Connecticut western news., 1884-12-24
ssGOING DOWN HILI.v
How n Venerable Iowun Evaded the Grent- est Dimculty Which Resets the Ages.
Huntingdon. h.. Hawkeye.l

An account is going the rounds of the press of woman who was so afflicted with rheumA- tism for fifteen years that her entire muscular system became rigid, and for all that period she was kept alive by gruel forced between Der teeth.
 A prominent New York physician was ohce asked what rbeumatism was. He replied, ''aod only knows" He was uDdoubtt dly right, be- cause rheumatism seems to spring from dif- ferent cause in every individual case. IT it's origin is e mystery, it's effects are too well and too widely known, for there is scarcely any season of the year when some persons are not more or less affected by it. In general, how ever, it prevails mostly among the aged, mak- ing their last days hard to bear. A prominent physician once remarked in our hearing, TIT the aged could escape the tortures of rheuma- tism, their last years as rule would be quiet, peaceful and painless"
 Apropos of the above, Mir. W. DeGens, of Pella, Ia, sends us q communication which or dinarily we would not publish except at 60 much line. But his experience has been SO ie. markable that we think we are justified in giyS ing place to it. He says:
 "Dear Sir:-I am 7S years of age. My life has been active. I am well-known in this town, and what l say l do not think will be doubted by any one who knows mo. Up to year or two ago, Twas the possessor of splendid health, and hoped I should wear out my life gradually and gracefully. Two years ago, however, was overcome with that curse of old age, rheumatism. When it first prostrated me the pain was so acute I thought it was neu- ralgih, which medical authorities tell me indi- cates a low state of the system.
 T fancied that this attack was the beginning of the end. Isent for good doctor, hotreated me with electrical and other agencies, but grew worse. He finally said my case was a se- rious rheumatic one. For six months could not use my limbs at all, and was handled by three strong persons, like & helpless child. Then came period of better feelings, but re- action followed, and for six long months of pitiful suffering was confined 10 the bed For over year l groaned in agony. l tried all reputable lotions, hniments, plasters and preparations, in vain. At this stage, my friend Elder Overcamp came to see me, and upon his urgent recommendation began to use war ner's safe rheumatic cure, few bottles of which gave back to me the use of my limbs. am now sleeping without pain, eating without distress, and feel as spry as l did when was 60 years of age. cordially recommend that preparation to all persons afflicted as was, and especially to the thousands Of aged men and women whose last days are embittered by this affliction."
 Mir. DeGens's letter is endorsed by Elder Overcamp, who says he is member of his church, and his cuse to him is surprising and marvellous. Mir. F. W. Brinkhof also en- dorses the statement in similar terms.
 There is no doubt that this is true recital of the case, and Mir. DeGens's experience should be an encouragement to all others suf fering as he did, to use the means he so sue. successfully employed, for nothing better, fl indeed, as good can be had in the market