The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-10-05
DOES It REALLY CURE
Indian Discovers New Remedy
for Consumption,
FAMOUS MESCAL BEAN
Brings About Some Remark
able Changes,
,MOUS MESCAL BEAN

Word was received IN the city yesterday
of a peculiar state of affairs in the Indian
Territory. the leading feature Of which
might peradvemture prove OF great inter-
est, if not of great value in the medical
world.
The report is to the effect that tsle
Indians claim to have discovered a native
and effective remedy for consumption
tie mescal bean
The mescal bean is not a bean az an.
4 is a small circular blossom from a plant
in Mexico. The blossom IS dried. II is
Placed in the mou-h and soaked for a few
minutes. It IS then taken out of the mouth
and made into small bean-lilIe ball,
rlaced back again in the mouth. masti-
Gated and swallowed. -Four beans lead to
beastly state of intoxicatiob
The report reaching Wichita says that
William Walker. now agent Of the Kio-
vas. Coranches and captive Apaches Of
whom Geronimo is the head. has been
Combating the mescal bean habit. a very
nad one among the Indians generally.
The blossoms are secured from the town
ot Vernon N northern Texas. The Indian,
being shut off from liquor, which is diff
flcult 70 conceal and unlike mescal in that
respect, buys it there and carries it about
with him, re-selling his surplus 20 broth
er Indians For a long time it has been
suspected that Indians and squaws retire
TO teepees with no opening. and safe Of
detection, eat these blossoms and indulge
in debaucheries. Neronic almost in their
utter abandon.
1t is reported that Agent Walker has
been trying 20 combat this evil and with
great success.
The mescal blossom lures the mind with
tie most sensual and luxurious visions,
the effects lasting sometimes as long as
three days. Mescal eaters have been
sought out and severely disciplined with
the result that the habit was broken up
TO a certain degree.
But new element entered into the abo-
iition. Most Of the Indians readily admit
ted that the eating of the intoxicating
and vision-breeding blossom was a mere
habit
But as its suppression continued others
appeared who claimed that the cessation
OF the eating would mean their death.
They claimed that If taken in the early
stages OF consumption 1t would work
cure. And If the remedy was not persist
ed IN for a certain time hemorrhages
would re-appear.
This was at first laughed AZ as clever
piece OF Indian sophistry hatched up to
prevent the prohibition Of the habit.
But later. 1t is reported, in~lsputable
proof that mescal taken carly in the stages
OF consumption does effect an improve
nent, were brought before the authorities.
Indians who were known not 10 deceive
brought forth evidence that the claim, on
their part at least, was not sophistry. It
was pointed out that mescal was effective
in certain designated Individual cases.
The matter has been submitted to
noted specialist in Philadelphia, whose
opinion is asked Meanwhile in the In
dian nation the use Of mescal will only
be allowed as a medicine. II the specialist
reports adversely on its efficacy. it will be
prohibited even as a medicine.
But If nescal should be discovered to be
o preventative of consumption it will not
be the first time that a savage tribe has
given. to the world, a great cure.
Dr. Bulls Cough Syrup cOnquers
Group at once. cures the child, and thus
saves many life. Mothers need not fear
that dreadful disease. If they have this re-
liable remedy at hand. 1t is sold by al