Worcester morning daily spy. (Worcester, Mass.) 1888-1898, 1898-02-18
A PECULIAR CASE.
Five Year Old Webster Boy Puz-
zles Physicians.
Parents Think Fright and Fall Respon-
sibIe for Conditon-operatton TO be
Performed.


sibIe for Condition Operation TO be
Performed.
Webster, Feb. IA very peculiar
case has appeared in town, which has
caused much concern TO the parties d.
rectly interested. The sufferer is David
the five-year-old boy of Mr.. and Mrs
Horace Mathewson, who reside at SO
Main street. The facts, as were CLEANED
from the inmates Of the household, as to
the probable cause Of the child's Illness
do not corroborate the statements made
by the various local physicians, The
family attribute the child's present con-
dition to fright. They say that about
four months ago, while the little fellow
was engaged in play with several play
mates, a Polish baker suddenly APP
preached the group, and, in rough
tone, said that he would convert the
little boy into sausage meat.
David, who Is only a youngster, be-
lieved every word that was uttered, and,
in a epasm of fear, ran up stairs to his
parents, crying for assistance. The boy
fell and hurt himself quite badly.
Since that time he has been ill and has
gradually grown worse. To his fright
and subsequent fail is attributed the
boys present condition, so his parents
claim This week the boy became 50
i'll that medical service in the shape of
DR. G. Fred Hart was required. After
a lengthy examination, DR.. Hart gave
his opinion that the boy was suffering
from tubercular peritonitis, as the few
visible symptoms pointed in that direc-
ton.
Nothing definite could be ascertained
without performing an operation, as the
sufferer seemed to be gradually sinking
with consumption.
The boy was taken to Worcester last
Tuesday by his parents, and DR., L. j.
Woodward consulted. The physician de-
cided that an operation was the only
thing to save his life. Mr.. and Mrs.
Mathewson decided not to allow it, and
started for the Massachusetts general
hospital, in Boston.
Several of the hospital physicians ex-
amined the boy, and they were unani-
nous in pronouncing it one of the most
puzzling cases. They decided, like DR..
Woodward, that an operation was the
only chance to save the boys life. The
boy Is in a very precarious condition.
and it was thought best to wait for
several days before performing the OPP
Grafton, to see if he would gain strength
under careful nursing. The boys chest
and stomach are terribly swollen, while
his limbs and other portions of the body
have wasted away until they are moth
ing but skin and bones. The boy meas
ures around the waist, in a naked con-
dition, exactly % inches. Since the boy
left town the first of this week his chest
and stomach have swollen an inch a
day.
This morning letter was received by
John Mathewson, an older brother from
the father, stating that the boys only
chance is to undergo an operation, and
that it viii be done Immediately, If the
operation Is successful, he will be oblig-
ed to remain in the hospital for a month
afterwards. Mr.. and Mrs. Matbewson
discredit the story that the boys illness
was caused by the drinking of diseased
cows milk
SCHOOLS UNITE.
The local grammar school and the
freshman class Of the high school have
united forces, and have organized a de.
batting society, which win be known as
the Grammar School Debating Society
The society have elected these officers
for the remainder OF this term. Presi-
dent, Henry Steinberg; vice president
Howard Merritt; executive committee
Telesphore La Boeuf, Miss Addie Stein
berg and Helen Bates. Miss Mamie
Casey was chosen secretary and treas
urer. They voted to hold their first
meeting ON Monday afternoon, at 4
O'clock
The Ladies' Aid Society of the M. e.
Church held its regular monthly meet
ing in the church vestry this afternoon
and elected the following as a parsonage
committee: Mrs. BENJAMIN c. Bartlett.
Mrs William e. Wellington and Mrs %,
d. Clemad1s. At o'clock a bean supper
was served. After supper a pleasing
entertainment was given under the d.
recton OF Miss Flora B. Gould Mrs
Williams e, Wellington and Mrs Fred
Woodoll
NEGLECTED CHILDREN.
The four young children Of Mr.. and
Mrs, Adolph Winworth were brought
into court this morning under the care
OF David Walker of Worcester. state
agent Of lunacy and charity. DR.. r. M.
Frisse1l testified as to their destitute
condition and that good substantial food
would do more for the children than
anything else. The Judge decided that
the state board could do better for the
children than the parents, and placed
the youngsters in the care of Mr.. Walk
err They will be taken to Boston Fri
day morning under the care of Sheriff
Clare.
CAME FROM SOUTHBRIDGE.
The opera house was again packed
this evening and good program was
rendered. A special train was run from
southbrldge, bringing down big crowd
and the National Band Of that town.
Upon the trains arrival the visiting
band was met by the ST. Jean Baptiste
band, and a grand consolidated street
parade was given. Mr.. Joseph G.. Isatoy
of Southbridge exhibited himself as the
emperor of clogs and fun artist When
the parade returned to the hall the Wis
Ting band rendered good concert, with
Sol E. Blanchard as director
ROUND ABOUT TOWN.
The st. Joseph's Society will hold
dance in the Pulaski han on Friday eve
ming.
George r. Marble, superintendent AT
the shoe factory of B. A. Corbin & Son.
left on the boat train this evening for
New York city, where he will remain
until Sunday. While there he will visit
Hon. c. G. Corbin. Mr.. Corbin's condi-
ton is greatly improved
Harry J. Howard returned TO New
York city today
Messrs Walter II. Earle and e. w.
Woodhead of Worcester were in town
today.
The funeral of Mrs. Wilkeline Koelh
was held at oiae ok this afternoon.
Rev. II. A. Blake, .1ginnins the Congre-
gational Church, oftle1 so z.
I a. ;..{,