The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-29
THE DEATH OFREV. DIR. SLOSS
A Letter Fully Explaining the Sad Cir
cumstances of His Demise.
His Mind Disordered by the Agonies of an
Incurable DiseaSe-Death the Result of
Excessive Indulgence in Opiates.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
GREENsBURa, Ind, Sept. 28-The following
letter was received this evening by the session
of the Presbyterian Church from Rev. John N.
Freeman, pastor Of Emmanuel Presbyterian
Church, of Milwaukee:
MILWAUKEE, Wis, Sept. 25.
Dear Brethren-In view of the recent death in this
city of your pastor Rev. Robert Sloss ID. D., under
circumstances of peculiar sadness, it fitting
his case write under the % Of Broth
erhood and in the interests of what believe to be
truth and justice. hope thus, in at least
to relieve the minds of Mr. Soss's kindred and people
ments which have gained currency through the daily
press When the first notice of the case appeared in
speakably grieved and shocked. Years
ago in seminary fellowship had known and highly
esteemed Mr.. Sloss Though lives since
then had lain widely apart, had often reioiced to
learn OF his increasing power and success preach
and pastor. In spite of the deplorable circum-
stances attending his fatal illness here could be-
press were correct. at once undertook thorough
inquiry into all the discoverable facts of the case
Without entering into needless details may say that
the result to confirm my original impressions.
found abundant proof that my friend had fallen VIC
tim to dsordered mind caused by the agonies of an
ncurabe disease. and leading to an excessive udulg
in opiates which he had been won't to to re-
leve intolerable pain.
1t that he arrived here Sept T. and letters
and railroad tickets found among his effects show
that he was on his way to Waukesha, Wis. to
test more fully the benefits of medicinal
waters there All the facts which have come to light
deepen the conviction that he not fully master of
himself when he reached the city, and that unknown
to anyone he grew daily worse until he sunk into the
stupor from which he was never fully aroused. Had
presence here, would gladly have done all could to
spare him and his friends from the grief and pain of
sucl illness and death. 1t may be comfort
however for you to know that he was cared for as
Z N hOurs and at
his body reverenty prepared for burial if he
had died among friends who had long known and
morning at 10 o'clock. 1t was attended by number
of influential and devoted Christian people,
striving in this way to grid and comfort the
to claim his body. 1t seemed q strange
Providence that should perform this last service for
Q former classmate and valued friend yet am thank
ministering to his necessities in correcting painful
and needless misconceptions and in giving comfort to
tho hearts which that they shall see his face
40 more"
While therefore, dear brethren you deeply deplore
the mysterious circumstances of the case, crate
full for the privilege Of assuring you that nothing has
transpred here to shake my faith in the personal in
tegrity of 1.-THE man of God" whom you honored and
loved. May the Lord who knows and pities ALL deal
and even out of it bring to my brothers kindred and
people of the precious fruits OF the spirit for
which am he longed and labored incose here.
s na sf sStors cut from from the
Wisconsin, of yesterday. the other is statement
from the Sentinel of this morning. Both clearly
show that radical change has come to public senti
ment here since the real facts of the have be-
come known. You are free to the clippings. as
well as this letter, in any which will best
promote the interests of truth perpetuate the good
of my friend and your pastor, and to as
suage the pain which has been needlessly caused by
hasty and rrepressibe criticisms. Fraernally yours
j. N. FREEMAN,
Pastor Emmanuel Presbyterian Church.
The editorial clipping referred to is as follows:
The deporable of the reputable Indiana clergy
who lately died in this city and who widely
reported debauchee of the worst type. whose
reckless dissipation had caused his DEATH ought to
have the effect to call nalt in the style of sensational
reporting which deals with personal reputation as
thoughtlessy and careiessy as though it were old
junk There is evidence whatever that this dead
clergyman was adrunkard. alleged, but all informa
ton obtainable goes to prove that he sufferer
from acute disease who in the derium of agony and
doubtless unintentonaly, over-dosed himself with
opiates. A possession like mans reputation
which takes long years to build up ought not to be
blacS ened in instant by hastily prepared para
graph but matter of fact just that thing is far
too often done.
The other article referred to was copied in
c.. u