Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1881-11-30
A Deplorable Matter.

The GLOBE has studiously rsfrained from
giving currency to, or even mentioning the
mental condition of Mr.. Wheelock of the Pr
oeeer Press, though reports of moro or less
exaggerated character have been ahoat for q
year past. It regrets to see the Red Wing
Republican and the Eusstsg Dispateh ami
madvert upon the subject, evidently for parti.
san purposes. The dethroning of the reason
or loss Of intellect, are too deplorable matters
to be used for party ends, and
We are sure that Mr.. Wheelock
has no enemy SO bitter as not to deeply regret
his affection, and indulge in the hope, even
though it may be vain, Of his recovery. As
the papers in question have made this matter
public, it is but just to correctly state the
facts.
Something over year ago Mr.. Wheelock
had an attack of typhoid fever which left hi m
in q very low condition. While he gave
signs of m entA alteration during his illness,
upon his physical recovery the
physicians discovered with alarm that
his mind was practically gone and
softening of the brain was apparently inevita-
BILE. A change OF scene and absolute mental
rest was peremptorily ordered and he was in
dnced to start for Europe. Reaching New
York, his mental disorder increased, and be.
coming possessed of The hallucination that an
attempt was being made to place him upon
British soil in or Ter TO infict some punish.
ment for his having renounced his ALE
glance to the Queen, when he became
naturalized in this country, he absolutely re-
fused to proceed further, and after . time
insisted upon returning home. Without his
being aware of the fact, his friends inaugu-
rated delicate system of espionage, which
has been ever since maintained, to guard
against any disaster to him personally.
Repeated efforts were made to have
him permanently retire from the paper,
but these we'll intended attempts aroused
his suspicious AMI made him Insist upon re-
naming in charge. The srratic and violent
course Of the paper during the past year has
been the result of his condition. The GLOBE
has charitably refrained from many criticisms
which almost seemed to be demanded, owing
to the fact of Mr.. Wbeelock's unfortunate
condition. A few days ago he was induced to
visit Washington on the plea of witnessing
the opening Of Congress and is now In that
city. As an excuse to keep him from further
attempted mental labor, Senator Window has
been urged to secure him some nominal for
eign appointment, and II this scheme il sue
cessful it Is possible he may never
return TO st. Paul. Absolute mental
rest and travel are imperatively insisted on
by his physicians to stay the progress of the
disease, which it is conceded cannot be cured
but only held in check. His physical condi-
ton having been impaired during his early
and nomadic life in Minnesota, he has but
little to build upon and hence tho anxiety of
his friends.
The course Of the Dispatch, in apparently
gloatlng over the obliterstion OF brilliant
intellect, finds no favor in this community.
Those who are personally unfriendly to Mr..
Wheelock have no desire to see him victim Of
such calamity, and will deeply deplore the
affection which has overtsken him. In tho
case Of Horace Greeley, which was very SINH
lar, 1t was found essential to forcibly prevent
his further discharge of editorial work, and
the shock was so great that he did not long
survive. A milder policy is being adopted in
the present unfortunate case, and while Mr..
Wheelock's editorial career is probably prac.
tically ended, there il yet hope that his life
may be prolonged.