Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-09-15
NOT CAUSED BY 1IAz1Na.5
a Statement Made By Father Aloysins,
of ST. Mary's College.

OF st. Mary's College.
Editor VirSnlan-P Pilot, Portsmouth,
On my arrival In Portsmouth after a
most sorrowful and heart-6reaking
journey, bowed down and buried In the
deepest depth Of grief, was Mortified
and shocked beyond human expression
to learn of the many cruel remarks
ahoat concerning the sad death of our
beloved student, Martin O'Connor. Such
reports, that he died from the effects OF
hazing, was actually murdered, etc, are
not only inhuman and cruel; they are
positively crying sins not only against
charity. but the very virtue OF Chris
tian charity itself.
am the disciplinarian of st. Mary's
College, Belmont, n. c., and mos, sim
ccrely hope the public at large will be
satisfied that my word is the essence OF
truth.
Martin O'Connor entered the college
Wednesday. Mt noon. with the other
young men from Portsmouth. All were
perfectly happy. ana found st. Mary's
College not only a school. but home
of comfort and peace. The student re-
tired after the evening prayer en-
actly at 8 o'clock. The lights were all
brilliantly burning in every part of the
Institution, for no member OF the col
lege staff had yet retired. Two Rev
Projects were in the lormitory. where
students. About 9:45 o'clock one boy
was heard leaving the dormitory and
go down stairs. Nothing was thought
of this. ms any student, at any hour.
may find 1t necessary TO leave the
dormitory. Not five minutes had
elapsed when Il most piercing cry was
heard. Rev. T.. Eugene and myself at
once rushed to the spot, and. TO our
horror. found Martin O'Connor lie
had walked in his sleep and uufortu-
Dately next to one OF the tower VIM
dows on the stairs leading to and from
the dormitory. How he fell from the
window will always remain a great and
sad mystery. lie fell about IS or 20
fcht to the ground below. breaking his
right arm and dslocating the left.
Tcnderly was he borne To the guest 8
chamber and every possible care be-
slowed upon him. Personally | cared
for the dear child. Three doctors at
once responded to our call. set the
broken arms and did everything that
medical skill could devise.
The boy knew nothing of what had
happened until next morning. when he
found his arms i'll splints. a conclusive
proof. beyond all doubt, that he walk
cd in sleep.
There was not the least anticipate ton
OF anything serious. The doctor came
every day and examined his arms, was
WcII plcaSeu, ana pronounced him al
ways improving.
The child was bright and happy; lie
wanted for nothing; his slightest desire
Was our command Not one moment
from the time of the accident was ne
left alone; never less than two were
with him.
Without the slightest warning tetanus
or lockjaw set in Monday at 1:15 y. m.
We at once summoned DR.. Rakestraw
from Charlotte, ~ c., one OF the best
surgeons in the South. An operation
was deemed advisa Bile as the only thing
to save his life. All human aid and
skill failed. We placed our hopes in
God alone and stormed Heaven. even
making most solemn VOWS. should the
child be restored. but God deemed
otherwise. lie wanted little Martins
soul, for he was too fair and fruil for
earth. None knew him but TO love him.
He died as n child falling to sleep. but
his death was one to be envied He
was surrounded by loving hearts. in
Guiding the Rt. Rev. Bishop, the Rev.
Fathers, clerks and scminarians.
We all have suffered and our grief
Is deep. but we must bow our heads
and rcsisnedly whisper, Not my will
bat thine be done"
REV. FATHER ALOYSIUS, O.S.B..
St Mary'S COLLEGE