UNKNOWN

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3754, 27 July 1883, Page 4

UNKNOWN

,'. .ng American has just thought of a AY / of getting rid of a fiancee without in.arring an action for breach of promise : — " Mxcli anxiety prevails at Newton, Connecticut, owing to the mysterious and alarming condition of a young man, by namo Sherman W. Piatt, belonging to one of the most respected families of the place, who fell asleep in a rocking-chair on last Christmas Day and has slept almost continuously since that time without uttering a word. Young Mr Piatt reposes in the chair with his eyes closed all day long, payiugno attention to his mother, who ministers to him constantly, or to the numerous friends and curious acquaintances who call daily at his house. Twice a day he rouses from what seems to be a sound slumber, and in a halfdazed fashion leaves Ms chair to stagger into an adjoining room where the family meals arc served ; butheisfaslidioiiHinhisappetite and will only eat delicacies, which, however,' when properly cooked, he consumes freely. The doctors in the neighborhood admit that thoy are completely battled by the case. Piatt was a bright, active young man until this sleeping lit seized him. He was to have been married in the spring, but docs not even recognise his intended bride when she calls upon him; and unless he can be awakened the wedding cannot, of course take place. Her father and brothers have made every ell'ort, without avail, to arouse

him from his stupor. On one occasion they shook him so severely that his mother was extremely annoyed, and ordered them out of the room. AVhen they reappeared on the following morning Avith a galvanic battery thoy AA'oro refused admittance tothehoiiE3."