The Washington times., 1907-08-15

CONCORD. y. H. Aug. 15.-None OF
the masters have breathed a word so
far concerning his impressions Of yes
terday's interview with Mrs Eddy, the
Christian Science leader, and the next
friends derive ncouragement from the
fact that the commission today Is per
mitting Attorney William z. Chandler
to dive into Mrs. Eddy's life from the
time she begun 20 develop the Christian
Science idea.
SteTner Examination.
This means that the commission will
accept Mrs. Eddy's acts for the past
thirty years as evidence bearing upon
ner present competency 10 look after
her personal affairs. Senator Chandler
and his colleagues will now proceed 10
argue for a sterner examination of the
Christian Science founder than was
made durtrg yesterdays forty-five
minutes interview.
There is no authoritative report OF
Mrs. Eddy appearance and demeanor
while giving 10 Judge Aldrich's ques-
tiOns the answers which IN print may
appear so ready and sane.
AS TO her bearing under the ordeal
opinions diner. Her friends declare
that she conducted herself like a woman
Of forty or fifty. giving 10 sign OF men
tai or physical decrepItude.
Others say that she was a pitiful
spectacle. being apparently braced for
the interview and repeating her answers
in trance-like and mechanical manner.
On Verge of Breakdown.
It is generally acknowledged. however.
that the inquisitors left the aged woman
on the verge Of breakdown. and for this
reason considerable astonishment was
caused by her appearance Immediately
after their departure. taking her daily
ride. sitting bolt upright in her car
rtage and waving her hand at her son
These facts have caused a revival OF the
rumor that Mrs. Eddy on these drives
Is impersoAated by a yOnger and strong
or woman.
Sudden Change.
1t was not until the visitors had said
farewell and left the library that the
aged woman underwent "a sudden and
significant change. Then q sharp ring
ing Of the bell that hangs close beside
Mrs. Eddy's easy chair filled the house
with its clamor. An instant later n
member OF her household hurried after
the departing masters to say Mrs Eddy
wished TO complete her statement.
Back into the library. darkened by
carefully drawn curtains, the mystified
visitors hurried. They found Mrs Eddy
where they had left her. upright and
rigid in her armchair. Excitement had
crept into her bloodless face and staring
eyes.
Began Talking at Once.
1t was clear at first glance that the
aged woman WAS no longer in mood only
10 answer questions Almost before the
visitors were seated. Mrs. Eddy was
talking, her high. though feeble. voice
penetrating every corner of the room.
No question was asked. none was
needed.
While the masters and lawyers sat in
surprised silence. the aged woman told
Of her GOd-given powers 70 heal the
sick. and Of her miraculous appointment
10 the great work.
Out OF her own mouth within the
space OF, ten minutes, she had covered
the whole ground OF alleged Celusion
charged by the next friends"
acute Intelligence"
Lawyer Streeter, who had invited the
masters to this personal inspection OF
his aged client. assuring them OF her
"clear, acute intelligence" made no at
tempt 10 check her words SIDE by sid,
with the masters and opposing counsel
he sat I'm silence.
When the masters came from the
silent house, they declined TO make any
statement. Counsel on both sides were
reticent. The face OF every man IN the
party was grave Senator Chandler
bearded visage looked ashen gray, Will,
Lawyer Streeter's was sickly white.
Passed Distasteful Hour.
II was clear that these men had passed
a memorably distasteful hour and had
heard and seen unpleasant things.
Silence was maintained as to her con
diton as read by the trained eye OI
the alienist DR.. Jelly. There was no
word or hint as 10 her state Of minC
or body from the two other masters
nothing from Senator Chandler or from
Lawyer Streeter.