The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1895-03-04
GEORGIA's SYMPATHY.
1t VIII De Extendcd to the Governor
i'm His Hour of Great sorrow.

In the hour of his deepest sorrow, the
heart of every Georgian Will go out to Gov
ernor Atkinson. The aillicton which has be-
fallen him and his is so terrible that any
reference TO it through the public prints
would seem cruel; and yet, in view of the
publication that has been made. some refer
euce is necessary.
Governor Atkinson is now in the east
where he has gone to place his wife in a
sanitarlum. This step has been taken upon
the advice OF some of his closest friends
wao urged this course FROM = conviction
that the unfortunate lady is, and has been
foc several months, suffering from acute
mental troubie-Uemented in short. This is
dac 10 broken constitution, and the efforts
&C. repair the failing by means of narcotics,
this effort resulting as il so often does.
IL the excessive use Of these drugs.
Mental arrangement i'll this case led to
kieptomaEia. Ono charge of this nature
reached the governors ears just week ago
aud was the FIRST suggestion that had come
TO him OF any mental trouble Overwhelmed.
By the awfulneSs OF his position, he asked
several Of his intimate friends to fully
investigate the whole matter and advise
him. These gentlemen did so ard they found
that the charges were probably true. so
FAR as thc physical facts were concerned,
As is explained ia their letter given below.
Ia two instances articles had been taken,
IN both OF them articles of no value what
ever. There was no question of the presence
o. mental arrangement. and further in
vestigation developed the cause.
1t is painful 10 have to allude to this
matter in any way, ana yet in view of the
possibilities Of cNaBgerdtion which rumor
opens up. it is better TO give this explana-
ton.
An exhaustive search developed but two
eases with "A possibility of one other.
Sbe having gone 10 several Atlanta stores
while under the influence of morphine and
taken a number Of articles. When first APP
pretended she gave an assumed name, and
when lucidty returned sine knew nothing of
the sad trouble into which She had COTTON.
sun the circumstances were sufficient TO
indicate the real state of affairs and the
laiy'S father was sent for. lie agreed
fully rs 20 the course 10 be pursued and
Governor Atkinson at once acted upon the
suggestion OF his friends. Airs. Atkinson
- NOW in saniturium, where she VIII,
OF course, be SivCn every care and IL rs
the sincere hone Of everybody that resto-
ration of health will soon come.
The letter TO the governor, TO which
reference has been made is as follows:
ATLANTA, Ga. February =. lo99-Iton.
William y. Atkinson, city. Dear Sir: At
your request we, your ncighbors and
friends, have investigated the charges
which have recently been made ana cir
culated concerning Mrs. Atkinson, your
wife imputiug 10 her conduct ViolatlVe OF
the rishts of property. As result we
have ascertained that the charges, some
o. al cf Them. are probably true as to
tne mere physical facts. We have also
aSccrtainod that hcr conduct IS attributable
4, mental alteration caused in part by
great mental strain during your candidacy
for the office of governor and partly by
the habitu3l use of morphine ana other
or.sates or narcotics. We have no doubt
that she was morally irresponsible for her
aets or the occasions referred 10. Ohuer
tho facts which have come TO our knowi-
c,..-a we think IL due both 10 her and
YOU that she be sent TO suitable SAM
tar.uua or asylum, pubic or private Tor
timely and proper treatment OF her UNI
r,...tfrate rnaIady. We advise that this
Ia dou. without delay. Very truly and
sincerely your friends.
l. T.. BleCllcy. 7. J. summons.
AVIAN j.. Freeman. spencer II. Atkinson
Saml Iumpkin. Jno. Il. Hopkins.
IL Terrell