New Orleans Republican., 1873-08-10
Wilson a Wreck.

Wilson Wreck.
fChicago Journal Washington letter.
Dean Swifts sad confession that he was
dying atop is very suggestive to the brain
workers of our time. From an intimate
friend of the Vice President learn the full
truth about his health. Mr.. Wilson is in
very critical condition. His labors in the
presidential campaign, it is known. were
very great. He has always seemed to think
thst he carried the Republican party upon
his shoulders. and that he would be per-
sona!Iv responsible for its defeat. His
efforts were enormous. He spoke and trav-
eied constantly, without interruption, and
when the issue was known he was very
much wearied. After the election he fire.
Iuently remarked that lie never felt such
fatigue of mind ia his whole lie. 1t is Dos
-.ble, too, that ne thought that his great
services were not fully appreciated by the
members of his party. At ali events, it is
quite certain that at times he was annoyed
that he did not personally receive greater
'pub,ic consideration a. the hands of the
leaders OF the party. He lad not recov-
eced from hls fatigue and this annoyance
when Congress convened.
His duties as Vice President were prac-
tically new to him. For it is well known
fact that. Notwithstanding MS long public
career, Mr.. Wilson has really much less
practical experience as a presiding officer
tlAn men who have been much shorter
tine in office. To become perfect in the
knowledge OF parliamentary rules it IA nee
essary TO be a constant student OF them.
Parliamentary knowledge does not come by
a trick. This is study 10 which few Con
gressmen devote themselves. II requires a
special taste. This taste and industry few
Cor gressmeE ever have, or can command.
Ii is no: rare thing to hear man of vast
influence. who il good student II certain
branches, publicly declare that he has no
personal knowledge OF parliamentary
rules. Hence it is that men who know the
tricks OF the floor are 50 few, and that
those who do possess this knowledge have
a dominatin. influence IL parliamentary
questions
Although IL ia. been the ambition Of M
Wilson's lt. To become Vice President, as
Was illustrated by his touching order that
his "ites grave sncuiu be crowned with
flowers immediately upon his election, he
mas not hal the experience IL presiding and
does not possess the parliamentary skill Of
Schuyler Coitax. of Matt Carpenter or OF
Senator I. w. Ferry. OF Michigan. The
last two were opposing candidates for the
presidency pro ten. OK the Senate. Mr..
Wilson L quite nervous in this pa-tic III ar
and III tie interim bet-v-en his election
and the assembling OF Congress. devoted
himself to the serious study OF parliament
ary laws and rules. He had harily taken
hia seat when his nervousness was increased
by the tragic comedy of the Credit M0bil:er
investigation. Ii is known that the Incl
dental mention OF his name il that connec-
ton gave him great annoyance. Besides,
the fact that his own name was mentioned
il connection with the matter. ne was
often heard to remark that the nation and
soa,noI tn hay faliap oy;f
days. and lie exhibited much anxiety on
this accouat. The Eew cause CT agitation.
added to his fatigue from the campaign.
and to his worry in his new Office. gave his
nervous system. which was utterly un-
strung tie preparation fer the shock that
was to come. The blow fell. as i. new so
frequently and terribly falls. II has left
Mr. Wilson aim JsG a wreck. Tuere is no
doubt about it. He has had very serious
paralytic stTOko. a'he stroke has been so
severe as at pIoseIt to disfgure his face.
His mouth is drawn somewhat to one side.
and his left eye slightly protrudes from the
socket; He ia i'll such feeble condition that
bis physicians have not yet commenced to
treat him for the paralysis. His present
treatment is designed to Invi igOcate his sys-
teln SO that he may be prepared to endure
the more severe treatment 10 which he
must soon be subjected. He is under
the constant care OF his physicians. and
tho disposition Of nearly every hour
Of the time ~ provided for by them.
He is forbidden ali mental toll and all!
exciting exevt;ou. He ia kept upon
q careful diet. and is obliged 30 ride a cer-
tain number of hOuvS eaci. day. and to re-
tire a. "A stated :lne each light. When ae
shall have sufficiently recovered, it is row
the intention 20 make !. sore az the base
o: the bra.l, by means o. a Scion. as the
or! y possible cu.e 10: his disorder. Tue
physicians have concluded that he has a
blood ciot on the brain. His physicians
say tha. they have hope that his genera!
health viii soon be in such condition as to
permit OF this radica! treatment tur paraly.
IS. They also hope. and tell lin. tina. he
VIII be able to be 1Ieseii: in his seat n the
Senate at the opening G: Congress. Il is.
however. feared by those most familiar
'v!tn the matter. that these hopes are vaiI.
hopes. 1t how seems hardly possible. with
out miracle, t.iat Henry Wilson can take
his seat mex. winter. Indeed. the anxiety
OF his mos. intimate friends Is still so great
tha. the graJe,t apprehension exists con-
CeTnlng his ultimate recovery.
There is now lit:le doubt that Matt II.
Carpenter vii. preside owe: the Senate
next winter in ..s capacity as president
pro tempora. NJ. Carpenter has many ex-
cc!!ent Qualities FOX :L.s office. and is a
mucl better pariiamentar!,n than Henry
Wilson. Matt Carrente: is courteous.
quick. attentive and impartial. and. as pre-
siding officer, will doubtless facilitate the
business ot the country witt. as mucE, salts.
faction to the Senators a. Henry Wilson.
This vii. Ne ths frs: time in many years
that the West has had Il perluauent preslli-
in. officer. Senator Autlcny. of Rhode
kland. has filed the Office az president pro
tempore for very long period. Last
winter. at caucus, i: was determined that
:h:s Office should b. given to the West.
The choice lay between Senator Ferry. the
:.ew Senator from Michig gan. ard Matt Car.
pente:. Mr.. Ferry is a most exce!len. PIE.
siding officer. having learned the myster:.
ons art Of parliamentary domination dug
ing long service as presiding officer in tie
Michigan Legislature II was. however.
known tha: Mat: Carpenter much desired
the place. aad Il was finally determined
tina: ii should be given TO Mat. Carpenter.
While slr. Ferry sho.i!i receive the chair.
MausaiF o: an impovt2il. committee.
The Pores speeches.