The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1895-04-21
Mr.. sLEEPWELE's OBSERVATIONS.
After Long Sleep He Ii Surprised
at Existence of Certain Things.

The strange sleep of Ebenezer Sleepwell,
of No. 29l7 Alabama street, ended yester-
day afternoon. For the first time in five
years the man who has been the wonder of
the medical profession opened his eyes and
recognized the face or his SON. The rest of
the family were from their home at the
time. and the boy, who has known little OF
Mr.. Sleepwell. except as sleeping father,
was alarmed. Five years ago the coming
May, Mr. Seepwell, so the fable goes.
moved with his family to the house where
he has slept ever since. After the exertion
of moving, Mr.. Sleepwell laid down on a
lounge to take rest before going to the
ball game. He fell asleep and remained so
with awakening until yesterday. Med
ieal men from all parts of the country may
have been here to examine him. He has
been kept alive through the kindness or
friends, who have fed him through a silver
tube. To add to the strangeness of the case
Mr.. Sleepwell awoke with the memories and
things of five years ago fresh in his mind
He seemed to realize that he had been
asleep. but he has no knowledge OF how
long of what transpired while he was
slumbering. He opened his eyes on his son,
and raising his wasted form on an elbow,
asked feeby.
~Did the ball club win the pennant?"
mo, father" replied the SON, VINO mas
been taught to honor truth, 1.-The club that
was playing when you fell asleep fiye years
ago finished last"
Alas, they told us it was a strong club
and it was prophesied that it would finish
first But tell me. my son, mas tne ,s,,a vi
had a club since and has any club hnisheu
1--WE have had clubs. father, but they
have always finished near the last This
year we have a club which is the strongest
aggregation in the Western League, and 1t
is sure to finish first-no worse, at least
"Ah, my son. those words have an old
time ring. They are, the. same that were
l had heard them many times before and
now they sound as sweet as ever. But, say
my N poy fs Is # s no IT IS about done
and IN two years time it will be complete
Those words heard when they were put
starting upon the noble structure: II must
and very large and grand. Whisper to me-
question is settled?''
Alas, no; father dear, but the question
that + is s-e if the Board Of Health and Board
of Works can get the city out Oh a oad
contract .,,os
the Weakened man .sThe Board of Health
which was in power when | fen IN inc
but It seems that they have failed. Have
you no paper near at hand Whlch may
sean and see il my eyesight stu remains
has happened from that"
The boy wiped tear away as ne arose
which that day had been brought into the
house tied about some laundry. a.,,s old
Here is a paper. father. few days oid'
but it is new to you"
Thanks, my SON. said the grateful man,
for ne was like man with an empty stom1
now see If this mind of mine cannot :
refreshened. What! Do mine eyes serve
d le1 rsno ~ of John r Frenzeia What! is
it possible that this paper speaks OF him
as shrewd?. And ye gods! here IRE Is ga, mote
ers' Trust be made more explicit and an
intimation that those interested in the con.
scienceless' and our townsmanl William
Yes. father" replied the boy. Time
when / fell asleep this paper was bowling
at the feet of John P. Frenzel. The Con-
olent institution. Colonel Lilly was pub
lic-sprited citizen and Mr.. Fortune, was
" verse Ts'7 changed. and are we living in re-
verses. Have these men committed
crime?''
flashed over the feverish brain of Mr..
Sleepwell The boy witnessed with sorrow
wasted hand in his he said soothingly:
There, father, don't worry. There are
n napgs ne to s ear
the reasons for all these things and under
stand all changes
.'I will read further answered AIR.
Sleepwell, but his voice grew weak as he
spoke and with trembling fingers he picked
up the paper before him and read quietly
for. some time. Suddenly his countenance
lit up with the old-tirne smile and he seemed
his natural SELF His voice trembled as he
read
Cut down the courthouse yard All,
there is a sentiment that still lives. Those
words have a good old ring to. them. and,
reading them, forget | have been asleep.
am tired now so let me rest
Saying these words, Mr.. Sleepwell was
soon asleep again and childlike express
sion spread over his face. He still sleeps,
having returned to the sad condition which
has kept him belfast for. five years, and
the doctors say it is doubtful when he will
awaken.