Mr Basford’s Jubilee.

Evening Star, Issue 726, 2 July 1887, Page 4

Mr Basford’s Jubilee.

In these days of jubilation, when the air is surcharged with gladness, it is not strange that the private citizen should in a certain degree catch the infection, and rejoice as heartily over blessings past and present as does Her Gracious Majesty the Queen. And this sentiment is one which every man and woman, whatever be his or her station in life, should foster. Gratitude is a grace too little cultivated, and on too many lips thanksgiving dies unsaid. In this spirit the story of Mr Basford s jubilee is given. It will be found not only as absorbing as the most thrilling tale of the novelist, but rivals it, in fact, in that it is strictly true. I was born in Northamptonshire, England, Ist November, 1844. When less than five years of age my parents removed to Australia, and as I have lived here ever since, most in Gippsland, I may well lay claim to being a pioneer. lam a gold-miner by occupation, and was always a strong, hearty man until October, 188b lam well known in Gippsland, having lived there from 1860 to 1885, and was a borough councillor for North Ward, Sale, for the two years preceding my departure from Sale to Melbourne. In October, 1880, I caught a severe cold, winch culminated in pains all over me, and I was obliged to take to my bed. From had I went to worso* 1 constantly bled at the noss. and could not keep anything on my stomach, not even soda and milk. Ihe pains in my head and back were excruciating, I was delirious in one sense* and yet had my senses. Fiom ; my chamber window I could see a church spire, and from the openings in th a spire I could see thousands of goblins, dressed m all sorts of fantastic garb, running up and down and disporting with one another; yet I kneio they were not real. I had the power of reasoning, jet thfse fantastic forms would appear* showing my mind was weakening. I called a physician, who examined me, and said 1 was suffering from congestion of the lunge, and doctored me accordingly, yet I 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 them, except the last one, really told me what was the matter with me, although I was paying a guinea a visit. After I had been ill about sev.-n weeks my body began to swell to an alarming extent, and a cold sweat covered me, with a sour and most disagreeable odor. It was so bad my nurse could scarcely stay in the room. My fluids 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 on the under side. Across my back and hips were another appendage like a saddle-bag in form, so large I could shake it, I not get on the trousers I usually wore, and so puffed out was ray stomach and bowels with water that I could only button the two top buttons of my waistcoat. My face was so puffed that I could scarcely see out of my eyes, which ran water to such an extent that my pillow was constantly wet. I had a pair of slippers made to order—they were 12’s in lemth, and big every way proportionately, yet I 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 me, that I could not live until morning ; that I had acute Bright’s disease in its worst form, and he would not call again unless sent for. I don’t care to mention this medical man’s name publicly, as he was the only doctor of the five I had who really told what was the matter with me. He did his best to cure me, but his medicines failed. The day following I was alive, and having my attention called to an article on Bright’s disease in a local paper, recommending Warner’s 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 I vomited* I then diluted the medicine, and persevered. The next day I ceased vomiting, and had an appetite. From that day on I have not vomited, and have relished my food. The nose-bleed also stopped, and has never returned, while the pains in my head gradually ceased. I could feel the medicine working down in my system. About the third day after commencing the medicine l noticed the pamphlet which accompanied it said I should take Warner’s safe pills_ with the safe cure. That night I took ono pill, which seemed to thoroughly cleanse my system. I cannot describe my feelings, except by saying it seemed like passing from hell 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 noimal weight is from 12st to 13st, but when I was so swelled I must have weighed at least 16st. 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, 1887,1 could get on my feet for a short time, and thereafter gradually gained in strength, so that I could take short walks. Now I feel that my young manhood has come back to me. My friends jocularly called me “ Cheat the Grave, and I feel that I have done so in truth. I never expected to get well, and now that I have completely recovered I cannot say enough in praise of the 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 I am truly grateful. The Jubilee year will always be remembered by me and mine, and the jubilee we celebrate is not a matter of form or lip service, but comes from the depths of thankful hearts. Samuel Basfobd. Exploration Hotel, L, Lonsdale street 8., Melbourne.