The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-06-02
A MANAGES KEEPER.
Thrilling Experiences of a Rail.
way Journey.
Difficulties Encountered by a Young Man
Who Acted as Escort to a Woman Insane
From the Use of Morphine.

There arrived in this city by the South
ern overland train last night a young man
named W. II. Yarnell. BE had in charge
an insane woman whom he stated was Mrs.
T. j. Compton of Potter Valley, Mend0-
cino County.
The young man had brought her all the
way from Searcy, Arks., and the trip across
the continent was one he will never forget
The circumstances of the case are peculi-
arly sad. Mrs. Compton is the wife of t.
j. Compton, well-known merchant Of
Potter Valley. She came to this State
about five years ago and married her present
husband, having two children as result Of
the union.
About year ago Mrs. Compton heard of
the death of her brother, who had long
been her fayorite. She took sick shortly
after learning this news and was an invalid
for ten months.
THE OLD AND SAD STORY.
During her sickness the physicians pre-
scribed morphine to ease her pains. Her
principal complaint was rheumatism. The
drug soon exercised its fascination over
her, and she became a victim to its hypo-
dermic application.
Last month she became possessed Of an
idea that she must see her brothers grave
in Arkansas, and told her husband that she
was going East He thought that the
change of climate would do her good, and
consented to her taking the trip. The rest
of the story is best told: by Yarnell, who
said
81 am q relative of Mrs. Compton and
when younger we were like brother and
sister. / work in the railroad depot at
Searcy. About a month ago Mrs. Compton
came to Searcy, but soon became hopelesSly
insane. She raved about her brother. 1t
was then discovered that she was victim
of morphine. She was well provided for,
had considerable lewelry,, fine watch and
she said she was going to return TO
California. Her insanity. then was
only of a mild type. 1 consented
to come with her as she was not in con-
dition to take care of herself. On the train
she became violent maniac. had ter
rible time. For the past five days and
nights / have not slept. She would not eat,
and would throw her food out OF the win
dow. She raved for her favorite drug, and
l was compelled to give it to her several
times day. l never want such an expert
ence again. l know now what 1t is to be
maniac's keeper"
FRIEND IN NEED.
When ab0pt-twenty miles from this city
on the train, YarneiH>had considerable
trouble with his charge. H~genklelnan IN
the car named Thomas A. Hughes, aelerk
in the employ Of the Southern Pacific Com-
pany, interested himself in the case. Var
nell introduced Hughes as doctor to Mrs.
Compton, and that Immediately quieted
her. She at once took great fancy to
Hughes, and claimed that he had saved her
from being shot in the heart.
Mr.. Hughes kindly consented to take the
woman to the Central Station, she leaning
on his arm all the while. She did not want
to be separated from him. When taken to
the station Mrs. Compton presented most
ghastly appearance. Her face was shriyeled
and shrunk, her arms thin and emaciated,
her hair disheveled and her eyes had the
glossy, vacant stare of the maniac. Mr..
Hughes came in for considerable praise for
his disinterested kindness.
w. III. Yarnell telegraphed to Mrs. Comp
toms husband last night, telling him to
come to this city aud look after his wife.
He is prominent Mason. Yarnell states
that he has exhausted all his means in
looking out for Mrs. Compton, the trip
costing him $500.
Mrs. Compton was placed on cot in the
prison hospital. She will probably be sent
to an insane asylum to-day.