The Washington herald., 1908-01-04

taken 10 the Providence Hospital where
an operation was to be performed on him
His physicians realized that the condition
Of their patient was serious, but not
necessarily alarming. After repeated con-
situations, at which some Of the most
prominent specialists Of this and other
cities participated. and Al which every
phase Of the churchman's condition was
taken into consideration, Il was decided,
as a last step, 10 perform an operation
The great Importance Of this move was
fully realized by the physicians. but in
view Of Dr. Stanord's condition, the
operation was deemed absolutely neces-
sary, Offering him a chance 10 prolong
his life and 10 recover his strength
Anxiety and suspense.
The esteem in which the pastor was
held by his flock was best shown during
this period Of anxiety and deep suspense
by great numbers of the parishionets
visiting St. Patricks Church and on
their knees Offering silent prayers.
At St Patrick's Church last Sunday
the condition Of the rector was announced
by Rev. Thomas E. Michigan, assistant
rector. requesting the congregation 10
offer prayers for d successful operation
Until this announcement was made. lit
tie definite and official knowledge was
had as TO the true condition Of the emil
uent divine.
The operation. which was delicate and
most unusual one was performed on
Tuesday, December 81 at II O'Clock by
Dr. George TuIly Vaughan. Assistant
Surgeon General of the United States
Public Health and Marine Hospital SeTv-
ice. assisted by DR.. George Emerson
Brewer. of the Roosevelt Hospital. New
York. DIT. l. F. Barker. OF the Johns
Hopkins University, Baltimore; DR.. James
F. Mitchell OF this city. and Dr. ". Sin
clair Bowen and DR.. George y. Acker-
Dr. John B. Briscoe administered the
anesthetic, assisted by Dr. Rozier Bayly,
Of this city.
Rev George Dsugherty. treasurer Of
the Catholic University Of America; Rev.
Thomas F. Michigan, and Rev. William
J. Carroll Dr. Stafford's assistants at ST.
Patrick's Church. were in attendance dur
ing the administration of the anesthetic.
Mrs Albert c. WhItton and Miss Marga-
ret Stafford. sisters of the pastor. awaited
the result in an adjoining room In re-
Spouse to the appeal from the pulpit last
Sunday, the church was crowded On the
day and the hour when the operation was
performed At the request OF Rev Father
Michigan a silent prayer was said for
tho success OF the operation.
Prayers in the Church.
Aside from the congregation and the
many friends Of the priest. who attended
the prayer, were the Sisters of the Holy
Cross. the Sisters Of Charity. members Of
the ST. Joseph Male Orphan Asylum. and
lpupils of St Patricks Academy, as well
as members of various Catholic OTganiza-
tons throughout the city.
At the conclusion Of this service, Rev.
James A. Smith, who remained at the
church during the operation, announced
that DR. Stafford had safely undergone
the ordeal. and that the physicians hoped
for his early recovery.
Dr. Vaughan. who performed the opera
ton, said directly afterward that Dr.
Stafford's condition was normal. He said
that al o'clock the patient was doing
well. and that if no complications arose,
the operation would prove to be sue
eessfuI one. DR.. Vaughan said that Or.
Stafford stood the shock well. and he be
HeVed would overcome the ordeal
On Wednesday night the announcement
was made that Or. Stafford was improV-
ing as rapidly as could be expected. The
hospital authorities announced he was
resting quietly and comfortably. and that
no complications had developed Accord
ing to the statement every hope was en-
tertained for his recovery
Many Inquiries Are Made.
All Of Wednesday the telephones at the
reetory and at Providence Hospital were
kept busy in the answering OF queries as
TO the condition Of the patient Among
those who sought information was Car
dinal Gibbons. When informed the patient
was improving. and that his attending
physicians had every hope for recovery,
Cardinal Gibbons extended his blessing
to the pastor and TO the household Of St.
Patrick's reCtOry.
An the Wednesday masses Were Of
fered in thanksgiving for the favors of
the past year. and for DR.. Stafford.
Needs for an Operation.
1t was the opinion of the physicians
that Dr. Stafford was suffering from a
complication of diseases. but probably all
of them led back 70 cirrhosis of the liver,
and It was 10 correct conditions in that
important organ that the operation was
performed.
The operation involved the opening OF
the abdominal cavity, and the establish
ment OF a collateral circulation from the
liver TO enable the blood. which was OBJ
structed to circulate around the liver on
It's way back to the heart. The operation
was first performed fifteen years ago, it