Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-12
Hon. Jame3 G. Blaine
Seriously Ill.
He is Taken to His Home in an
Unconscious State.
EXCESSIVE OVER WOR h
THE CAUSE.
HIS PARTIAL RECOVERY

Washingt On, June IL. This morning short
time before IL o'clock, ex-Spcaker Blaine left his
residence in company with Mrs. Blaine. and slow
ly walked to the Congregational church, which is
about three fourths of mile from their home.
Just as they reached the church he complained of
a severe pain in the head, ard dizziness, at the
same time placing his hand upon his head. On
entering the vestibule he was so overcome with
sudden illness that he came near falling, but this
was prevented, and he was assisted to seat on
the steps, when he exclaimed, "Oh, this pain" A
conveyance having been procured, Mrs. Blaine
returned with him home, he being then uncon-
scous. A bed was brought into the front parlor,
on which he laid, and messengers having
been sent for Surgeon-General Barnes and Drs.
Bliss, Cox, Verdi and Pope, they soon appeared,
and lost no time in cupping the spine and resort
ing to other counterirrltants and revulsive ena-
ma. From IL o'clock in the morning till in the
afternoon Mr.. Blaine lay Unconscious, breathing
itregularly.
Ills wife, physicians and other friends remained
constantly at his bedside. The physicians said
that Blaine was suffering from hypor excitement
of the brain and the nervous system supennduced
by recent events in which he was prominent act
or, besides the symptoms were aggravated by the
weather. which to-day oppressive. 1t will be
recolected that several weeks ago MIR. Blaine was
confined to the house several days by slow type
of malafial fever, but appeared before the subju
dietary committee, who were investigating charge:
against him, before he had fully recovered from
ment on his part both before the committee and
in the House, the large number of persons daily
in conference with him, and his attention to ex-
tensive correspondence, including very many tele-
grams from all parts of the country, especially
during the past week, the loss of rest aud other
causes, produced the strain upon his mind that
caused his sudden illness to day.
Secy Bristow called at the house as soon as he
heard of Baine's Illness as did also Secretaries
Fish, Robson and Chandler, P. Nj. Genl Jewell,
Gen. Sherman, Senators Ferry and Paddock, Gen.
Garfield, and other gentlemen of prominence
The sympathy for Blame was not confined to his
political friends, many democrats having called
to inquire about his condition and regretting bis
sudden illness.
About four this P. NJ. Blaines consciousness re-
turned gradually, when he recognized his wife,
and inquired OF her what was the matter, and she
replied that he was ILL., and after that he, for the
first time, turned over on his bed unaided. His
breathing was now better and his pulse stronger.
The anema produced some effect but not to the
extent desired, and therefore the doctors applied
electricity, and they say that the symptoms are
favorable although he does not appear tnlly re-
stored TO consciousness. This evening one Of them
said in private conversation that the attack was
clearly of sun-stroke or hcat-stroke tc
which Mr.. Blaine was rendered liable on account
of his recent illness, over-work, excitement AND
loss of rest
The physician further said that at first he was
apprehensve that the attack might be apoplectlc
but an examination disclosed no sy mptoms OF tha
disease.
For several hours numerous visitors were adj
mitted, but after the doctors had administered
the anema the rooms were closed so that the pa
itent might rest.
Dir. G. w. Pope, an eminent practitioner. o.
this city, and for the last or 10 years Blaine
family physician, and who is intimately acquaint
ed with bis constitution and temperament, fur
nishes the following diagnosis Of his condition al
s o'clock this evening:
"Mr. Blanes case is one Of simple cerebral de-
preston, produced primarily by great menta
strain, and secondary by the action OF excessive
heat. There is no apoplectic congestion or efu
sion, nor any symptom of paralysis. He has the
free use of his limbs the pupils of his eyes arr
| normal, he has spoken several times and recog
nizes his family. He lies quiet, breathes natural,
and is disposed to Sleep has responded excellen
to treatment, and have every reason to antici
pate speedy and complete recovery"
(Signedl, Il. w. POPE.
At BOP. NJ. DR.. Bliss remarked that the pa
tents attack was yielding to treatment with won
derful rapidity.
The following telegram was received by Mrs
Blaine this evening from Congressman Hale al
Cincinnati
"Great relief at the favorable news of Mr.
Blaine's condition. Tell him that his cause has
improved all day, each State coming in better thar
we expected. No wonder he had a bad turn, the
strain has been tremendous"
Midnght-Blaine S condition unchanged.