THE CROWN PRINCE'S ILLNESS.

Oamaru Mail, Volume X, Issue 4098, 30 December 1887, Page 3

THE CROWN PRINCE'S ILLNESS.

Tbe San Itemo correspondent of the Standard gives the followiug acount of what took place when the physicians in attendance on the Crown Prince decided that the growth in bis throat was cancerous :—"'After the third day's consultation, all tbe medical men proceeded in a body to the Villa Zirio, and gave tbe Crown Prince a detailed report on their consultation. They informed him that the growth had the appearance of cancer, bnt that they felt themselves in duty bound to advise him, in accordance with this decision, that, in their opinion, his life would best be prolonged by resorting to no operation, placing before him all the arguments for and against tbe chances of an operation, consisting in the removal of the affected portion of the whole of the larynx. After grave consideration, the Crown Prince stated bis final decision that he would not have any operation performed. There is no justification for alarm concerning an early fatal issue. Even should Professor Tirchour confirm the opinion t f Sir Morell Mackenzie, Dr Hovel!, and their German colleagues, a mild climate—for the Prince, according to present arrangements, will not return to Berlin this winter—together with the robust constitution, the eqnable frame of mind, and tbe calm bearing of the illustrious patient, will be powerful accessories towards prolonging his life for some years. The general health of tbe Crown Prince has not been affected, and his voice, thongh still very weak and hoarse, lias improved, owing to tbe necessary silence imposed upon him. The Crown Princess continues well, and has borne the trouble with true fortitude. She attended Divine service on tbe 14th inst., accompanied by her three daughters, all four walked home through the town. The Crown Prince continues to taka daily exercise in the grounds of the villa when tbe weather is clear and bright. Sir Morell Mackenzie, who left for London on the 14th inst., received several anonymous threatening letters from Germany, where, no doubt, considerable feeling exists among tbe extreme Chsuvinists, but the consultations that have taken place during the past week have fully answered their purpose in convincing the German nation and medical opinion at large that Dr Mackenzie's diagnosis and treatment of the case in the stage at which it came under bi3 examination has the entire approval of the highest German authorities."

Professor Bergmanu and Dr Schmidt, after having been received by the Emperor in Berlin on the 13" h instant, had a long consultation. The Kleinas Journal states that both physicians regard the operation of laryDgotomy as unavoidable, and are of opinion that tracheotomy should only be resorted to as a meaos of saving the Crown Prince's life should any danger of sofiootion arise. Professor Bargmann and Dr Schmidt adhere to the view that it wonld have been better if an operation had been performed some months ago, as tbe delay which has occurred has lessened tbe chsnces of success. At the same time they do not regard recovery as oat of the question. There is only one German heart (says the Times correspondent) which does not seem to be very much afflicted with the terms of this verdict, and that is the heart of the heroic and ever cheerful Crown Prince himself. AU accounts speak of his demeanor at this most trying time as being admirable, and full of highsouled fortitude, equanimity, and hopefulness.

The confirmation cf the first sad accounts of the health of the Crown Prince has, if possible, says the Berlin correspondent of the Morning Post, increased the general sorrow and sympathy felt on [ his account. The bishops and other ctergy have directed prayers for tbo Prince. The general anxiety is shared by the Corps Diplomatique, by whom the kindness and almost sans /agon of the Prioce was highly appreciated. The Prince, by his modest and kindly bearing and his protection of tbo destitute, has won all hearts, and everybody is now calling to mind the last occasion of having been or spoken with him. Unfortunately, notwithstanding the opinion that the character of the malady can really only be accurately known after the present Inflammation has subsided, not a shadow of hope exists, and all the Court officials speak very plainly. Bis Majesty regrets that tbe Prince cannot come directly to Berlin. The Empress is, perhaps, the most affected, and the reports of the Crown Prince's state have greatly contributed to retard her recovery.