The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1896-07-13
THE DEVILS WORK.

When hypnotism first became a popular
fad it attracted my attention. and IN d
superficial way 1 gave 1t consideraoie
study.
My experiments We're successful eLoush
to increase my interest in the mysterious
phenomena of will power and thought
transference. and determined 20 push my
investigat ons as far possible
AT that time the newspapers devoted
great deal of their space to the wond@rlui
hypnotic powers of DIR. Durley, a p'oiiii-
nent New York physician. I had known
Durley. years before. when he resided III
a small western town, and l made IL
point whenever / read of one nf his re-
markable feats, to attempt it myself
TO my great satisfaction l iound That
could follow the doctor very closely III
fact, l was able to duplicate some OF the
most startling manifestations of MS wer-
But this was no: enough. / desired to
master the art and become the most IA
nous hypnotist of the age. / was not s"tiS-
fled with controlling subject in my pres
ence. After once hypnotzing man. l
wanted to control him afterwards. though
thousands of miles might separate us 1
had no idea OF using my gift or power for
evil purposes When my object WAS not
simply the amusement and Entertainment
of my friends IL took the shape Of curing
the sick of their real imaginary all
ments.
dropped Dr. Durley. Other great hypnotists
figured in their columns, but his name
ceased to be mentioned. After waiting sew
eral months without hearing anything
about him | was suddenly called To New
York, and l decided TO hunt him up.
The doctor was alone in his office when /
called and his cordial greeting showed
that he glad to meet an old friend
again. 1t struck me that he vas no: look
ing well. His careworn face ana abstracted
air indicated troubled mind
After a rambling talk about old times
brought up the subject of hypnotism.
1T is the devils work." said the doctor
eScitedly. Let it alone for Gods eake!
For a moment L was dumfounded. What
had occurred to make the great hypaotist
talk In this fashion? 1 resolved to find
out and in order to make my companion
talk told him of what I had accompl she'd
II can even control sensitive persons
said ]. "at distance. months after | nave
hypnotized them"
take my advice said the doctor, and
don't do 1t any more"
II must go on in the interests of science"
1 replied.
I'm the interests of the devil, II Is his
work. l tell you. I have seen the greatest
hypnotists of tho world, and I have rover
yet found one worthy of confidence end
respect. They are all bad, dangerous or
foolhardy."
Durley spoke seriously and enphatcally.
and his manner and words impres5, M.
IF 1 could see the matter yOu do
I said. 81 would give the thing up.
That's right" he replied. Give Il up
before il leads you into trouble. ! nhait-
doned the whole business months $50, tut
not before it had destroyed my ped,s and
happiness forever"
He looked so grave and sad that 1 re
manned silent
Il will tell you al about IT," he continued
after a pause My experience may be a
warning to you DO you remember Ben
son, the eloquent temperance lecturer. in
my native town? I see that you do. Wen.
my friend. my hypnotic folly made Ben
son a mailman. killed his wife. and wreck
ed II happy home"
''How can this be possible?' ! asked in
amazement.
Il viii tell you in a few words. Several
months ago / visited my old home. The
town was about to hold prohibition cleo
ton. and Benson was advertised to speak
at a public meeting. ! had hypnotized him
many times and / wanted to see whether
ne was still under my control Without
thinking of the consequences and regarding
the matter entirely as a first-cilss Joke, l
shut myself in my room at the hotel. and
when the clock struck the Lour for the
meeting I concentrated the whole poy or Of
my mind upon Benson"
Durley reached out for a glass OF water
and then resumed.
Poor follow" ne exclaimed. Those who
We're there told me what occurred. ana the
newspapers were fun of it. The lecturer
appeared before a large audience ana rhere
nothing unusual in his manEe- until
he had reached the middle of his address.
Then he turned very pale and spoke appa-
rently under great strain. tie said that
he was not in favor of prohibition. but IA
Vored temperance. and when asked by an
indignant prohibtionist to be more definite
he replied that man might drink toddy
three times a day and still be a model ex-
ample OF temperance. These un KIP ,ctei
remarks from Benson surprised and en-
ragged the best people In the crowd. Tut
the anti-prohibitonists cheered the Spea k
er enthusiastically. The meeting Oroke up
III disorder. and Benson walked home in a
dazed way and went TO bed"
Again the doctor paused. He shaded his
eyes with his hand. and then proceeded.
The next morning l was laughing over
the sensation Of the night before when one
of Renson's neighbors informed me nat the
disgraced lecturer had suddenly LOST his
reason. The reproaches of his friends and
the comments of the newspapers were more
than he could bear. He declared .hal IL he
had made the speech credited to hlm he
must he mad, and a few minutes later it
was undoubtedly insane"
Durlcy rose and paced the loor
ITO make Il long story short. said he,
"Benson went to the asylum. where he viii
stay until he dies His wife died three
months ago of a broken heart. and I have
taken charge of their two little children. a
boy and a girl. Now do you wonder II at
l have given up hypnOtism?"
| was too terrified TO answer. lad
known Benson long time. he had made a
hard fight against his appetite for strong
drink. and had trumphed For fifteen
years he had been an eloquent advocate of
total abstinence and his wife and fellow
townsmen were proud Of MIN. / cou1d
easily see what irreparable mischief the
hypnotists practical joke ccrrisl with il.
In parting Durley took my hall and
looked at me appea'i1Ely.
'Phomise me to let the devils work
alone" he said
Il win from this hour" vas my ancuer.
and from that day 10 this | have ktIt nv
word. WALLACE F. r. FD