WITH THE SCISSORS...

VICTOR HUGO AND COFFEE

You know, don't you, these lines by Abbé Delille:

"There is a liqueur the poet holds very dear,

Which Virgil ignored and Voltaire adored."

Victor Hugo shared Voltaire's tastes in this respect. But he loved not only plain coffee, but even more natural coffee, and would not tolerate any addition of chicory or other substitutes.

Entering one day one of those country shops where they sell a little of everything, and which are as much a grocery and refreshment stand as a haberdashery, he asked for some chicory. They served him a pound. He asked for more, all they had in the shop, and thus obtained about twenty packets.

"Is that really all the chicory you have?"

"That's all, really."

"Good." Now, make me a good coffee!

L'Elbeuvien.

HUNTING RESERVED

On the gates of Aigues-Vives station, a notice informs the public that hunting is prohibited inside the station.

Happy South, when there's no need to take the train or run across fields to kill hares and partridges! Hunters from the North will no doubt think. But we're not talking about hares or partridges here. The Aigues-Vives hunters had gotten into the habit, so as not to lose their touch, of coming early in the morning to shoot the rats that infested the station.

It was, apparently, an exciting activity... but quite dangerous for the neighborhood, as the pellets sometimes flew outside the rat-trap zone! So, this local sport had to be put to an end.

L'Observateur.

THE FELONIOUS SURGEON

An extremely serious incident has just occurred at Beaujon Hospital. A young woman from Creil, of modest means, had been referred to Dr. S... by a local physician, as her condition required immediate surgery. Dr. S... admitted her to his department and demanded 1,200 francs for the operation. The patient requested a discount. Dr. S... settled for 1,100. It was, of course, on a personal basis and contrary to the law that he demanded this sum, as hospitalization fees, regularly collected by the Public Assistance, were to be added.

The facts were reported to Dr. Mourier, director of the Public Assistance, who immediately instructed an inspector to open an investigation. The investigation was conclusive; the case of the patient from Creil was not unique. Dr. S... was ordered by Mr. Mourier to resign, which he did immediately. Dr. Monnod now replaces him in Beaujon.

One can only approve of the speed with which Mr. Mourier made his decision. But is the penalty imposed on Dr. S... sufficient? One may doubt it.

Dr. S... not only breached his contract with the A.P. He defrauded unfortunate people by making them believe that the operation required by their condition would only be performed for cash. He took advantage of their physiological misery to engage in the most filthy of blackmail.

Administrative action has been taken. Perfect! But for the good name of the corporation to which Dr. S... has the undeserved honor of belonging, criminal action now seems necessary.

M. D.

The Municipal Journal.