Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1896-03-22
INTERVIEWING THE PATIENT.

want, and appeals to the tender emotions
IN the human breast. Here, free from the
care and turmoil Of the remorse'ess world,
cool hands smooth the heated brow or
sufferers, and loving attendants sympa-
thetcally apply the cooling potlons TO
parched lips. Here, too, the manned ana
the mutilated seek shelter and repose.
and here business cares are absorbed in
sweet oblivion Of forgetfulness. The In
etitution Is Itself a cheery-looking place,
and ere one crosses the threshold he
hopes to strike the Louisiana Lottery on
the following morn. for the entrance Is
made in the form Of a horseshoe. which
betokens good luck. 1t is not so, how
ever with a mule-shoe. Those who come
into contact with one of these articles
consider themselves peculiarly unfortu-
nate. Inside the hospital everything Is
clean and dainty. On seeing the place
one almost wishes he was horse-and
sick horse at that.
My visit TO the institution a few days
since was the outcome Of those same mo-
tives of charity which prompt me to make
calls 10 the other eeemosynary instltu-
tons. One morning, with a little bouquet
of spring flowers In my hand and a
bundle Of tracts under my arm. / tripped
down to the place, In the hope that
might minister comfort 10 some poor soul.
! am always generous with my charitable
motives and politeness. anyhow, for
neither of these articles is expensive.
My visit would have been happy from
start TO finish had not the large dog on
the premises become specially interested
in and attentive to me. When l Owed In
under the horseshoe he bounded for
ward with an elasticity of footstep and
nm 81 Of ag mazda
shiver and become especially apprehensive
for the welfare Of my checked trousers
checked on an oyerdrawn account In
bank. AS is my custom, i made some
pleasant, conciliatory remark to him,
which seemed to meet his endorsement,
for he then approvingly shifted and smelt
around me, as If / had been a tube rose.
i regretted that l had not bathed that
day In eau-de-cologne. That dog seemed
to like my flavor. for after that he stuck
by me like brother and paid the most
respectful attention TO all my remarks.
j hope he is licensed, for l really like him.
The proprietor OF the establishment fell
on my bosom with delight when he saw
me, and he showed me through the wards
with pleasure. Every comfort and atten-
ton IL shown my patients" said he, as
he tossed a four-ounce capsule down the
throttle Of one Of the inmates. II make
q speciality of nervous diseases, insomnia,
and general debility. resulting from over
work"
Here, by the way, Is peculiarly in
teresting case" and he directed my foot
steps 10 a cot, on which lay large, dark
complexioned horse.
The horse in question was a mule. and
while the patient did not appear partlcu-
larry emacated, there was pathetic
look of sadness of his face that touched
me to the core Of the apple had eaten
that morning. His pulse was normal
however and his tongue In good order
"Melancholia is his complaint" said the
doctor, "and my one effort is 10 amuse
him. Talk to him"
At this suggestion I tried to think
OF something witty TO say to the mule
but 1t wasn't my funny day, and simply
wound up by remarking: "How's your
mother?'
MAS dead" remarked the patient.
us that so?' said l. what a pity"
and my face became clouded with sorrow
And then. 1 added: Whats your trou-
bieY'
Sorrow and grief have brought me
here" he sobbed. I'm out OF work, and
without friends. You know. pa never did
move In good society, and 80 when /
started 10 fight the battle OF life | had
no one TO push me. In fact. no one would
have cared TO get that close TO my heels