Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1909-09-10
DIFFERENT LIGHTS ON
CONDITIONS AT ASYLUM
Continued from Page Six

sible a fitting tribute to the most in
innate friend of my life, the Hon
George H Bell, Of Emanuel county,
Ga. I read before they were sent to
the press every one of his papers and
was asked by MIN to criticise them
rigidly. In all fairness to the dead l
state without any fears Of successful
contradiction that every word OF George
Bells letters was the truth and his
papers the whole truth. A more consci-
entious man never saw. A more truth
full man can not be found in Georgia.
He was the very soul of honor. A more
beautiful man personally I never saw.
Take him all in all he was man and
we shall never see his ike again
do not wish to go behind the veil and
discover what may lie hidden beyond
Bell was a man. Not a saint, and ne
had his faults and made many mis-
takes He was as conyivial as Yortck
In conversational powers he had no SUI
perior He was a fine orator and
pure statesman. AS a rule people have
no patience with suicides. They forgot
that history is replete with them and
in every instance they were extraordi7
nary men. Bells life was thing be-
longing to the past, wrecked, doubtless
by this institution. Before him hopes
him to high endeavor.
I will proceed to my work Among
the happy moments of a life full CT
happiness, 1 never enjoyed any so much
as the hours and days I spent with the
best friend I ever had. the Hon. George
II. Bell God bless him and all near and
dear TO MIN.
George and 1 differed as to the number
of inmates here who ought to be free. In
round numbers he placed 1t at 1000 /
then thought it was even more, perhaps
1900. / now think George and were
both mistaken. 1 place the number at
ESQ, or whereabouts. And the strangest
thing about the whole affair is that every
doctor, including the superintendent and
assistant superintendent, will admit the
facts, though they contend that there are
not near so many as Bill said. Now, why
in the name of God don't they turn those
patients lose and send them home? The
reasons are many, and shall endeavor to
defend the noble set Of doctors the best
1 can, but can not clear them Of blame.
1 will have to illustrate by reference to
cases known to myself and other response
bic persons.
Case I-Colonel Bowen, who died before
1 came here. He was a Briton and
seafaring man. What led to his coming
I
sary that any one should know. Colonel
Bowen lived here 49 years after he was
well. He was an honorable gentleman,
and for no other reason in the world than
that he had no family this side of the At
lantic, that same nice gentleman was
impaled here for life. He died here. This
was during DR.. PowelPs administration.
Now, what sense or justice was there in
keeping this Briton here 49 years after
his recovery?
Glass Prev. William Richardson. Mr..
Richardson is the most learned divine
ever met. He was sent here over three
years ago. He recovered rapidly under
the splendid treatment of the doctors and
has been perfectly well, you may say. for
three years. To my certain knowledge
DR.. Jones and DR.. Little have done all
they could to send Mr.. Richardson home.
He has no kin in this country-no one to
claim him and take him to the dearest
spot on earth, home. Mr.. Richardson is
no pauper His library IN Atlanta is
worth $1,000 Yet this man is absolutely
without a dollar. These two are types Of
numerous cases DIR. Jones has been doing
his best to work of. Now, as an honest
man 1 can't help but blame DR.. Jones in
this case. There Is no law, IL 1 am cor
rectly informed. that compels DR.. Jones to
do as he has done. 1t Is simply precedent.