Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1872-06-20
JAMES GORDON BENNETT.
How He Dical-SOmc Account ~ n
Lust Moments.


room on the second floor of his down
town residence, 425 Fifth avenue. and
none but his most intimate personal
friends were admitted to his presence.
Slowly, but surely, did every day bring
him nearer to his grave; the lower por.
tion of his body became partly para.
lyzed and almost lifeless, until finallv
every spark of vitality had tlenarted
from his limbs below the thighs. And
yet, while life's dim flame was TINS
darkening, his mind retained its won't
cd force and brightness, and he de-
lighted in having the newspapers read
to him from day to day, and to follow
the course of the periodical press with
the closest possible attention. He en-
tertained no false hopes. He was fully
aware Of his approaching end, and
spoke Of it to his friends with philo-
sophical resi- gnation. As he reclined
in his easy chair, robed in a comforta-
ble gown, listening tt the conversation
OF his few visitors, 9nd giving replies in
his terse language, though in q voice
weakened by disease, he resembled the
dying Rchelieu in his last moments.
his massive features betokeninp the
great intellect with which he was Gift
ed.
On Saturday at half-past twelve
O'Clock p. M, he lay on his couch sup
ported by pillows, his arms stretched
out at right angles from his chest, with
eyes closed, and breathing the last
breaths of life. He lay in this condi-
ton until 5 25, and peacefully passed
away. A week ago last Friday he was
threatened with an absolute paralytic
stroke. but careful nursing, directed by
intelligent medical skill, warded off the
blow at the time. But on Sunday. the
Goth ult., he was twice seized with vio-
lent commissions, which gave rise to
fears of almost instant death. HIS i'm
mediate friends were at once sent for.
but again the vitality of his robust con-
stltution overcame the danger, and for
short season death was averted.
During this time he expressed regret at
the absence of his family in Europe,
and hoped for their speedy return be-
fore the night of the grave should settle
around him.
A few minutes after Archbishop Me-
Closkey had come to the bedside of
the dying journalist on Tuesday, he
asked the good prelate to give him
some symbol Of the Catholic faith, that
he might wear1it in his last hours.
"What article of devotion would you
like -. inquired the Archbishop.
"A scapular of the sacred heart of
Jesus" replied the founder of the Her
aid.
The Archbishop had one with him,
and he placed it around the neck of
Mr.. Bennett, who clasped his hands as
though i'll prayer. The scapular had
been blessed. Mr.. Bennett seemed to
derive great consolation from the SYM
bo]. He then spoke briefly to the
Archbishop, asking him to administer
the last sacrament of the Church.
After his attack with commissions on
Sunday, the 26th, he often fell into a
state of Inconsistencies, and yet so
strong was the power of his mind, and
so firm the hold of his vitality, that
even in this condition of appearant
lifelessness he heard and understood
his attendants, and to their questions
whether he wished for any refresh
ments he plainly and distinctly an
swered eyes" A remarkable present.
ment of his death is told by one of his
most intimate personal friends. When
the Herald Office was moved into the
new building, Mr.. Bennett said that
he knew that when the old homestead
of his journal should be removed, he
himself would also 60. On the first of
May last the news was communicated
to him that workmen had begun tear.
ing down the old Herald building at
Fulton and Nassau streets he then
said:
"Well, the old house is going; 7
must soon follow; my time has come :;
I am ready to CO."
In personal appearance, Mr.. Bennett
was in many respects remarkable. He
was considerably over six feet in height,
and down to within a year or two he
walked erect and as straight as an ar-
row, and with the stately tread of an
old soldier. He was slight of figure,
but strong limbed, and the strength of
his arms was something remarkable.
He was very fond of physical exercise,
and generally employed the early hours
OF dawn in running, in Highland FASH
ion, around the walks at his Fort
Washington home. His countenance
in his later years wasnot unprepossess-
ing, though strabismal affection gave
peculiar appearance to his large fea-