fice--Visitor started in immediately with the
subject in hand, thinking he was the sort that would respond to
absolutely direct dealing. Explained to him that we had been given
to understand his wife was ill, not only from alcoholism but also
from other complications; that it was suspected there might be some
difficulty with her blood and that we had been advised that her
mental condition was not now as strong as it had been previously.
Explained to him that he was absolutely responsible for his wife,
for her support, and for her care and protection, and that no matter
how far he traveled, his responsibility remained the same; that he
had assumed this when he married her. Said that he felt no
responsibility for her whatsoever, that he had done all he ever
would do for her and intended to devote his efforts toward his
child. Visitor explained to him that woman's intemperance might
perfectly well be a disease over which it would be very difficult
for her to have control; that, moreover, if she were suffering also
from a blood condition, this should have treatment. Explained that
he would more nearly meet his responsibilities were he to have her
examined and send her where she could procure the treatment
required, even if it meant commitment to an institution. At this
point man seemed more interested, particularly as visitor told him
that Arthur would grow up and would want to know where his mother
was and what had become of her; and if man had left her sick and
alone, at the mercy of strangers, he would not be able to give an
adequate accounting to his son. Man's reaction was not what visitor
had expected--he would be glad to put her away where she could not
trouble him any more but he did not intend to expend any more money.
Said he was under too heavy expenses with Arthur. Claimed he was
making $70 a month, and visitor forced him to add that he got in
addition his board and lodging on the ship, so that he was under no
expense except when on shore leave. Visitor repeated that as a
husband he was required to pay for woman's care, that that was the
right thing to do; that one way he would be a husband deserting his
wife, liable to arrest for non-support and desertion, and the other
way a husband with a sick wife for whom he was willing to provide
the medical attention and care that every