SAVED BY SONG.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXXIV, Issue 9338, 6 January 1909, Page 7

SAVED BY SONG.

MADAME OALYB AND A DYING DOCTOR. The heroine of the hoar 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 weeks has been slowly sinking and was believed to be on his death bed. He is a victim to the disease which, in the course of a brilliant career, he has done much to alleviate.

Dr. Bull, by his philanthrophy and charity, earned the admiration of thousands of patients. As an operator no surgeon excelled him. Though his practice 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 had diagnosed his own case as one of malignant cancer complicated by rheumatism the tragedy of his fate excited an extraordinary demonstration of public sympathy and grief. The doctor, who was attended night and day by four of the most eminent of his colleagues, was moved to the top floor of the Plaza Hotel, where absolute quiet reigned. Recently he appeared at the point of death, when, his wife heard him murmur “How I should love to hear Madame Oalve sing again.” Mrs Bull slipped from the room, and went straight to Madame Oalve jjwho impulsively exclaimed, “He shall hear me sing at once.” Half an hour later porters noiselessly carried a piano into the sick chamber. Madame Oalve entered and sang as she never sang before. The effect was magical. Colour suffused iDr. Bull’s jjfaoe, and he asked to bejpropped up so that he could see the prima donna. In a soft voice Madame Oalve first sang French love ditties, then Italian and German popular airs, which filled the room with merriment. Gradually Dr. Bull forgot his illness and talked and laughed. Finally he declared that Madame

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