21 DECEMBER 1889, Page 3

One known person, the Marquis de Cana, the divorced husband

of Madame Patti, the singer, has died this week of the epidemic of influenza which still rages in most of the cnpitals of Europe. The doctors agree in describing it as "benignant," but they note considerable differences between it and orainnry influenza; and recently a new and more serious symptom has appeared, especially in Madrid. The disease does not protect the patient against itself, and second attacks, falling as they do upon weakened frames, are much more malignant. The epidemic strikes such numbers at once, that it is a serious hindrance to European business ; but it is a. curious anomaly that it has not broken out with any virulence in any great ba,rrack. The comparative exemption of the soldiers may be fictitious, the Army doctors concealing the facts ; but if it is real, it would be well to ascertain the pro- bable reason. Is it perchance the hardening of the soldier to atmospheric influences, or is it the fact that soldiers are all in their early vigour ?