The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1910-07-27

teenth street, who with two other practi-
toners of the Christian Science faith.
gave treatment to the child, submitted
the following signed statement last night:
THE sensational account of the case
lost by the Christian Scientists given In
the News of today contained some state
ments which require correction and the
following is submitted as true version
of the case:
1T is a fact that little Roger Howell
was treated by Christian Science, as both
his parents and the little boy were firm
adherepts to this faith and. had repeat
eddy experienced the healing benefits of
Christian Science. Several months ago
Roger was vaccinated by a physician al
the school which he attended and from
this time his trouble began. He was I'M
der Christian Science treatment at vari-
Gus times by Mrs Kerr and seemed re-
stored to health. But a few weeks ago
symptoms of serious nature asserted
themselves and the case was submitted to
DR.. w. w. Clapp for diagnosis.
The disease was pronounced valvular
heart trouble, DR.. Clapp stating that
nothing could be done for the child. Is
it surprising that Mr.. and Mrs. Howell
should turn in their hour of great need
to their religion for comfort?
Miss Hulet Thompson was called two
weeks ago to attend the case and much
relief was given. On last Saturday Mrs.
Foster was requested, for the first time,
to call and see the child and on yes
terday morning as the case assumed a
more critical aspect, Miss Thompson and
Mrs. Foster spent the day at the Howell
home
The interview between the coroner and
DR.. Hardness and the three practitioners
did not occur, as reported in the News.
Neither Mrs Foster nor Miss Thompson
were present on that occasion. At the
autopsy, held at 8 o'clock Tuesday after
noon, DIR. Clapp's diagnosis was found to
be correct and the intimation that the
child had been neglected or Improperly
nourished was without foundation All
that tender love of parents and friends
could dictate was done for the comfort
and welfare of the little patient.
MRS. e. H. FOSTER"
DIR. Solomon Charges Criminal Neglect
Dr. f. p. Solomon, who was one OF
the doctors at the autopsy, said: i
think that Roger Howell died of criminal
neglect on the part of some ono; whom, |
do not know. The boy did not have an
incurable disease. have known of cases
of his kind which have been cured.
AT the time the boy was examined by
Dr. Clapp l suppose his disease was in
curable The child had what is known
as congenital heart disease, which means
he was born with weak heart. AS he
grew older complications set in, and the
vital organ grew weaker and weaker,
until 1t finally stopped beating and the
boy was dead.
do with the child's death, or the cause
which led up to bis death. The mar
that makes such a statement Is either
ignorant of the facts, or he utters
| falsehood The child has had what Ii
commonly known as heart disease evel
since he came into the world. The dis
ease has been cured by medicine and
can be cured again. Never having hac
an opportunity to examine the disease
while the child was alive, l cannot say
definitely when the disease entered the
stage where 1t was incurable. / think
it safe to say, however, that year ago
or perhaps only six or eight months ago,
the disease would have stood great
chances Of defeat II given into the hands
of physician. OF course. 1t Is 1mpos-
sible for any man to say what could
have been done. but am speaking In a
general way from past experiences"
Solicitor Helms Views
County Solicitor H. P. Heflin said
Judging from what | have heard OF the
matter. do not believe that any jury
could be satisfied with the evidence in
the case. l think 1t is impracticable and
useless to take the matter to the courts
Such a matter in my mind, should be
left to public opinion. do not believe
that there is any law or evidence In re-
gard to the matter that would justify Its
being brought before a court of justice.
Hardness Says Neglect Was Criminal
CITY Health Officer DR.. r. B. Hardness
said. 1.-THE boy was suffering from heart
disease. which seemed to be of long stand
ing. While not frequent, 1t is not a
rare thing to find a child of that age
suffering from heart trouble. but, under
the proper treatment. the majority OF
cases recover entirely.
There seems to be no doubt that the
child was the victim of criminal neglect.
He had absolutely no medical attention.
While he was taken to DR.. Clapp for a
diagnosis, / do not think that the doctor
medicine was ever used.
vaccination had nothing whatever to
do with his death. 1t might have been
caused by rheumatism, or some trouble
in the lungs, or he may have had 1t from
birth. I feel that someone Is responsible
for the neglect. which was criminal IN