The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-26
Medical Row over Justice Waite.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
WASHINGTON, March A.-The following ar
ticle, which appears in this mornings Post, has
caused quite sensation in Washington:
There is phase of Chief-justice Wates ill
ness and sudden death which cannot but be
garded as extremely unfortunate, and which
will inevitably lead to severe criticism. One Of
Judge Waites warm friends and most attentive
callers Dr. Melancthon Ruth of the navy
He was at the house on Tuesday, and hearing
Judge Waite complain of pain in the chest, Or
dered that his chest be bathed with turpentine.
This, Notwithstanding the fact that another
physician was in charge OF the case.
When DIR. Caroline B. Winslow called, on
Wednesday, she found that her treatment had
been interfered with. the patients chest, throat
and beard being saturated with turpentine.
She Immediately ordered 1t washed off, and was
extremely shocked to find that her directions
had been altered. She insisted that nothing of
the kind should be allowed to occur again On
her return, on Thursday, she discovered that
the turpentine had not been thoroughly
moved. She accordingly removed it with her
own hands. She then learned that there had
been further interference DIR. Ruth had sat up
with the Judge until late in the night. and had
given him nourishment every hour, while
DR.. Winslow had directed that longer
stomach was not in condition to
receive food of her. She Immediately had Eu-
gene Brooks. the Judges messenger, who had
been acting as nurse put aside and placed Miss
Rebecca Hart, professional nurse, IN whom
she had implicit confidence, IN charge. Miss
Hart is sister of DR.. NJ Esther Hart. of the
for some time 10 charge OF the operating ward
of that institution With her in charge there
was no more Interference with the patient and
DR.. Winslow's directions were implicitly obeyed.
But. under the circumstances and upon learn
ing the extent OF DIR. Ruth's unprofessiona, con
duet, she deemed it advisable that medical
counsel should be summoned This met
Judge Waite's approval She suggested
either DR.. Janrey or Dr. Gardner. Accordingly
the latter gentleman was summoned, Mr.. c.
@. Waite going in person. DR.. Gardner
came in the evening, and, after consultation,
DIR. WinsloWs treatment was sustained, the only
change being that brandy administered.
DR.. Gardner holding that at Judge Waites age
stimulants would be beneficial The physicians
but death was not considered imminent, and
the news of Judge Waites demise in the morn
ing was received with surprise. DIR. 4. A.
Gardner, the consulting physician, when seen at
his Office said: / was greatly surprised TO hear
of Judge WAite's death. When l left the house
last evening he seemed to be IN condition to
pass a comfortable night Heart failure is not
unlikely TO occur In acute pneumonia. following
bronchitis, but it cannot be foreretoid. Judge
Waite's heart was IN good action, ana heart
failure was not dreamed of
What do you think of DR.. Ruth's actionP
asked the reportr.
- 1T was not my case said the Doctor. and
do feel at liberty to discuss that phase OF IL
but if had been in charge from the beginning
should speak very plainty.'
t'Dr. Caroline B. Winslow has been the fam
ily physician of the Waites ever since their ar
rival in Washington, fourteen years ago. She
said: Judge Waite had been working very hard
preparing the telephone decision, and his system
was low. / had been treating him for stomach
disorder since Mrs. Waite left for Califor-
mia. He always said he was well. and never