2
The Smallpox Hospital.
——
HOW PATIENTS ARE TREATED AND NURSED CONDITION OF THE BUILDING LESS RUMORS RAD VENTILATION.
During the past week reports have been in cirenlation regarding the condi ion and management of the Smallpox Hospital which cast a great deal of discredit on the institution and are calculated to injure the character of the physicians and nurses in attendance, Rev. James Carruthers, of St. James’ Church, who has been attending the spiritual wants of a number of patients for some time, has had considerable experience in smallpox hospitals. He is therefore well able to express an opinion on euch matters. He was waited upon at the Manse last evening, and found willing to give all the information that he possessed on the subject :
‘*Since the patients who have recovered from smallpox have been discharged from the hospital,” said a represeutative of Tus Examinek to the Reverend § gentle- man, ‘various reports derogatory to the management of the institution have gone abroad. As you were in attend- ance at the hospital for several daya pre- vious to the discharge of patients, and have seen their condition and the treatment of doctors, and attendance of nurses, would you kindly inform me if there is any ground for the reports which you know te be in circulation ? ”
‘‘As | was not in attendance,” said the Rev. gentlemen, ‘‘at the opening of the hospital, 1 cannot speak of the matter; but I can easily imagine the position of affairs. The building, aa you are aware, was out of use and out of repair for many years. The epidemic came upon us so suddenly that it was impossible to have every thing a patient or a physician wonld desire. At first patients were forwarded at the rate of six or seven per day, and the consequence was that physicians and nurses, most of the latter beirg inexperienced, had to do the best they could under the circumstances Rev. Father McIntyro and Rev Mr. O'Meara were in attendance at the time. They can best inform you how matters atood then.”
‘‘How have matters been since you have been in actual attendance ?”
‘‘When I bexzan to visit, a good number of the patients were convalescont and able to attend to their own wants. But I have been very much ploased with the care aad attention shown to patients throughtout. The Sisters of Charity have been indefatig- able in their labora, and, under God, I be- lieve they have been a great blessing out there. The other nurses are untrained, but, certainly, as far as I have seen, are doing the best they can. The Nuns who have gone out this evening were required, and willenable the Sisters, who were cer- tainly over-worked, to obtain rest. Then, during the past week «a number of deaths have occurred. These were bad cases, re- quiring a great deal of nursing. Therefore the condition of affairs at the hospital in the future will be more favorable than in the past, and should the epidemic continue, those who enter hereafter wil! reesive every attention their malady requires.’
“Have you been in other smalipox hespitals before !”
‘* J haye.”
** Were they equipped in haste as ours has been ?”
** No; and that should be remembered. lt is unfair to compare a hospital which we were forced to arrange so suddenly, with a regularly equipped and permanant in- stitution.”
‘* There are many repcrts in circulation regarding the hospital being damp, end that there is a quantity of water in the ceilawy, Have these reports any foundation ae facts |’
‘*As faras I can judge there is not the sghtest foundation for them. I was so exercised on hearing these rumors that I offered the Chairman of the Board of Health "te be one of a Committee to examine the building and report on its condition for the satisfaction of citizens, and thus allay the fear caused by»tiem. On my first visit 1 went through th@whole building to satisfy myself on this very poiat. 1 found it, especially in the habi- table parts, to be perfeetly dry. This con- dition, 1 believe, was bronght about by the dry, Yarm summer ws have had, and the great number of stoves the Board of Health have placed in the builcing—a stove in every roem, 1 believe, where there are patients
** Have you been in the cellar !”
** ] certainly would not neglect examin- ing it, os | heard there was a foot of water in it.”
** Te that correct 7’
‘Phere is no water in it pow, and I certainly think there was no water in it when the Board of Health took charge. As you remerater, the cellar of the old Asylum was used for insane patiants, the fleor was of cement, and had there been any water there was uo chance of it soaking through the cement up to the present. Had the floor been of the ordinary kind, the water might have soaked through it. As atnatter of fact, at the present time it is drier than most ordinary cellars.”
‘* Have you exaniined the roof of the building is it leaky ?
*“*] did not examine it. I cannot say whether it is leaky or not. Since my visits it has been dry weather with one exception —Wednesday woek—and I was not there that day.
“Did you pay any attention ventilation of the wards }”’
“Yes. Owing, unfortunately, to the peculiar construction of the building, the ventilation—though it might have been sufficient for an insace asylum—is hardly adequate for # smallpox hospital. Physi- ciavs tell us that 1,000 cubic feet of air are necessary for each healthy adult. The air in asick ward (especially smallpox) becomes more rapidly vitiated by the exhalations from the skin and the lungs. The air, therefore, in the wards of the hospital— which are sinoll—cannot be as pure as it ought to be. It is in my opinion very in-
jorious to the patients. and works to the disadvant: fthe physicians. In email. pox hospitals L have visited in other parts,
the wards are large and airy. They have
high cailings, with automatic ventilators
to ihe
to carry off the imprre air, as ventilation is}
.——— . SH "#$U}’wVT—-0W".
GROUND:
‘HEH DAILY
| cleanly appearance they would otherwise | have had from repeated scrubbing, but they laro now assuming a more hospital-like | appearance, being clean and neat.”’
‘*A rumor is also current regarding rough usage of dead bodies!’
‘*T have never been in the ward on the removal of any of the dead bodies, but was in the dead house when one was brought in, and | certainly saw vo disrespect on the part of the attendants,”
‘‘How, then, do you account for the mortality at the hospital?’
‘*]T cannot say. Dr. Jenkins has pro- mised, in a jetter'to the public, to explain the matter. Therefore the public will have to wait for thatexplanation. Looking back over the whole matter, the only thing! I feel we might have done, and which might possibly have been for the benefit of the patients, is providing them a better convey- ance to the hospital. There is no doubt that the Board of Health did what they could ; but still, had they the necessary foresight, a better ambulanca might have been provided. This might be obtained in future.”
‘* What would you suggest asa proper ambulance }”
“1 do not know what kind of ambulance they use in Montreal. Those I have seen
eleewhere were capable of carrying patient, bed and bedding. They had no stove, as I believe they have in the Montreal vans, because
stoves were not required in a warm climate. A van sufliciently large to carry mattrass, bedding and stove, is, I think, what we require for the removal of patients. The Board of Health have, I learn, discovered that some improvement in the conveyance ia necessary, aed are providing a foot warmer for the ambulance. ”
On closing the interview, the rev. genile- man informed our representative that he had never before seen so virulent a type of the disease. A large number of the cases were confinent. Such cases seldom occur in the old country, vaccination being 89 perfect.
WHAT REV. MR, OMEARA SAYS.
The Rector of St. Paul’s was found in the School Room, ready to submit to an interview. ‘A representative of Tne Ex- AMINER enquired :—
‘* When did yon commence to visit the hospital ?”
‘* When it opened,” he said, ‘‘end I cor- tinued for three weeks |The building was then dry, and with a little outlay could be made cowfortable. Of course; on the opening, everything was in confusion. The patients came fast, ard overcrowding was unavoidable.”
** How mapy were in each room ?”’
‘“The number varied according to the size of the rgoms; but in the men’s and womens’ wards, all were overcrowded, and some were in the corridors. Thia state of thivgs waa remedied as rapidly as porsible, by getting new beds in new roeme, and opening the west wing of the building.”
**How about the ventilation of the roows }”
“Of course, on attending at the beds of the patients, I found a frightful stench; but am not prepared to say whether it was a necessary product of the disease, or owing to the bad ventilation of the rooixs. 1 am inclined to the former opipion, as | noticed that from some patients in certain stages of the disease the smell was worse than from others,”
‘Tt is currently reported that Mr. Jennings, the Steward of the Hospital, was at first sometimes inebriated and unfit for duty. Is this the case ?”
Emphatically I say no. Mr. Jennings until the Sisters of Charity arrived was in sole charge, and had agreat deal te do, I found him always sober and ready for every emergency.”
** At firat how did you find the nursing ?”
** For the first few days the nursing wae not very good, on account of insubordina- tion on the part of the help, but since the Sisters of Charity arrived everything has been as perfect as could be under the cir- cumstances. They spared no pains to sys- tematise and arrange the duties vf the nurses, and were unwearied in their own attendance, ”
‘‘And the medical attendance ?”
“The medical men, both in the city and Hospital have been zealous in their attend- ance, and in my opinion, accomplished ali that medical science and incessant toil could enable them to do. It is my opinion that those who have heretofore criticised the medical inen would have done better if they hed endeavored by some means to strength- en their hands?”
MAYOR BEER’S OPINION.
Mayor Beer was next waited upon. He stated that on his first visit he was sur- prised to find the building so dry through- out. He was the last citizen to leave the hospital previous to the removal of the patients. ‘‘Whenthe first patient arrived at the front door,” he said, ‘I slipped out the back.” On leaviag he was surprised to see every thing in such good order and the hospital so comfortable, as they had but a short time to prepare it.
AN ACTION OF SLANDER.
We learn that Dr. Jenkins has entered an action for slander against Owen Mce- Carey, one of the patients recently dis- charged from the hospital. The grownd for the action is that McCarey has circu- lated reports regarding the ill-treatment of his wife, who died in the hospital. The case will be commenced before the Stipen- diary Magistrate on Monday.
enn a —-———
Canapa’s CatrLe Kixe.-— The Canadian Breeder this week contains an illustration of a herd of Aberdeen-Angus cattle, the property ef the Hon. M. H. Cochrane, Hilharst. Quelic, one of the most extensive importers of these and other cattle in the Dominion. Mr, Cochrane commenced breeding from the
choicest Canadian. catile in 1865, and two years later made his first impor- ‘tation, being the ehorthorn cow Rose- | Aale, which wee the most syccessful
; prize winner in her time. In 1872 he soi? eleven head of Angus catile to Col Gunter, | England; for the enormous price ef 35000 apiece. At Teronto, in 1875, he sold three icows and three heifers for $30,850. About
consideed an imporlaat factor in the treat-| the same time he sold two cows in Chicago
mev' of smalipox patients.
“Tt has also been reported that the Is this
wards are in a filthy condition. Tumor correct ?”
** As I stated at the outaot, has not been in use for
floors, therefore,
4 with
would not have
were,
for $21,000 and $25,000, respectively. The {most no'ed animal ever possessed by Mr
| Goghrane was the Tenth Duchess of Aidrie. |
| For the fifteen calves she bore he reesived the | fabulous sum of $176,000. » The exceleney cf
the building | Mr, Cochrane's breeding has made Hillhurst maby yeers. The | wel] known tc Canadion and American breed- that ers and stockmen generally.
re pee a
nr
Hx A
THE PUBLIC HEALTH.
DEATH AND CONDITION OF PATIENTS AT THE HOSPITAL.
Dr. Jenkins to-day made the following report :
To the Chairman of the Board of Health :
Sir,-—I have to report the death of John T. Crocket this morning. He had recover- ed from a severe attack of smallpox but was afterwards afilicted with abscesses, between forty and fifty containing unhealthy pus, indicating blood poisoning, from the effects of which he sank.
Christy Bell is in a very dangerous state, bronchitis having eet in.
The othors are doing well.
I have, ete., J. T. JENKINS, Health Officer.
PATIENTS IN THE CITY. To Dr, Johnson, Health Officer.
Sirn,—Mr. and Mrs. Heariz and Mr. Johnson are up to-day.
Mrs. MeMahon is still improving.
Capt. Walsh is much troubled with bron- chitis.
All the other patients in town are doing well,
JaMES WaARRURTON, PUBLIC ASSEMBLIES,
Dr. Johnson, Health Officer, made the following report :—
To the Chairman of the Board of Health:
Sin,—lIt effords me mush satisfaction to be able to repor that no case of smallpox has occurred within the city in any new centre since the [lth inst. Forasmuch, therefore, as the comparatively few in. fected houses still remaining are under isolation,and will not supply representatives of any public assemblies, 1 feel warranted in advising your Board no longer to restrict public gatherings for religious worship or otherwise, except of children in Sabbath or day schools. ‘These exceptions are recom- mended to be such because | need fuller information than I now possess regarding the successful vaccination of the children. This information I hope soon to have within my reach, and for my guidance in my
to-day
future recommendations regarding the opening of the schools. Lam,
Your obedient servant, Richarp JoHyNson, Health Officer.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS,
The Mayer ecknowledges with thanks the following donations for patients at the staalipox hespital :—Mrs. Unsworth, crocks preserves; package linen, parcel illustrated papers; Mrs, F. L. Haszard, 3 crocks pre- serves, parcel clothing; H. J. Cundall, parcel illustrated papers; Mrs. H. Haszard, Mould LaMonge, crock preserves, crock beef-tea; P. J. D. Edmunds, Georgetown Road, box poultry, fruit, etc., for Sisters of Charity; A Friend, a bundle linen; Missa Jackson, B. P. Road, 1 fowl; Misa Stock- man, 3 gallous buttermilk; ex-Governor Haviland, gallon buttermilk; Mrs. John McInnis, jar buttermilk; Mrs. T. W. Huggan, box delicacies; Capt. M. Hickey, 1 barrel apples, 3 cans peaches, 7 crocks jelly, 1 bottle lime juice, package lemons.
During the past week the following con- tributions were received at the smallpox hospital for the employment and emuse- ment of the convalescents :— Two bundles patch work and sewing material from Messrs. Geo. Davies & Co., London Houses ; two bundles yarn and knitting pins from Messrs. Perkins and Sterns ; three boxes toys, games etc. from Mrs Hobkirk; bundles illustrated papers and a ehecker board and checkers from Mrs. W. Walsh: box gamos, etc., from Mrs. G. W. Howlan ; bundles illustrated papers, magezines, etc., from Miss Caven.
CITIZENS COMMITTEE'S REPORT,
We regret to hear that some gentlemen have quite misunderstood the recommen- dation of the Citizens’ Committee that an examination should be made by medical men of all citizens with the ‘view of as- eertaining in what cases vaccination haa been successful and in what not. Some persons thought there was an implied cen- sure in the recommendation on the non- medical vaceinators. We are assured that nothing was further from the minds of the Committee, Their action was prompted‘ia part by the statement of the Health Officers that about 20 per cent. of all vaccinations failed and had to be done over again. While non-medical men may vaccinate and do so successful'y, it by no means follows that they are competent to determine after- wards whether vaccination has been eue- cessful or abortive. Hence the recom- mendation of the committee that the inspection be only by medical men.
OFRTUFICATES.
At ameeting of the Board of Health for Cardigan, held this day, it was resolved that all certifiicates of freedom from infec tion, presented by persons coming into this District, shall be dated not over twenty- four hours before presentation.
Gror¢cE F. Owen, Clerk Board of Health. Cardigan, P. E. Island, Dec. 17, 1885,
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR.
Fall Steam Communication.
Sir. —The Steam Navigation Company’s boats, we understand, made their last trip for the season. Now as there is yet large quantities of pork and produca te come to market, we would earnestly request the said Compsny not te be.too hasty in repoat- ing the mistakes made several other falls by stopping their boat on the first appear- ance of frost or snow, and Jaying them up at the wharves, when for two or three weeks after they might easily run. The weather has now every indication of being soft, and there is no just reason why the hoat should not remain in readiness to ply when ice and weather permits The absurd | stubbornaess of the Department in control of the Northern Licht, in refusing to silow her to ply betweeu Charlottetown end Pic- tom fora while after the other boats cease riupbing, is apparent to all.
Yours, &e.,
SHIPPER —— > ote Five Pco- prep Mustache Cups ‘and ladies Cups aud Saucers, from 35cts to $1.25 cach, at R. K. Brave’s, decl9
ITIVEIS SOAP) is tarde from
ee -amatmmaitneains
ectaenanliaaliaenno.oaniunnancatien
At Morris’ Bookstere (CAMERON BLOCK,
—aceermnence ( jemnmtions’ oom
a OPENING, A FINE STOCK OF
Bocks, Stationery, Toys, Games and Fancy Goods,
AND THE FINEST STOCK OF
CHRISTMAS CARDS
in the city, being selections fom RAPHAEL, TUCK & SONS, of London, England ; L. PRANG & ©O., Boston ; POULTON’S
PHOTOGRAPH CARDS,
and from other Celebrated Publishers.
For the convenience of customers at a distanoe, we have pst up
Packages Containing 100 Cards at $1 690, $2.00 or $2.00.
Phese Packages contain an assortment of
Plain and Fringed Cards,
ai about three times the value at the Retail Price, and will be mailed postpaid for either of the above sums, SATISFACTION GUARANTEED,
LEONARD MORES.
Ch’town, Dec. 10, 1885—3wks THE...BES SE... Yikki —---0
Roe Change in Business Contempiated ; but 2 Bona Fide «hange in Prices.
o-—
YNTIL the end of JANUARY NEX{, I will give such Bargains in DRY GOODS AND CLOTHING as will make everyene who will buy from me Happy, and in addition will give you some of my Choice TEA GRATIS. To every buyer of $2.09 worth ef DRY GOODS Wb Good Tea, $4.00 " ais ” 2ib - $6 69 “6 “6 ay 2ib “ $3 99 “6 a + or Glothing, 41b Good Tea. $'0.00 +é ss sé fe oo 5!ib “ee Purchasers not requiring the ‘Tea can have the «qvivalent value in other goods in the Store. . The Quality of my Tea i: well and favorab'y known. This offers a rare opportunity to get Good Tea Free ef Cost.
J. B. MACDORALD'S,
(pureco Street. Chytown. Dec 10. "RR,
Closivg-out of the Entire Stock of GENERAL DRY GOODS at the
LENGEN HSUSE!
a)
GEO. DAVIES & CO., inteading te make a change ia their present business, offer the whole of their MAGAIFI- CENT STOCK OF MERCHARDAZE at prives that cannot fail to make a ciearance.
this isa BONA FIDE SALY, as the stock must be dis- posed of. duricg the next few months, and will presenta Grand Opportunity to ali buyers for Cash,
Gur Wholesaie Customers will be supplied on the usual
‘Terms.
CeO, DAVIES & CoO.
Ch’town, Dee. 9, 1885.
Poo we oe ——
Shoddy Boots Played Out.
OD anes
Get a Pair ef Gur Own Make of Solid Leather Beots Cheapest and Best.
DORSEY, GOFF & CO,
Ch’town, Dec. 16, 1835,
MAGNET SOAP,
Warranted Pure.
ef the BEST MATERIALS, ond ig Superior to any similar article manufactured. For general houscho!d ard family use it SURPASSES all others.
Wem 2¢ will be io your interest te try it. —FOR SALE WHOLESALE BY
FENTON T. NEWBERY.
July 22,1885. 6m
~
TPES.
RR perm Ree
1. cme SE a —- — ae
WwW. W. WELLNER
HOLIDAY GOODS,
making the Finest Collection, in the diffrent lines usually kept by him, to be found in the city,
A Special Discount for Cash DURING THE HOLIDAYs, Ch’towr, Dee, 17—3i on 17 19 23 wky Li
Fisur, Applies, &e.
Y Auction, MONDAY, December 2tet, at LL eo vlock :—~
——
60 barrels Flour (superior extra), 75 brie, Apples, Cranberries, Oranges, Lemons, Rus. sets, Digby Herring, &e, to close out con- signments. ‘Lerms t'agh,
A. McNEILI, dec 19 Auctioneer,
=e ae CO Re
XHE Arnual General Me: ting of the Char- lottetown Young Men’s Christian Aggo- ciaticen will be h'ld in the Parlor of the Y. M.C &. Building, Charlottetown, «n the evening of MONDAY, the 28th day cf DE. CEMBER, instant, at 8 o'clock, p. m, fr the purpose of electing a Committee and offic cers, aud the transsction of other uccessary business,
JOSLPH HENSLEY, President, Ch’town, Dec. 19, ’*5—t! mtng
a then
OTINR TO CONSIGNERS,
5, consrqnuen-e of goods being held at Pictou Landing. for ¢«xpenees, Prince Edward Island importers will please send te Messrs. Noonau and Davis, of Picton, N. 8, the following order and guarantee :—
“You wili please ship per Northern Light any goods af Pict u or Picton Landing, cen. signed to us, we ho'ding curse'ves account. able to yeu for ail charges thereon, steamer lost or not lost.
ONIL.S <0 sknitiiticiale
Artima’ Lorn, Agent Marine Departmeat, Agency Marine Dept., Dee, 18, 1885, 3i wky 1 her?i
Cxeoutors Notice:
es Undersigned Executors of the last will and test:ment of the late Lewis Johan We>taway, of George'own, werchant, deceased, hereby notify all persone ifdebted to bis estate. to make immediate pa) ment to Malcolm Mecionald, at his cffic-, Water Street, Georgetown, end all persons having claims or demands agsinst the said estate, are hem@by required to furnish the same, duly attested, within twelve months from this date.
JOSEPH FAIRCHILD, G. ALBERT AITKEN, | Executora. JOHN T. POOL, \
Dated at Georgetown, the 17th day of De-
cember, 1835.—¢éecl8 Imo
REA FRA S3 You GAR wes a Mistake in petting your
Christmas Prosents
--AND~<
CHRISTMAS CARDS, Presents for 1 adivg, Preseuts for Gentlemen, Prescuts for Children,
Selling Gheaper than Lver.
eke
&* Do not fail to see for yourself,
G. H. HASZARD, QUEEN Dec. 12, 1885.
NOTICE. _
FEXHE Undersigned wishes to inform tie
public generally of this city that, im addition to his furmer businesr, he has estab- lished a
SOUP KITCHEN,
where, on and after the 1%h inet., he will be prepared to supply that article - good and hot —at the rate of Five Cents per Quart, to all who may patronize him. EK WALLER, Ki ‘g's Square. Ch’town, Dec. 14, ’®£—3i eo.
$ QUARK,
See ee ——
WANTS, LONT, renNe, de
J OST- Between North River Laidge ard 4 the city, » Eubber Covering. The finder, by leaving it a' Miller brothers, Queen Street, will be rewarded, dec! li
< ia le
wiy-calved milch Cow. LePage’s Ofiee, Glas- dec} 8—tf
Wek SALE.—A_ ne Apply at H. T, cow Neuse i :. sioentiliiclittieeaentemmass —— —— AOR SALE—A balance cf 16 barrele of i Cement, to leat ot $3.28 5 gerersl prees octi9 tf
$4. Apply at thia office. . aanatie
EOARDERS~—-Two or three genticmen o B&B lady HKoarders may find comfortable accommoedetion by »pplying to Mra iam Kennedy, Prick House, Hitborough Pam
r- wept? UF
ad
f 4,0 LET- Dhe large brick Store oD Ques | Street. next to J, D. Macleod, en sion given tirat of May, App.y to A. White, apr27 law pat