Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1882-09-06
A~TEMpERAEcE LECTURE.
Wealthy Citizen of Cleveland In,
sane From Excessive Indulgence
in Strong Drink.
An UngOvernabIe Appetite Desc
lates a Happy Home.

~AANAAA8A OQWmeTClAla
CLEVELAND, o., September g.
Yesterday the Seventh Precinct Po.
lice Station, in this city, had in custo.
dy an unusual kind Of a guest. Looked
up IN one Of the diney cells was a mar
who has been accustomed to only The
very costliest accommodations that
money could provide. 1t was n6 less
an individual than Mr.. Alfred P. Cir.
~, occupant of a magnificent stone
residence at No. 367 Prospect street,
Inquiry revealed the fact that Mr..
Girty had been consigned temporarily
with the officers in charge of the Pre-.
clnct Station on the ground of insaui.
Y. At the Probate office it was found
that 2 certificate Of insanity had been
hled by DR.. George G. Ashman, ply
siclan; who had been called to exam.
Inc Mr.. Girty with reference to his
mental condition. In this paper il was
set forth that the dement, Of this
wealthy man had been brought on bv
dissipation, 1t seems that his taste
for strong drink is almost, if not quite
irresistible with him. His is one of
those cases in which long continued
indulgence has SO weakened .he will
power that when temptation comes 60
crafty the craving, the victim is now
erless to say no with emphasis and
persistence. That be has sought fire..
9uently and earnestly to correct his
life Is affirmed in the written state
ment, but it also adds that his efforts
have been unsuccessful. At times.
when this great and lamentable weak,
ness has seemed to triumph over every
better impulse, his friends have re-.
moved him from the reach of tempta-
ton by placing him in an inebriate
and he has even consented
to this course himself on occasions
when he has been impressed with the
TACT that destruction stared him in the
face but when he was again released
the old appetite returned, and be soon
became worse than before. Oflate. Il
said, he has been drinking heavily.
but has managed to keep his degrade
Ion comparatively unobstrusiye by
remaining under his own roof at the
anne when he was under the influence
About six weeks ago, he begsn to
show the first symptoms Of the INSANITY
Tor which he has now been arrested
The manner in which his malady man.
tests itself is in imagining that any.
hing which he himself does is correct
and permissible, but that Others vino
may seek to restrain his excuses are IN
league to injure him. He even dis.
trusts those whom be has held In the
highest esteem heretofore; and in
whom he was wont TO place confidence.
Not untrequently be has behaved in a
manner which has alarmed his wife
ma trends. Pistol shots have been
heard In his room for which no expla-
nation could be given. AS these man
iiestatlons have increased rather than
otherwise, it has been deemed wise Ia
place him where he will not endanger
he lives Of Others.
Inc paper concludes with the
.ormal statement that the PATIENTS
mind was doubtless unbalanced
through the effects Of alcoholism, and
more definitely by distraction attend
ng the efforts at reform which were
made. wy
MIS-. Girty is described by all as a
ady OF singular refinement of heart
md mind, and her distress at this trial
been very great.
Later in the day Judge Tilden Wis.
ted the Seventh Precinct and in.
Tor ed the decision of DIR. Ashman.
Ar. Girty was then taken to the in
iane asylum 10 Newburg, where he
Will be retained until his painful
is cured.
The mansion on Prospect street.
where Mr.. Girty has lived, together
With his wife and child, is the hand
,omest and most elaborate in the CITY.
The carpets and much OF the furniture
we're imported; and all the appoints
nents are said to be indescribably
Mr.. Girty was for a time connected
with the Standard Oil Company, and
bis father, who lives in New York. is
still a powerful member of that organ