The Cholera in Spain.

Thames Star, Volume XVII, Issue 5173, 15 August 1885, Page 4

The Cholera in Spain.

TBRBIBtEjScENES. : The Madrid correspondent of the Standard states that the abandonment of King Alphonso's visit to Murcia has caused deep disappointment to the inhabitants :—" From this cholera-stricken city of 86,000 inhabitants, where 1400 deaths out of 300 cases of cholera have occurred in 20 days, almost all the wealthier inhabitants fled at the first cut* break. They were soon followed by about 30,000 persons of all ranks, who spread the epidemic to many villages in the beautiful Huerts, a very garden of tropical vegetation. Among this unhappy.population so terrrible is the epidemic that duripg the last few days 510 cases and 230 deaths have occurred. Some rain fell on Sanday,-which increased the torrid heat, and created a strange bluish mist at nightfall over this interesting, and afflicted country. Awful tales are told of whole families having been swept off before the devoted village doctors and the priests could bring relief. Yet still the sturdy* wiry peasants are at work in the fields/ The aspect of the town of Murcia is very. dull. Many of the shops aw closed, and many houses un • tenanted. A few people gather in the cafe's or casinos. Processions from the churches pass along the streets with uawonted frequency, the priests carrying the host t» the dying; and as the acolytes tinkle their silver bell, the people kneel in the streets, uncover their heads, and cross themselves. Other processions twice a day parade, the infected streets, and carry about the relics and images of saints. The 'Bishop has maintained solemn services in the cathedral, and the churches implore the Divine assistance. The Bishop and the Governor are also unceasing in their visits to persons attacked, and in the distribution of rations and medicines to the poor. A pictnresque camp of herds and tents has been formed on El Malceon Esplanade, commanding a view of the river and Hureta, and close to the gipsy quarter, where splendid types of the Gitano race abound; living in filthy dens. Day and night the dreaded ' dead cars ' pass to and fro along the streets, and often take bodies away without coffins within an hour after the decease. In the city of Murcia and the Huerta, during the last 24 hours, there were 260 cases and 115 deaths, which is a heavier proportion than in Espies in 1884." ;