The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-07-29
MEsMERIsM AND BLINDNESS.
Eyesisht Said TO Have Been Restored
by VIII Power.

Charleston w. Va, July PA most re-
markable case is reported from Mont
gomery Fayette county the heart of the
KanaWha coal region. About four years
ago John Carney, a miner, was stricken
blind while at work in the mines. The
eyes gave no indication of weakness. so FAR
as casual observation would indicate. They
retained their brightness and the muscles
showed no sign of paralysis. The effect of
the sudden shock was though the optic
nerve had been severed.
Among Carueys friends who frequently
called upon him and talked and read to
him was Mayor J. c. Montgomery. Al
though Montgomer5 and Carney We're
hardly of the same class, either mentally
in point OF education and information,
there seemed to be strong bond of SYM
pathy between them. The attraction was
mutual and the interest of Montgomery
grew as their meetings became more fire.
quent. Montgomery had in his carty days,
seen several tests of the power of mesrner-
ism, and for the amusement OF private
companies had attempted to exert the mes
meric force upon unwilling subjects. \ lew
weeks ago he told Carney's wife that he
believed Carney had lost the power Of
sight through some mental change and
not through any physical disability. The
suddenness of the taking away of vision
ana the fact that Carnes had said that ut
times he could, by mighty effort, a!ncst
see, seemed to prove that if Carney's will
power could be increased ne might be ena-
blcd once more 10 his eyes
Montgomery talked over the matter with
Mrs. Carney ana ii was decided that Mr..
Montgomery should employ whatever pow
er he had toward helping the victim to see.
Accordingly Montgomery called al Carneys
house, unknown 20 him, and was seated in
a room alone. Presently Carney, as Mont
somery and his wife desired. walked into
the room and lay down on Il couch to take
his afternoon nap. Montgomery conccntrat-
ed his vision on Carney's sightless eyes.
He then concentrated mis- entire force of
Will upon a desire that Carney should
After few minutes Carney became rest
less on the cOuch ana called mis- vile
name, as thoUSh he expected her TO be in
the room with him. She answered from the
next room and asked what he wanted. Car
ney was surprised that she was not in the
room and TOLD her lac felt her presence. Sne
assured MIN he was mistaken and left the
room. IS soon as he became quiet Mont
gOmery riveted his attention upon him
again. Presently he called to his wife ana
declared there was some one in the room.
a most mild-nanuered man, fatty contra
dicted her ana accused her of trying to de-
ceive him. lie was assured 10y others OF
the family that he had been alone, but ne
would not believe them.
All this time Montgomery had been keep
ing his attention on his object not allow
ing the DISCUSSION 10 distract him. Pres
emily Carney flew into q passion and de-
clared he would be willing TO die ~ next
minute If he could be permitted to sec for
one second I'D know his family were de-
ceivng him. Almost at the same instant
he shrieked:
you've lied to me; there's Montgomery"
The vision had come, and he saw all I'm
the room and able to describe their
positions and clothing. Although ne could
not see again after the first lash &c felt
more at ease and agreed with Montcom-
cry to continue the tests indefinitely. Every
day Montgomery came to the house and
they spent the time trying 10 restore Car
ney's vision. Carney entered into the spirit
of il and placed himself as nearly as posSi-
BILE under MOntgomery's control Their work
was successful in Il small way at first and
improved from day to day till, after two
weeks, Carney able to little all
the time. even when Montgomery was ab-
sent. The visits were continued regularly
till a few days ago, when Carney sad he
could see as well as ever. and declared his
intention of going 10 work. This he did
last Wednesday. and he seems as well
ever i'm his life
Montgomery does not believe he has work
ed a miracle but that # is simply the eXcr-
ton OF Will power on the part IF himself
and Carney. and that il was successful
on account of the deep sympathy ne felt
for Carney and the mutuaiity Of their re-
sire for the restoration of Carney's sight.