Medical Work Begins in Argentina
By N. Z. Town
BUENOS AYRES.—We cannot express our gratitude to God and to the Mission Board for sending us help to start the medical work in this field. At first we were undecided as to the best way for the doctor to begin work, as the laws are such that no doctor can practice here until he passes the examination, excepting in some country places. Dr. Gregory recently went to Entre Ríos. While there, he found much work to do. Crowds came to consult him. As there was no other doctor in that part of the province, he went to Parana, the capital, and secured the necessary permission to practice there. He settled in the village of Crespo. The first fortnight the people came in wagon-loads to see the new doctor. He had no time to get settled, and scarcely time to eat. Sometimes there would be four or five double teams standing before his door, and these people spread his fame throughout the country. Not quite so many come now, but he is still doing a good work. Brother Brooking is with him, and this will enable the doctor to devote some time to the study of the language. We have been altogether too slow in starting the medical missionary work in this field. Not long ago Argentina passed a law requiring all foreign doctors who come here to pass an examination in each year's work studied by the students in the medical schools, instead of being allowed to take the general examination as formerly. The same thing is true of Paraguay. Up to last month, in Uruguay one could take a general examination; but they have now passed a law barring out completely in the future all foreign doctors and chemists. The foreign doctors now present will be permitted to practice, but no new ones will be allowed to take the examination and begin work. Our school opened March 5. The last news we had from it, there were eighteen students enrolled, and more were expected. There would doubtless be many more, were it not for the poverty of the people on account of droughts. I recently visited one brother who has to drive his animals six miles to water them. Sister Westphal, in College View, is doing a good work in raising means and getting donations of bedding, etc., for our school. We are glad for any help. When we look into our bare schoolrooms, we wish that some of the brethren at home who have plenty and to spare could see them. I am sure they would want to help furnish them, if they only knew the lack. A brother has recently given us a farm of about sixty-four acres in Uruguay. There is a small house on the farm, and a pear orchard of about five hundred trees. We hope to be able to exchange it for a place in the city. If we could secure a lot for a depository and church in Buenos Ayres, it would be a real help to the work. We had our week of prayer, March 8-15. I have not heard from all, but we have had good reports from some of the churches. N. Z. TOWN.