New-York tribune., 1901-06-23

asks the doctor. All nudge the youngest child,
who looks frightened and admits that she
does. We'll. which is sck?" After much prod
ding the child says that the boy is sick. A few
premnaries his birthplace, etc, passed
over, questioning for symptoms begins Has
he any pain?" The child looks doubtful, and
at suggestion asks the mother, who consults
with the grandmother and father. and finally
with the boy himself. The pain is located.
Now. how long has he had it? More consulta-
tion. Finally the answer is "A long time"
How long-a week-a month? Violent disagree
ment among the family. The doctor in despair
gently but firmly demands that one speak at a
time The family. becoming alarmed. refuses
to speak at all. More explanations-much tact
a few replies-and eventually prescription.
a sad little woman. with desperate illness
written her wistful face comes next. The
doctor knows her, and speaks cheerily while
watching her with physicians keenness and a
friends sympathy. Eventually ne says his
voice tender his manner is firm: Mrs.
DAILY you must give up and go into the hospital
1t is useless To heht any longer. l. will wSite
an order to have you admitted at once" The
wonan's voice is shriIl. in spite Of self-control,
as she answers: Doctor. doctor. five little chill
dren And you know what the dangers are
even with "A mother To look after them. And
little waits and straysr' The doctor shakes his
head. Mrs. DAILY II is beyond your will power;
you must 20 into the hospital" "Or else"
adds the woman. "II be leaving them forever"
She does not fear death. but the terror Of her
chdrcns loneliness is CHASTITY on her face as
she takes the order in her trembling fingers.
sense OF tragedy falls on the waiting group As
she passes out and all follow her with that
spontaneous sympathy which is the mighty
I .sf,f1 a
in his arms. bushes the baby gently. He
speaks little English but is proud of what he
has mastered ne croons like lullaby the
harsh words. 'Shut-up-a: shut-up-at"
Another colored woman. of an old Southern
| type. comes next. For her the doctor pre-
scribes less work; she is old woman and her
working days have been many. She looks
| alarmed rs il Ahm dyin'?" she demands
solemn!y. The doctor laughs cheeriiy. 'oh.
dear no. You'n live another generation with
little care" My. my" cries she, delighted.
But dat's good sayin'i You see Mass John
ME, he kyant drink ordinary cOffee-Only
wut | makes wild my two ole black hands And
Mis- sue, I.ordy. but she do suffer from in
digestion of de stomach if she touch a potato
All amt cook myself. My. my. doctah, Ole
| Aun' Dinah kyant die and leave dem two chill
| luns' stomachs to be tore out q dem 10y no dis
| respectable cook" She chuckles at the pros
|
Her own interest in the matter does not appeal
To her.
| The remark of the neSress apropos of dis
| resnectable cooks" who work havoc with the in
| t.rnaI mechanism of their victims gains in force
| as the work proceeds Bad food is ut the bot
| tom of half the cases Pale young girls, with
! hoIIows under their eyes, admit their love for
| tea and their practice Of patronizing two for
| cent banana stands. y few women deny scOrn-
| fully the impLtation that they cook their meat
| in . frying pan hut most agree that Its
| handy" Patiently the doctor suggests that cob
| bestones won't feed the Kitchen fire. and fire.
| uuentIy the homey simile goes home Fried
| food unlimited tea and coffee and much cheap
| fruit are old foes of all physicians of the poor.
| and there is, moreover, not unnatural
| Iuctance on the patients part to disclose their
| daily menus The tact of the questions usually
| brings cut ;he ecessary information and reform
is promise,. but the circumstances of their daily
| lives against them. and lapses to
! occur.