The New York herald., 1878-11-20

woman. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson who, with others.
Yellow Fever &c Commission and consratilated the
country that the task of investigating the causes ana
spread of the epidemic had fallen gentlemen 30
eminently wise and discriminating as those present
He said:--"The commission will bring facts only
facts gathered by patient careful inquiry made from
city to city and from house to house."
INTERESTING STATEMENT or BI.MIs.
Dr. Benis. president OF the commission. related
several incidents of which he personally cogni-
zant during the prevalence OF the scourge. and of in
stances of heroism and self-devotion standing
side by side with the most brutal and
p,issanimous conduct that man is capable
Of. .One instance he said, II will relate
father having good deal of property and being
afflicted with the yellow fever his dying bed sent
for his three sons all of whom lived within mile
two Of him. 10 and receive his dying
blessing and allow him to divide his property among
them. They let him die alone without going to re
ceive his blessing; but doubt have arranged the
property matter long before this. In the same VII
lage where there was mortality Of nearly thirty per
cent Of the whole population in the midst of the most
terrible part of the epidemic. pale faced boy about
nineteen years Of age. came walking into the village
and proffered his services in aid of the sick. The
Doctor in charge asked him what he could do.
"Anythng, ii you will first tell me how.
~"Did you case Of yellow fever 2! asked the
Doctor.
..Never," replied the boy.
"You don't know how to nurse yellow fever p con-
tinued the Doctor.
said the boy, 'If you will tell me how can follow
your directions"
The Doctor pondered moment and then said
''You are already exposed. anyhow: will keep you
here and put you to work and when you are stricken
down Will watch you.'
The Doctor in describing this incident to me said he
witnessed such tender nursing, such faithful
watching. The boy continued his work OF love and
the means of saving several lives. Finally his
turu came,
When the Doctor first visited him he found him
with his folded across his chest, and he was at
that moment giving utterance to such prayer as
theD octor declared he never before heard Upon
questioning him the Doctor learned that he the
only son of widowed mother. He had felt impcled
by of duty to come and offer his services
in the care Of tho sick in the village.
The Doctor watched over him carefully, and ulti-
He sent back home after the epidemic was over.
did not even learn his It ought to be given to
the public. Those men who are trying to ride into
office by OF their talk about yellow
fever having run personal risk and afforded no
personal help to the sufferers should stand shame
faced before auch act Of heroism This noble boy
name may be obtained by writing to Dr. Daniel, near
Jackson, Miss. 3
DR.. Bemis then spoke in reference to the cost of
.epidemics their demoralizing character affecting
business and ordinary pursuits. and said:-
SHOULD any charitable people be willing to adopt
orphan children they have only to address the Pres
dent Of the commission to learn where there are
troops of them left dependent Five children in the
arc left Both parents died of the scourge.
know @ of Of p'1es relative they % have S on ~ earth
Herknsr county, n. " he added. .'the President
OF the commission had At his disposal considerable
fund to distribute in any way he thought
proper for the alienation of suffering
children $40 apiece. leaving it in the hands of gen
teman in the village to be dispensed for their benefit
and through the generosity OF this same person the
President OF the commission is able to realize
what priceless boon it is to be permitted
to go about doing good =
At the conclusion of DR.. Bems' address the asso
citation adjourned until ten o'clock tomorrow morn
ing, when the report Of the commission will be pre-
scented.