SAVED BY SONG.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2394, 8 January 1909, Page 12 (Supplement)

SAVED BY SONG.

MADAME -CALVE AND A DYING DOCTOR.

The heroine of the hour in New York, is Madame Calve, who, by the power of her voice recently roused, and probably saved, the eminent cancer specialist- Dr. W. T. Bull, who for \veei?s had been slowly sinking and was believed to be on bis death-bed. He is the victim to the disease which, in the course of a brilliant career..lie has done much to alleviate. Dr. Bull, by his pliilantlirophy and cha;ity, earned the admiration of thousands of patients. As an operator no surgeon excelled him. Though his nractice was enormous he was never known to refuse his services to people in affliction, regardless whether they were rich or poor. When, some weeks ago, it became known that he bad diagnosed his own case as one of malignant cancer complicated by rheumatism- the tragedy of his fate .veiled an extraordinary demonstration of public sympathy and grief. The doctor, who was attended night and day by four of tho most eminent of Id; colleagues, was moved to the top floor of the Plaza Hotel, where absolute- quiet reigned. Recently ho appeared on the point of death, when hi.; wife heard him murmur “How 1 should love to hear Madame Calve sing again.” Mrs. Bull slipped from tho room, and went straight to Madame Calve who impulsively exclaimed, “He shall hoar me sing at once.” Half an hour later porters noiselessly carried a paino into the sick chamber. Madame Calve entered and sang as she never sang before. The effect was magical. Color suffused Dr. Bull’s face, and lie asked to be propper up so that he could sec the prima donna. lir a soft voice Madame Calve first sang French loVe ditties, then Italian and German popular airs, which filled the room with merriment. Gradually Dr. Bull forgot liis lines® and talked and laughed. Finally lie declared that Madame Calve’s.music had done for

him what serum, operations, medicines, and nurses alike had failed to do. The famous singer had worked a miracle. . The medical bulletins,, for the first time, are hopeful, one note declaring that Dr. Bell may possibly have a chance of life. The patient himself declares that he is now determined to master this sickness. Madame Calve, before leaving New York, promised to return soon and to sing again to the patient.