MR. BASFORD’S JUBILEE.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1602, 2 July 1887, Page 3

MR. BASFORD’S JUBILEE.

In these days of jubilation, when the t air is surcharged witu gladness, it is not strange that the private citizen should in a certain degree cstch the infection, and rejoice »s heartily over blessings, past m l preaem, as does Her Gracious Msjetty the Queen. And (hit sentiment is one which every man and woman, whatovei bo h : T or her station in life, should foster. Gr ntude is a grace toe little cultivated, and on too many lips that ksgivmg die» unsaid. In this spirit the story of Mr. B-rsford’s jubilee is given. It will be found not only as absorbing as the most thrilling ta'e of the nova'ist, but rivals it in fact, in that it is strictly true.

1 was Horn in NorihamptonWiire, England, Ist November, 1844. When less than five years of age my parents removed to Australia, and as I have lived here ever since, mostly in Gippslund, I may w> ll lay claim to being a pioneer. I am a goldminer by occupation, and was always a sT'ng, hearty man, m it October, 1886. lam well known in Gippslund, having lived there from 1860 to 1885, and was' a bmoiigh councillor for North Ward, Sale, for the two years preceding my departure from Sale to Me bourne. In October, 1886, I caught a severe cold, which culmin .ted in pains all over me, and I was oh'ged to take to my bed, From bad 1 w nt io worse, 1 constancy bled at the nose, and could not keep anything on my stomach, not, not even soda and milk. The pains in my head and back were ex--1 cruciating. I was delirious in one sense, and yet had my senses. Ftotn my chamber window 1 could see a church spire, and from the openings in the spire I

could see thousands of goblins, dressed in all sorts of fantastic garb, running up and di wo and disporting with one another; yet I Jcntw they were not real. 1 had the power of reasoning, yet these fantastic forms would appear, showing my mind was weakening. Ica led a physician, who examined me, and said I was suffeting from congestion of the lungs, and doctored me accordingly, yet 1 continued to grow worse. I then first noticed my ankles and legs' were swelling, and that they would “dent” on impression. I had five physicians altogether, but none of (hem, except the last one, really told me what was the matter with toe, although I was paying a guinea a visit. After I bad been ill about seven weeks, my body began to swell to an alarming extent, and a cold sweat covered me, with a sour and most disagreeab'e odor. It was so bad my nurse could scarcely stay in the room. My luids were very scanty, high colored, and voided with much pain. My left arm swelled out of all semblance to an arm, a sort of watery bag forming

and falling down ou the under side. Across my back and hips was another appendage like a saddle bag in form, so large I could shake it. 1 could not get on the trousers I usually wore, and so puffed out was my stomach and bowels with water that I could only button the two top buttons of my waistcoat. My face was so puffed that 1 could scarcely see out of my eyes; which ran watei to such an extent that my pillow was constantly wet. I had a pair of slippers nude to order,

they were 12’s in length, and big every way proportionately ; yet 1 had to slit them open before I could get them on. The bleeding from the nose continued, also the vomiting, with dreadful retching, while my head felt as though it was in a vyce. I wanted to die, as life was only misery, A day or two before Christmas the doctor told my wife there was no hope for mo, that I could not live until morning; that 1 had acute Bright's disease in its (worst form, and ha would hot call »g«o unless sent for. I don't to mention this medical man's name publicly, as he was the only doctor of the five I had who really told what whs the matter with mo. He did his best to cure me, but his medicines failed. The day following I was

alive, aod bavins: my attention called to ian article on Brights disease in a local paper, Warner’* safe cure, I told my wife to get a bottle, and let me try it as a last resort. She did so. The first dose I kept down—something remarkable. The second dose likewise—wonderful. The third dose • £ vomited. I then diluted the medicine, and : persevered. The next day I ceased vomiting,and bad an appetite. From that day on I have net vomited, and have relished my food. The nose-bleeding also stopped, and has never returned, while the pains in my bead gradually ceased. I could feel the medicine working down in my system. About the third day after commencing the medicine I noticed the pamphlet which accompanied it said I should take Warner’s safe pills with the safe cure. That night I took one pill ; which seemed tothorongly c ! eanse my system, I can not describe my feelings, except by saying it seemed like passing from bell to paradise. Since that time my recovery has been rapid. The doctor, probably believing me dead, never called again. The swelling all over my body gradually went down. My hair came out, great scales peeled off my legs, and I seemed to be renewed throughout. My normal weight is from 12st to 13st, but when I wa» so swelled I must have weighed at least 16s*. I can now put my slit slippers on over my boots, and wear my clothes once more, the dropsical swelling

having entirely disappeared. About the Ist of March, 1887, I could get on my feet for a short time, and thereafter gradually gained in strength, so that 1 could take short walks. Now I feel that m> young manhood has come back to me. My friends jocularly call me‘Cheat the Grave, ’ and I feel that I have done so in truth. I never expected to get well, and now that 1 have completely recovered X cannot say enough in praise of fhs medicine that brought me back to life, health, and strength. lam ready at any and all times to answer any questions or letters, or go before any medical board for the same purpose. My recovery is simply a miracle and lam tritely grateful The Jubilee year will always be remembered by meatid mine, and the jubilee we celebrate is not a matter of form or lip service, but comes from the depths of thankful hearts, Samuel Basfobo. Exploration Hotel, L. Lonsdale-streel 8. , Melbourne.