The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-04-05
Illness Of Judge A. B. Cochran.

This community was profoundly affected
by the telegraphic announcement, last Mon
day, that Judge Alex. 3. Cochran, State
Senator from this county, had been stricken
down with paralysis, while addressing the
Senate Oil the Clifton Forge Railroad Bill.
The deepest interest was manifested by all
classes of our citizens, to learn all the par
ticulars and the probable degree of his i'll
ness, and inquiries were constantly made, if
any further information had been received
concerning his condition. The solicitude ex-
hibited showed how strong is his hold upon
his constituents, and the keen interest they
feel in his welfare.
The Dispatch of the Sd furnished the fol-
lowing particulars of the sad occurrence
About o'clock yesterday afternoon Sem
ator A. B. Cochran, of Augusta, was striek-
en- with paralysis in the Senate chamber.
bill was under consideration at the time, and
the roll had been called on its passage, and
the Judge was arguing that it required TWEEN
ty-two votes, as it proposed to appropriate
State property Convict labor) to the railroad
company. He had been on his feet hut a
few moments when his voice thickened and
he sank into his seat. The Termination of
his argument was not so abrupt as to cause
much notice, and some little time elapsed
before his condition aroused attention. Then
Senator ORR Lawson and others went to
him and found him helpless in his chair. He
was removed to the rotunda amid consider
able excitement, which caused a total sus-
pension of business in the Senate chamber
Il t!x,, e
the House.
In the rotunda the Judge was laid upon
settee brought from the Senate chamber,
and Drs. Lawson, Mum, Moifett, Beazley,
and Quesenberry, of the Senate, and Cox,
Barnes, Clarke, Smith, and others OF the
House gathered around to render what as
sistance they could. they found the Judge
severely affected down one side and unable
to articulate distinctly. They Dled him from
the left arm, relieving him OF about pint of
blood.
The city ambulance was telegraphed for,
but while It was coming great number of
friends congregated around the Judge, and
t became necessary to remove him to the
western vestibule and to have the Capitol
police keep back the crowd in order that he
might have fresh air. In the ambulance he
was removed to the American Hotel, where
he boards.
The occurrence had a visible effect upon
business throughout the day, and many were
the wishes expressed for tile Judges speedy
return to health. When stricken, Judge
Cochran was occupying temporarily the seat
of Mr.. Finney. He has not enjoyed the best
of health for several years, but being fat and
thick, and somewhat inclined to apoplexy,
he has been quite careful in matters Of diet
and exercise. Though he looks older, Judge
Cochran is under forty.
At 1890 O'Clock last night Judge Cochran
was thought to be in All improving condition.
He seemed to be in full possession OF his
mental faculties. His speech, though thick,
was such as could be readily understood by
his attendants His left arm and leg were,
however, badly paralyzed. His general con-
dition gave the hope of recovery, though it
is admitted that within the neXt twelve
hours some change for the worse may occur.
Many friends have called to see him, but
having been denied admission, as the attend
ing physicians consider it highly important
| that he should have perfect quiet for days
and days to come.
The State, published in the evening Of the
3D., has the following expression from the
Senate, of which Judge Cochran is distln-
guished member:
DIR. Lawson presented the following:
Where's, in the discharge Of his duties as
| a member of the Senate Of Virginia, the
Hon. A. B. Cochran was suddenly stricken
down by an attack Of severe illness, incapac-
| itating him for further services at this ses-
sion of the General Assembly; therefore, be
it
Resotoed, That the Senate OF Virginia ex-
press their profound sympathy for him in
his sudden and severe affection, and their
appreciation of the commanding talent and
accurate legal learning Which, in his legisla-
tive career, have always been employed to
promote the welfare of his constituents and
the prosperity Of the State, and their regret
that the State should be deprived even tenn
porarily of the benefit of his enlarged expe-
renee. Unanimously adopted.
The Dispatch, Of the 4sh, has the follow
ing encouraging paragraph:
At 70 o'clock last night the condition of
Judge Cochran was very favorable. He was
entirely conscious, and his articulation was
more distinct. His leg had improved, but
his arm remained para yzed, and it is thought
will continue SO.