Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1890-11-30
THE SECRET DRAWER
A SINGULAR CASE or INNOCENCE
WHERE GUILT SEEMED SURE.
e.oA Work Of Mesmerist--fIow Fair
Fame Was Restored 10 an onicisi
whose Character was Biackcned.
Atlanta Constitution.
UWell what ia it?"

Nht va "sef $500
"That occurred in your practice,
suppose 2" I queried.
"Not exactly and. yet in reply
could say yes Your asking me about
Thimbanlt. the mesmerist, reminded me
OF IL. II was singular case.
"If mesmerisn. or odylic force. IS IN
env yay concerned in the case, let me
hear il. by all means" ! replied.
We wero sitting in Van Leonards OF
fec and / had called on purpose to con
suit him in regard 10 one lhim0auit,
who was creating sensation In SOCIAL
circles by his manifestations OF magnetic
force or hypnotic power.
"Wbat was the case j inquired.
Ny friend INDUCED in revere Tor
somo moments, as he in an absent manner
puffed away ct his fragrant Havana.
Then he Tipped the ashes from the end
OF his cigar and continued:
"Tho sad death not long since OF a
ropular official in q neighboring city
after n deialcation which no one had sus-
pected or even deemed in the slightest
degree probable brought this case to my
mind IL occurred some years ago III
the town OF Blank, whero l then re-
sided" 80.
"Tell me all about it, said i, settling
myself into n listening attitude.
"As said, Blank was my residence,
then. Iprscticed my profession, but was
not kept so busy by itthen as am now,
and from frequent conversations with an
Instructor in our city Academy L became
deeply interested in phrenology and
biology. Professor Franklin was the
mans name. lie had great force
OF character, in fact tremendous
will power, and his control OF
students was perfect; even the most re-
fractory yielded to him besides being a
man of quite extensive learning he pos
sessed keen penetration, and l some
times imagined that he could read my
yery thoughts. lie would descant, IN
most interesting manner about a life
force, call it what you may odyhc or
magnetic force, by which strong pA'ureS
controlled the will and even tho physical
powers of others
fractory pupils" no would say, "and
thew would afterward declare that had
bewitcbed them. 1t would be well, he
sometimes added, "for you doctors 10
study the science Of biology more. 1t
might aid YOU in controlling the diseases
of your patients 10y enabling you to con-
trol the patients.
Nv mother was alive OF that time and
cultivated farm in the neighborhood OF
Blank. in which | myself was interested
as legatee. Customarily, L paid her
city and county taxes as well as my own,
and thus became quite intimate win
Judge Alden, the city and county trea-
surer. Alden was "A most amlsble and
genial man, a member Of the Methodist
Church. and of unimpeachable prohty
and veTacity.
liked To converse with him, for he
had been a great reader and the very
fitness. genialty. and aristocratic ap-
pearance of his countenance eylnced his
mental culture, and his acquaintance
with all that is good, ennoblnS, and
elevating in literature.
Have YOU ever noticed that such was
the elevating effect Of the good and beau
tiful in literature
mol
Well, observe your acquaintance more
elosely, and whenever you perceive re-
fined countenance, betokening intelli-
pence and wide information, you may
be sure the owner 10 a pure-mlnded man,
yersed in elegant literature.
Alden. who had once been Judge OF
our Superior Court, was such man,
and SO great was his probity that year
after year he was elected city treasurer.
But in the course of time change oc-
Cured in his appearance. Signs OF
care and concern began to appear ON
his face. At times an air distract
took possession of him, and at last
wrinkles and gray hairs became plainly
visible. A close observer could dis
Germ a slight absence Of that easy and
genial conversational power which bad
always characterized him, and which
had made his company plea
sure. The smile was still on his counte-
nrnce. but it appeared strained. =. j.,
"Haye YOU noticed the change which
has come over Judge Alden asked
Professor Franklin Of me one day.
"Oh, suppose it is the usual change
superinduced by ago and business
cares" | replied.
"Dont be too sure. There is al
WAYS doep,seated cause for such radi
cal changes.
The subject passed from my mind un
Ill few weeks afterwards, when TIT
public was astounded by the announce
inent that Alden was n deiaulter to tn
amount of at least S25, 900, and expert
proved it by an examination OF hi
books.
"That accounts then" l calculated
"ior those lines OF care and concern.
troubled conscience, You know. VIVA
did he say for himself ?"
He did not seem to know what
say. he admitted receiving the money
as the figures in his books declared
But what had become OF it? lie did NJ
remember. He disclaimed all inter
tional defalca,ion, and those who kne
him best believed him."
"Had he not been specializing
stocks? asked.
"There was no evidence OF such
thing"
"Had he not bought property in h
Tife's name 2" inquired again.
"None at all. IL was admitted that !
had been forbearing with many diatol
taxpayers, and, in some cases, he hi
gone 30 far as to charge himself with Il
taxes Of personal friends, on their solen
promise TO pay the taxes and not let hi
suffer by the indiscretion. lie had eve
made occasional loans of the publ
money to friends Ill great need, takii
their personal notes. But these amour
were comparatively SMALL and in 4
emergency could have been realized (
the notes themselves. All these excus
his friends made for him IN order
shield him from the charge Of bare-fac
corruption and dishonesty"
"Still there was the absence OF S25, 0(
What could that be Standardization
said +
"Just so I" replied Van Leonard. "
WAS q singular case, for amid it {
many, and among them, refused
bat;cva him cuilty OF outright defal