Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1885-10-23
VACCINATION ON THE RAIL.
Scenes on n Train From Canada-The Re-
1uctant Female Passenger.
bo

From the Montreal HERALD
As we halt for moment at Sutton
Junction the train is boarded by an elder
ly, good natured looking gentleman in
spectacles, with sort OF Peter Cooper ex
preston of benevolence upon his face,
who is announced as DIR. Hamilton of
Richford, VT, examining physician in the
employ of the United States authorities,
whose business it Is to examine all pas
sengers bound for Uncle Sans domain,
with II view to the vaccination of all the
unvaccinated.
Beginning with the first passenger
found in the Smoker" the foremost car
of the train, he is confronted by the doc
tor with
"Been vaccinated 20
If the answer is yes.
Got u certificate ~
Unless this can be produced the individ-
lIal is compelled to show his arm, when
unless there is fresh scar, the passenger
is obliged to again undergo the operation
or leave the train. Down into his vest
pocket goes the doctor, produces a little
tin box in which he keeps the points"
off comes the lid, out comes the ivory
point in moment a tiny drop of blood
appears on the surface of the skin, the
vaccine is moistened by the breath, the
matter rubbed off upon the lacerated part,
and the job is done.
Having finished with the passengers in
the smoking car, the next car, filled al
most entirely with ladies, is visited by
the doctor. Here begins the fun those
tight fitting sleeves cannot be pulled up,
and mayhap the certificate has been
left at home yes It has, honor bound and
only two weeks ago the lady declares she
was vaccinated by DR.. b. of Montreal.
She will send and have the doctor send Il
certificate to the examining physician,
No, that won't do, and the law must be
complied with a tug at the tightly fit
ting jersey sleeve, another determined
pull and the arm is barred nearly to the
elbow. THAT will do" says the doctor
Out comes the little knife and point, and
thirty seconds later the doctor passes on,
while the lady sinks back in her seat with
defiance flashing from her eye, and in
wardly vowing, without doubt, that she
will get even with that hOrrid man if she
lives long enough, that she will.
81 would not lie to you, indeed | would
not, sir, says II pretty, brown-eyed dam
sci, II have been vaccinated," and the
eyes become moistened and the cheeks
culver as with suppressed emotion. But
the old doctor is obdurate. business is
business and his business is to see that
no one who is not properly vaccinated,
whether male or female, leaves Canada
for United States territory. Pretty or
ugly, it is all the same to him.
Sorry, madam, but | can't help it :
either let me see your certificate or your
arm She sees no sign of relenting in
that face. Again she tries.
at WAS but just IA little while ago, in
deed, it was doctor | can't show you
my arm here. Can't you believe me :"
No; the doctor cannot and will not.
The girl sees there is no use, and re
luctantly begins Juggling at her waist.
Down it comes from the neck, the left
shoulder is exposed, then the arm. The
doctor is evidently not satisfied.
when were you vaccinated -
1.-Two years ago"
Oscar is not fresh enough" says the
doctor, and again out comes the Scariiier
and vaccine. A scratch and scream hut
the physician is not daunted and con
! tinues the work, without tlinching, very
gently, but with the air of man who
thoroughly understands his business.
"There, that will do" he says, and the
girl, replacing her wardrobe, sinks back
in her seat, while the doctor, passing on
is heard to remark she had never been
vaccinated."