New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-18
HENRY PRgNT1OpS INSANITY.
ANGRY AT HIS IMPRISONMENT.
FORCED BY HIS FRIENDS TO REST FROM WORK.
RUMoRs OF A HIDDEN MOTIVE DENIED.

FORCED BY HIS FRIENDS TO REST FROM WORK
RUMoRs OF HIDDEN MOTIVE DENIED.
The confinement Of Henry Prentice In lunatc
asylum was not unexpected by those who had watched
him closely for the last year. He had suffered from
mental alteration on several occasions and tho
slightest excitement was enough to unhinge bis reason
That he is seriously affected his friends do not believe
and they look to see him again on tho hoor OF tho
Stock Exchange In few months. William 5. r.
Prentice, a member Of the firm of W. c. Sheldon &
Co., who is brother, said:
Henry has overworked himself and as soon as
he has recovered from the strain he will be back at
work He has taken vacation for several years
and was ono Of those who regretted that tho
board closed at 3 o'clock think he would have
worked ali light II he had had the chance IL IS not
true that my brother was ever before placed In an
asylum. / have noticed that Henry had become more
easily exctable lately, but did not realize how SICK
no really was. His wife did realize his serious con-
dltion and 1t by her advice that he was finally
placed under restraint The suggestion that his con-
dnemcnt was the result OF conspiracy is too absurd
to merit contradiction My brothers nervous system
was completely shattered and perhaps he was threat
ened with paralysis but he was so eager to attend 10
business that he was unwilling to take even Few
days rest II became necessary to enforce the quiet
and rest which he would not voluntarily take l
have no doubt that he Will be back again. refreshed
somewhat into his business affairs and find them In
good shape His eccenricltes did not lead him into
rash ventures
Mr. Prentice was never interested in the firm OF
Henry Clcws Co., although he has done great ueaI
Of business for It, Some recent expressions OF his
led to the impression that at time he had had an
interest In the firm. Tho uteranccs are consiaend
to be a partial proof Of his insanity.
The people OF Summit, " j. where Mr. Prentices
home IS are busily discussing the case Mr.. Prentice
was taken to the Morris Plains Insane Asylum Satur-
day night, on the affidavit of Drs ". H. Ruck ana
j. D. Burllng that he was insane lie was not com
mitted by magistrate, and It is declared by many that
his incarceration is irregular and unlawful.
Mr. Prentice was taken in peculiar way. Dr.
Buring and Policeman Kelly entered the house and
told him that he had been adiudgcd insane and they
had come to take him to the asylum. He was utterly
astonlshed and could not speak at first He promptly
paid off DR.. Burling and discharged him from further
services He made strenuous efforts to compel his
visitors leave the house, but they were sustained
by the Messrs. John and Clarence Barr, with whom
Mr. Prentice had been dining. Finally be gave up,
and summonlng his carriage was driven to the insane
asylum, attended by Officer Kelly and the Messrs.
Barr The two doctors followed in another carriage.
Mrs. Prentice made the complaint and the request
that her husband be placed in the asylum she was
not at home when he was taken. On saturday morn
ing she and her husband accompanied by Miss Nesmith
and three children took tho train for New-forA, rom
whence Mrs Prentice went to Wilberham, Mass, to
spend the summer with her parents. These facts and
the additional fact that the Messrs Barr were present
when Mr.. Prentice taken have given rise to no
end Of gossip 1t has been broadly hinted that for
some hidden purpose Mr.. Prentice was confined In the
asylum.
Dr. Burling, who was seen by reporter yesterday,
said: do not think Mr. Prentice Is incuraby insane.
think that with few months entire rest in the
asylum, where his mind Will be entirely free from
business cares he Will entirely recover his health and
reason No one has been to see me to-day regarding
the case and know OF no effort being made to secre
HE Immediate release Mr. Prentice IS resting
quietly In the insane asylum He talks nationally ana
appears to regard his incarceration an outrage Inc
Authorities at the asylum are reticent and VIII not
talk about the matter.