New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1871-06-07
MP. CoLF1XS CONTALESCFNCE.

We are sure that the Wlue anu auecuoHdtc
interest felt throughout the country III regard
to the health of the Vice-President is SUI
ficient occasion for the publication of the fol-
lowing letter. Not only will it relieve the
general anxiety on his account, but 1t VIII
also dispose of q most injurious and utterly
uDfounded story of his intemperance Ill the
use of tobacco. The unwEOlesOne craving Tor
sensations peculiar to a certain class Of news
papers first gave currency to this Idle talse-
hood. and the natural tendency of the free
born mind to rejoice over the iniirnltles OF
those in authority assisted in its circulation.
The only inordnate temptation to which Mr..
Colfax has been in the habit OF yielding has
been that runous one which has proved so
fatal to many of our best and most
active mind .-remOrselcss and unremt-
ting o~UrwOrk. Too many OF the most
valuable men in public life seem to feel them
selves obliged to do the work of three by the
apparent necessities of their position. Ihey
attend faithfully to all their official duties,
they fulfill conscentiOusly all their social OBJ
legations, and employ every instant OF leisure
in carrying on their voluminous correspond
cnce. Of course nature rebels after wNu-,
and her first serious warning is III the form OF
those attacks which have within year -
saulted the late Secretary of State and the
present Chief-Justice and very lately a
Younger and more reckless worker In the per
son of the Vice-Prcsident. If these warnings
are needed, and nature is allowed her IShls,
the object of the admOnitions Will be attained
and the gain will be worth the sacrifice. But
they betoken mood of nature that VIII brook
M trihiug and the lives of such men are so
valuable to the nation that it is earnestly
hoped they will husband their strength in fu-
ture so as not to need another monition like
those which have filled the country with alarm
W SOUTH BEND Ind, June 8, 1871.
MY DEAR SIR: am glad to tell you that the journey
from Washington made strOnger and that here, IN
the Quiet and happiness Of family and home, am re-
gaining strength which shall be guarded in the future
more than it has been in the past.
think | have studied out the causes OF tho attack
which Frustrated me 80 suddenly the 22d Of May
bronchial affection OF several years standing caused by
oyernuch speaking in the open air. had aggravated this
Spring bronchial cntarrb, accompanied with
slight bilious arrangement. When the President con-
yoked the Senate left for Washington In such impaired
health that / told my family 1t was the first time in
twenty years had gone TO post Of duty with reluct-
ance but that If stayed at home 1t would surely be at
tributed though unustiy TO hostility to the pending
Treaty of Peace and Reconciliation. Although occupy
ing the chair every day of the session. rs under med
cal treatment the whole time. And, so far from the
statement being which has been widely published
and credited to The N. y san, that smoked five or
six strong cigars that day empty stomach"
smoked but one Just after breakfast hours before
the attack
have had three previous attacks of vertigo two while
speang) and have been warned by medical friends OF
the peril OF dangerous attack, but have failed to
heed the warning. For the past ten years, certainly
since first elected 20 preside In the House eight years
ago when my constituency became wider than a single
District have never risen in the morning, here or at
Washington, that have not felt / had twice much
work to do that day there really time for
respondence Of all conceivable inquiries and all kinds of
business &C. often extending to hundreds OF letters
week have attended to myself in addition TO official
duties, always IN hours stolen from rest, and fire.
Guently In hours stolen from sleep. The very day
was attacked having felt the oppressive atmosphere
OF the Executive session mpeasantly than usual
left it, and going TO my room, wrote lar number of
letters to catch mp with Of correspondence Re
turning TO the Chair at p m the blow fell zen minutes
thereafter.
1t is the old story Of mental strain without taton.
But after this serious waning intend TO "mend my
ways" and recognize mat there is limit which even
the strongest constitution will not allow TO be exceeded
Let me- in conclusion correct another erroneous state
nent that was not able to talk for week after the
attack Every day coaversed with my physicians and
attendants but feeling the necessity OF quiet, de-
clined conyersng with nearly all others who visited my
ROOM Yours truly, SCHUYLER COLLAR.
Mr.. WHnELAw REID Ner York.