The Washington herald., 1909-05-25
HOLDS EARLY
Is A LEPER
Continued from Page One.

lived and examined under q strong micro
scope. Dr.. Ehlers then said Early was
afflicted with leprosy. In the evening he
announce his intention Of visiting Early
at o'clock this morning to make fur
ther examination
The Danish specialist told members Of
the visiting party there was no doubt
that Early was afflicted with leprOsy OF
macular form. he said that in a short
time anaesthesie would be more advanced,
and Early would gradually lose a sense Of
feeling in his hands. feet, and limbs.
Seen at his hotel shortly after o'clock.
DR. Ehlers said Early was suffering from
leprosy. but that he would not make
statement over his signature or report 70
the health Office until he had made 8
second examination. He said Early suf-
fered. or seemed to suffer, from hysteria
in a repressed form. which had. he be-
lieved. in a degree affected his mind,
causing him 70 build Up false hopes He
said Mrs. Early was in no way afflicted,
and was in small danger Of being affected
by her proximity 10 her husband
In Interest of science.
Dr. Ehlers said he came to Washing
ton al the suggestion Of Dr. Buikley. Of
New York, and was making the examina-
ton purely IN the interest Of science. He
reached Washington yesterday noon. and
went 10 the New Willard. Shortly after
? o'clock he called on Dr.. Woodward. at
the health Office. Arrangements were
made IN DR.. Wo0dwsrd's Office. and the
party started for the government reser-
walton near Washington Asylum. where
Early IS confined.
Arriving at the house, the party went
into the part occupied by Mrs. Early.
where Or. EhIers held conversation with
her. She was nervous, and her eyes were
alight with hope. After talking with Mrs.
Early. DR.. Ehlers went into that part
Of the house IN which Early lives.
Questions relative 10 the leper's early
life and history were asked, and his
habits while in the army and stationed in
the Philippine Islands. All Of these Early
answered without hesitancy. adding that
he could not remember coming In con-
tact with persons having eruptions OF
rsshes on their faces or hands.
Early was then stripped. and q careful
examination of hts body was made. The
scars and designations were closely in
spected under q microscope and with
surgical instruments. An instrument was
inserted into rash On his forehead and
a small quantity Of blood was extracted.
The cultures we're inclosed in glass test
tubes.
When the examination had been COM
pleted. Early asked In an anxious tone
the physicians opinion. Dr.. Ehlers said
nothing. Early pressed him FOR en- opin-
ion. and Dr. Ehlers declared he would
first have 20 closely examine the cultures
EarIy's Anxious Moments.
Early searched the physicians face for
some indication of his thoughts. and
seeing no sign Of encouragement. evil
IDENTIFY guessed the verdict. and walked
away from the little party He said
nothing. but the light OF hope. born when
Dr. Buikley declared him TO be free from
leprosy. died from his eyes. and in its
place came first a haunting light OF
misery, shortly 20 be replaced BY a look
OF quiet resignation When he once more
faced the party, he talked with q brave
effort al lightness. but his QUavering
voice and tWitchiug muscles told Of the
struggle within.
Dr.. Ehiers held q CONSULTATION with the
other. physicians. and ir vas decided 10
tel Mrs Early the result OF the examina-
ton.
When Dr Ehlers approached Mrs.
Early she was so nervous Z vas ueces-
sary for Mrs Ehlers 10 support her, She
whispered words OF hope 70 the wife. and
then her husband gave his decision.
I believe that without q doubt your
husband Is q leper-"
Mrs. Early gazed az the physician as Il
unable 20 comprehend the nearing OF his
words. Then. trembling. she sank into a
chair and buried her face IN her hands
Her body shook with sobs. and she was
rapidly approaching q state OF hysteria
when Mrs Ehlers with woI7anly tact,
banished the men from the room Only
little Manley Early and the Early baby
were LETT. gazing with wide-Open childish
eyes al their mother.
Mrs Early regained Ter self-controL
When she again talked with the visitors
she was sanguine as 20 the outcome OF
the final test IN the laboratory. she
seemed 10 Ind cheer IN the bracing senti-
ments she gave 20 her husband Toward
the end Of the visit she grew defiant. in
a dogged way clinging 20 the forlorn hope
that Early may not be a leper.
On leaving the house the party started
for the Municipal Building. stopping at
the Marine Hospital. where DT. Ehlers
paid an official visit 10 Surg Gen Wy
man. OF the Marine Hospital Service.
After a short chat the party continued 10
the District Building. where DR.. Kinyoun
opened his laboratory and prepared the
various instruments and paraphernalia
for the Danish expert 70 make the final
search for leprOus bacilH-
Powerful Microscope.
TIE laboratory examination consumed
the greater part O. an hour. and when
the slides containing the cultures had been
Thoroughly colored and dried. the glass
slides were inserted under a powerful
microscope. A glance convinced the
specialist that his first opinion was well
founded, ard 20 the other physicians ne
announced there were undoubtedly traces
Of lepros bacili.
Dr. Ehlers was asked for a statement
Immediately after making his examina-
ton IN the laboratory. but declared he
would be unable 10 say anything until he
reported 10 the health officer ne said
he would have completed his report by
O'Clock
At the appointed tine, DR.. EhIers was
asked for his report He said he was
not satisfied with his first examination.
and would make q second. He said, how