We give in this issue an extended report of the trial of the Rev. E. M. Buswell, of Beatrice, Nebraska. We feel warranted in doing so because of the interesting character of the case. There is perhaps no statute of any state or country which was or could well be more especially aimed at Christian Science healing than the Nebraska statute. We are aware that it was designed in a peculiar sense to prevent, if possible, Metaphysical, or Christian Science practice. The result of the Act was such that for a year or two after its passage, many members of the profession at whose instigation it was in part, enacted, were so busily occupied in themselves making arrangements to comply with its demands, that they had no time nor disposition to take up the crusade against Christian Scientists. But, after a time, so far as they could, they met the necessary requirements, and the smoke of the battle amongst themselves having somewhat cleared up, they addressed themselves to the real work in hand, and seem to have selected Bra. Buswell as their first victim. The case was intended to be, and so far as possible, was made a test case. Hence it was watched with intense interest by professional and non-professional people all over the state and country. No doubt the feeling was that if a Christian Scientist healer could not be punished under such a statute, there would be little use in human acumen attempting to frame one which would accomplish that end.
We have endeavored to give such a report of this case, therefore, as will not only give an intelligible idea of its nature, but make it in some sense, a precedent for others who may perhaps be similarly brought before human tribunals. We give in regular order that part of the statute, which is in point; a general synopsis of the evidence; extracts from the arguments of counsel, and the instructions of the court.
That the language of the Act is as broad and sweeping in its nature as could well be imagined will be seen from a glance at it:—
