The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-06-18
FATHER SEBASTIAN KHEIpp.

thin Ice Of O pond and, instead Of becoming
worse, found himself much better for tho shock.
and 30 began systematic experiments along
the line this experience suggested. He made
himself well, was admitted to orders, and went
to the village Of Woerishofcn, in Bavaria. where
for thirty years he lived as his practices had
shown him the way to live. with hopes of health;
and during this time he earned the love and
praises Of his neighbors, villagers, and the noun
tainfolk. whom he cured OF diseases or bodily
distress by the cold treatment he had
invented for himself. He then wrote a book.
My Water Cure" and his fame. which had
been local, spread over tho world. People from
q distance came TO see him, travellers went out
of their way to visit Woerishofen, sufferers
from other countries hied to him., and before
long there were p~ilgrimages Of great numbers
vending their way toward his retreat, for
Woerishofen's seclusion made it practically a
retreat. Simple people began to call his power
miraculous. Sober observers wondered at what
they saw accomplished in his patients. The doc
making use OF methods commonly sscribod to a
charlatan; but he was not accused OF charlatan-
ism.
Once he was hailed before tho Landgericht on
q charge OF practising, medicine without q
ones duty to seek to relieve persons whom the
castieslly whether The Father would undertake
said he would. the Judge was cured, and Father
Kneipp was never again molested.
ment. Emperor Francis Joseph took a course
oft on two different occasions. The Archduke
G @ssnin 81 A tho Ars ShashSe" Of Pr Prague sSf'' and an t HRe
daughters Of Don Carlos, the Spanish pretender,
:, we e. s SEEM. Waking ,;ms 1Sl barefoot .cms e in the d s;NT grass;
frock coats and white cravats. but barefoot also,
were giving an early concert on the meadow.
combining industry and amusement with their
rings on their left small toes, and in greeting
ton that sprane up as a fad when the Kneipp
cure became tho thing =" for the i'll and those
women, patients being engaged in holding up
their skirts the dear creatures. according 70
tho grass or brook-whichever they are walking
in-when a friend came along. and wiggls the
This barefoot walking became the best-known
feature OF the peculiar system introduced by
f hs'hS did h n0s Goan ss1 fHs tRR f'ff fantastic as a &c @ eHtrsms OF
to which some OF Ms patients carried his pre-
the result OF the luxury Of modern living, and
his aim was to eliminate acrid humors OF the
blood and tone up tho organism. Faulty circu-
calculated to effect a cure. To bring out what.
and applications, together with steam baths.
sometimes medicatinG these, but with herbs
6e ordered the barefoot walking and cold
himself. giving all his time to this work except
such rs was occupied by his devotions and pas
toral work. and he did all for nothing. Con.
tributions from relieved patients he used for
parish work.
For n long time there were no ~accommoda.
tions for tho throngs Of visitors at the village.
Some had to use tents. A Rothschild was
Obliged 10 domicile himself in the parlor car
that brought him to the place. Father Kneipp
by no means contented himself with ordering
their daily habits, prescribed n simple regimen,
loose clothes and not many OF them. and pro.
hibited alcohol. II was not to be wondered at
that with the admiNture OF hygiene, faith. and
common sense. which made up his system OF
treatment great numbers of distressed people
were restored by him to a normal condition;
1t Is related that when two Russians with the
boards Of tho patriarchs and hair like bush.
mems came to him he posted OF a messenger
the first thing for tho village barber. and when
q priest from the North came wearing Ave pairs
Of drawers the Father ordered two pairs OF
them OF at once. and within n week had
Invested his patient Of two more OF them.
In recognition of his work the Pope bestowed
upon Father Kneipp an honorary Office, hat OF
CamerlinRs, carrying with 1t the title OF Mon
signor. In 1894 tho Monsignor was called "a
Rome TO treat an obstinate ailment Of the
PontiF. an outgrowth OF some stomach dis
order, and II was announced after some time
that by his treatment the Pope's health had
been restored.
Father Kneipp's followers carried his treat
ment and principles to foreign countries, and
kneipp societies were established in variou,
cities. In France some journals were set afioRi
to his ideas and the records OF hi
successes, one OF the papers attaining to n cir
c~ulation OF %. 900. Last year \ society was in
obtaining permission to use a part of the Cen
trail Park lawns.