New-York tribune., 1876-08-05

tt from forty TO sixty lnlln0hs 'HicreSuhR ic"-
iniscences of his influence on NaiI-,t., and his
gigantic transactions in stocks are gwen below.
SCENES AT The SICK BED.
THE WONDERFUL POWER OF EEouRANCE SHOWN
BY THE sUFFEeFR-EFFECTs CF YESTERDAYS
IMPROVEMENT IN HIS coNDHIoN-LoNG con-
vERsATIoNs WITH HIS PASTOR AND OTHERs-
WHAT WILLIAM H. VANDERBILT SAYS.
The long-continued Illness of Commodore Wander
bi!t has occasoned no little surprise and comment
in the community. II is an event of exceedingly
rare occurrence that man Of more than four-score
years who has devoted his life so persstently to
work demanding the closest attention and causing
great strain upon the mental and physical powers
lngers for months after be has been prostrated by
an ncurable and painful Daady, and has been IN
constant peril OF DEATH and yet retains so great
degree of mind and body. So rugged constitution,
and such an ndomitable will have rarely been found
in patient by any physician; and these
have really been the defense OF the SICK
man against the attacks of his disease.
1t has seemed if the strength of the vigorous old
man was to yield only TO the slow approaches OF
decay and rs friends, while not expecting that he
could ever recover his health have been putting on
the possibility OF his death into the future. IL was
therefore somewhat Of surprise to his family and
physicians wben on the evening of Thursday his
symptoms became threatening that fears OF his
immediate death entertained During the day
his kidneys had ased altogether to perform their
! functions and Le was plainly growing weaker Late
| in the afternoon an examination was made, the
! effect of which TO supernduce chill. ms
/ was succeeded by great prosration, the character
/ of which was alarming as TO excite the grayest
/ apuychensions in the minds OF those around
! him. Ills SON. William Il. Vanderbilt had started
! to Join his family in Saratoga, and was asked by
! telegraph 20 return Immediately. The Rev. DR..
Deems, pastor OF the Church of the Strangers, was
summoned from Cornwall, where he had gone on
two days visit TO his family but before his arrival
the most uufayorable symptoms of the attack had
passed away.
Yesterday morning, after about an hours sleep,
the Commodore began conversation with DIR.
Deems which hC aftorwaTd repeated 20 bis son and
Mr. Wooster. lie spoke fully and freely
of his religious beliefs, convictions, and
hopes, expressing the tirmest faith IN
the authority of the Bible and In
personal Savior. The conversation subsequently
turned upon the imputatons derogatory TO him
which he had borne and from which, he said, If he
had been so disposed, lie might have relieved him
self. This, lie said, he forbore from doing that he
might not rum Others He related at length and
rapidly an incident in his carly life. which illus
tT3tCu 4 desire on N.S part W ihJuit Ho oho'
Throughout the day his mind re-. aimed unclouded,
and ne convcrsed freely with his .amily. After sup
per Dr. Deems repeated To him Bishop kerrs evening
hymn and he requested that it be sung. This hymn
and several Others were sung, ard at o'clock he
was IN quiet doze.
ir Linsly. Commodore Vandcrbts physician,
SAYS he has never seen such a r markable improve
mcnt in any patient. Speaking of the nature of his
patients nalady the doctor yesterday said: Com
moIoyc Vanderbilt Is now in that condition to which
all mon Of extreme old age liable The vital or
| gaus. however strong, have lost the elasticity
| which enable them to tlTow OF disease,
and tho result is Il continuous cbJ and How OF vital
itv In such condition the symptoms of orc hour
are no sure index of those of the next, and at any
moment relapse may terminate stage OF exist
once seemingly favorable 20 recovery
Up TO IA late hour last night the principal arpre-
tensions of the attending hysicaEs were IN regard
to the still dormant state of the patients kidneys.
His condition seemed to be improving otherwise,
and homes were entertained that he might rally
sufficiently 70 cause q free action of all the
bodily organs. As the night wore away
more assurance was given that no relapse
was 70 he expected for the present.
When asked by a TRIBUNE reporter as to the proba-
biiy OF the death of his patient during the night,
Dr. Lusly saId There is none at all; he will
no more die tonight than you will. am willing to
| insure his Lie He is very comfortable tins evening
and in no immediate danger"
The anxiety felt by the family and friends of Com
| molore Vanderbilt was lessencd during the day by
! the continued favorable symptoms of the patient.
| During the previous night teleppms had
! been sent to several daughters residing ut
| a distance TO hasten at once TO their
| fathers bedside but other telegrams were sent
Yesterday announcing the changes for the better,
and bidding them not to hurry nduly The abscnec
| Of many friends from town accounted Tor the ii''t
that 50 few persons of prominence called at the mousse
during the day aud evening Ia oiei then sypa'Hy'
| Amoop those who did call was 1hurlow Wecd
| who visited the house about O'Clock p. in.,
| anl showed by his agitated manner that he VAS
! dc.uly concerned for the life Of his old a"quaint-
! ance. Learning that the Commodore was moro
comfortable he would not disturb hun by yisit and
departed with expressions of satisfaction
NJ fine favorable turn IN the patients condltion.
Members of the family IN the city, the phys-
clam. IN attendance and the Rev DR.. Deems re-
r,,;red all night AZ the house, but absolute quies
,vas maintained in order not TO interfere with the
| sick mans repose.
william H. Vanderbilt spoke with deep feeling to
TulpuNE reporter yesterday in regard to the con-
see Twelfth PxGas