We have received copies of many newspapers containing editorials, pro and con, on the case of Harold Frederic. The more careful and fair-minded editors write coolly and sensibly upon the questions involved. One of the fairest and most rationalistic summings up of the case we have read is an editorial in the Haverhill (Mass.) Evening Gazette of November 11, 1898. We hereby give it in full.
The fact that an English coroner's jury has returned a verdict of manslaughter against two female devotees of Christian Science, both of whom were with the late Harold Frederic, a journalist of international fame, when he died, has attracted attention on both sides of the ocean, and promises to lead to sensational developments. There can be no doubt that the case against these women will be vigorously prosecuted, nor is there the least reason to believe but that, after the trial has been concluded, the world will know more and be vastly benefited by reason of that trial.
It should be borne in mind that the deceased writer was a man of brilliant intellectual attainments. He was an individual who knew his own mind and was perfectly sane when he summoned to his aid the Scientists now under indictment for participating in the treatment, or alleged lack of treatment, which is said to have caused his death. Had he consulted a regular physician of any school and died under treatment, nothing would have been said, because such things are of every-day occurrence.
