think the antidotes which gave him tided him over
until Monday. DIR. Ingraham, of Flatbush, was then
called to him by Mr.. Basley, who said he meant
simply to have . consultation. I then withdrew
from further attendance. The patient continued IN
when he died."
DR.. Ingraham was out when q reporter called.