Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1892-05-19
FAITH TILL DEATH.
Consumption Claims a Believer in
Christian Science Cures.
MISS ADALENE LOUISE VALIANT
Refuses for Eighteen Months to Consult
Physician.
Now HER FRIENDS MOURN HER LOSS


ESPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE pIsPATCH.l
NEW YORK, May 18.-Adalene Louise
Valiant, eldest daughter of George H.
Valiant, Second Vice President of the
Erie Railway, died suddenly of consump-
tion at her home at 50 West Seventy third
street yesterday afternoon at the age of %.
As she had not been attended by physi-
clan for more than 18 months her case was
one for investigation by the Coroner in
spite Of the cause of death being manifest.
The inquiry made by Deputy Coroner
Weston discovered that the reason she had
not had medical attendance for the period
named was because she became a convert to
Christian science in November, 1890. This
was after she had been given up by Dr. St.
Clair-Smith, the elder DR.. Loomis and
other well-known physicians
The disease developed at an early age,
and neither medical treatment nor repeated
visits to the Adirondacks did more than
retard its progress. Miss valiant had,
however, purchased a new set of furs and
made other preparations for spending the
winter in the Adirondack region, when a
friend who believed IN Christian science
persuaded her, as her case had been pro-
nounced hopeless by doctors, to try what
faith would do for her.
Consumption on List of Cures.
Acting under this friends advice, Miss
Valiant Joined class and underwent in
structions in the New York City Christian
Science Institute, at 96 Fifth avenue, which
was incorporated last July. The principal
of the institute is Rev. Mrs. Augusta E.
Stetson. She apparently has not much of
cure record, but Charles Norton, the vice
principal, claims to have cured himself of
and 500 other people of all
sorts of complaints, including running
cancers. The circular issued by the insti-
tute includes casting out devils and raising
The dead among the cures of Christian
science.
When Miss Valiant entered the institute
The learned, under the instruction of Mr.
% do to cure her consumption was to read
he Bible with faith and to think herself
,ured
'Think yourself well and you are well,"
aught Mr.. Norton. In fortnight's time
le declared that she was cured, and she
hought she was herself She accordingly
Ittended the Christian science meetings on
sun lays, in Hardman Hall, and got all her |
amily to accompany her except her father. |
When she spoke of her experience to her |
mother she grew eloquent. She declared |
lerself supremely happy. She had solved
ife's problem, she said.
Somewhat Better for the Faith.
Miss valiant certainly was the better for
Ter faith in Christian science, and for many
months the disease apparently made no
rogress. There was no need to invoke the
i'd of doctors who had given her up, and |
vhom she had dismissed on becoming
)hristian scientist. A few months ago,
owever, although her faith had not weak
ned, it became evident that her seeming
ure was but temporary. She grew emaciated
nd acquired the unmistakable consumptive
lored her to consult physician.
"Why, mother" she replied, eff you
allied in doctor it would be making God
This was her only reply to her mothers
ntreaties, and finding it was hopeless to
rye her, the subject was dropped. Yester-
ay afternoon, while sitting on sofa en-
aged in conversation with her mother, she
lddenly sank against the back, and without
arning expired.
A Coroner's Inquiry Needed.
DR.. st. Clair Smith, the physician whom
le had given up after he had given her up,
as called upon to make out a death certifi-
tie. As he had not attended her since |
ctober 81, 1890. he could not say he had
en her professionally within 4s hours, and
Coroner had to make out the certificate.
r. Weston did so, giving consumption as
e cause of death. In speaking of the
after afterward he said:
'If the Christian science treatment did
, good, the patient experienced no ill
fects from it. Everything had been done
r her that could be done, and she had
'en given up as hopeless case by emi-
mt physicians of this city when she pur-
ed her whims. Her dong so did not {
orten her life, and it added to her COM
rt and peace of mind. At the same
me, don't of course believe in the !
iciency of Christian science as means of
lysical cure"