The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1879-08-23
A CURIOUS PREsESTrMENT.
THE SINGULAR EXPERIENCE THAT BEFEL ST.
LOUIS MAN In EUROPE.
[st. Louis Republican.

[St. Louis Republican,
A few years ago there resided in st. Louis
two brothers-both now deceased-whose
names were and are "as familiar as household
words in this community. Partners in
large and successful business, which had
brought them an ample fortune, they were
bound together by the closest ties of affection;
and their fraternal love was not the least re-
markable feature of characters universally
respected and admired. At the time of which
we speak, the elder was in the enjoyment of
perfect health, while the younger felt the me-
cessity of the rest and recreation afforded by
a trip to Europe. He was fortunate enough
to secure the company of well known citi-
zen, to whom we are indebted for the follow
ingtfacts: They had travelled leisurely through
q portion of the continent and reached the
little village of Chamouni in Switzerland
where they expected to remain a few days
and then continue their journey. Returning
to the hotel at night, af:er an excursion to
the ice fields around Mont Blanc. our in
formaht. whom we will call Mr.. D.,
said to his companion well, E., let
as lay out our plans for tomorrow, so
that we can start right after breakfast
and do what we have to do comfortably"
E., contrary to his usual custom, manifested
no interest in the programme of pleasure,
and intimated that be was abou eady to go
home. D. expressed his surprise at this
sudden change of mind, but told him that
spirits and restore the enthusiasm which had
SO Unexpectedly evaporated. The other did
not think SO, but was willing to retire early
and try the experiment. Next morning E.
ann9unced his intention of returning to
America as soon as possible. Profoundly as
tonished at this resolve, D-inquired the rea-
son. a am" said his friend. impressed
with the idea that my brother is iil, very i'll,
and must 60 to him at once" In vain was
he reminded that the las, letters received
from home justified no such superstition
that the brother was then well, and that there
was absolutely no ground for believing his
health impaired in the least. E. admitted
the force OF the argument, but was not con-
vinced. He declared that something told
him his brother was seriously indisposed
that the impression came upon him the day
before and had deepened ever since, and that
be must and would go home. Finding
bis purpose Interchangeable, D. of course
they were homeward bound Arriving In
New York E- found letters informing him
that his brother had been smitten by tue dis
ease which finally ended his life. We think
a comparison of dates showed that the fatal
attack came on the very day E. had the
presentimeDt IN Chamouni 5000 miles away.
lt is hardly necessary to say that such
of this branch OF the so-calfed .supsrnat-
ural" are full Of cases apparently as well au-
thenticated as the one we have given. UsH.
ally. however, the presentiment is conveyed |
in dream or in the wakeful hours of night.
In this instance It appears to have come
when all the senses were awake and active.
and amid scenes extremely unfayorable to
the operations Of morbid fancy. Moreover
E- was practical common ssnse man of the |
world, sound in mind and body, and II any
thing deficient in imaginative power. The |
presentiment vas literally driven into him.
plete. He probably would have been the |
first TO laugh at such an idea In another per- |
sou. and evidently received il himself under |
stoutest protest.