The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-11-25

CLOSING SCENES AT THE BEDSIDE or soHN 8
WHITE, THE HEROIC ST. LOUIS POLICEMAN

CLOSING SCENES AT THE BEDSIDE OF voAN D
WHITE, THE HEROIC ST. LOUIS POLICEMAN
THE LAST VICTIM OF RANDE, THE DEs-
PEBADo.
From the ST. Louis Globe Democrat. Nov. 1al
All during Saturday night the wounded man slept
quietly and there seemed OF pain on his fea-
lures. The night until the Sabbath was ush-
cred in. Al two O'Clock in the morning he awoKe,
somewhat restless. His leg panied him. But no soon
tell asleep again. aud did not awake until tho sun was
up. Hc pariook OF little bcet tea and seemed more
cheerful than at any time before His faithful attend
ants sad-eyed and out by long watching noticed
tho change with twas nut The last bright flicker
OF the expiring flame There came almost immedi.
atey change Tor the worse. Dr. Hill arrised and
found his patient suffering with pains in the stomach
Tho terrible loss OF blood had weakened the patient
his organs capable Of tho task Of digest
ing the food taken. This could have but one out
come--Dlamm nation Of tho stomach. The doctor
looked AZ tho wounded leg and looked very grave
Gangrcne had set ia. When the doctor left no felt
that the man was dying lie could givo friends ana
relatives but little hope. Tho doctor camo again. and
the patient mad continued to decline
IL was about TOUR O'Clock when Globe Democrat
reporter visited no homo OF the officer tile group
OF citizens and officers stood 1t the gate convcrsns IN
..Ho is dying,n said One OF ,hem. Frank Hitchcock
q me as c Us
Captain Burgess OF tho police force came out OF the
house and said 'He Is sinking fast. am gong for
The doctor.' he jumped into tho wagon and drove
rapidly away. The reporter mounted the steps In the
yard and stood on the porch Through tho open door
OF back room young lady was seen weeping and
snuddering convusivcly. IL was the wife OF the
dying man.
how the gallant officer passing slowly away.
rattle Of wheels sgnaed the arrival OF DR.. HILL who
entered the house with suggestive little box under
his arm moment later Dr. Hodgen arrived
and walked silently into tho room whore White
lay. He, TOO, carried case OF instruments
and tho leg examined 1t cold and hard,
and gave to tho taps Of the finger noise
a moment ana then Dr. Hill said:-'There Is a mere
possibility OF saving your lie 1t is by amputation Of
The leg. With II you live but three or tour hours
more at the most. With IL on there Is possibility
that you will recover. II is nothing more-I cannot
oven call IL a chance"
The dying man signifcd his assent The wife and
friends were consulted. They told plainly how
matter stood. sure death to possible recovery.
They consented TO the operation.
rho wife LETT tho room and other friends who felt
themselves unable TO stand the scene. Tho Log must
be cut OF as near the thigh as possibe-so close that
tourniquet could not DO applied TO the ortcry. So
Dr. Hill applied his thumb 10 the artery and stopped
ment the terrible work was DONE So well was It dono
that there was not half an ounce OF blood spilled The
momen. Dr. AodKon picked up the artery the iniu.
! lay there for twenty minutes more while tho opera
| tion completed and tho poor stump bandaged,
without groan, without sound, exhibiting degree
Of fortudc and courage TO undergo suffering that Is
beyond tho comprehension OF tho lying braggart who,
.
cell regret he had killed only policeman
stead oil The work was done, and Captain Bur-
| CESS, who had been in tho room during the scene
! bent down TO say, swell, John must go now; how
do you fccls" about tie same, Captain. l am glad
that II Is or Goodby, Captain You might not SEQ me
| again" He held out his hand and shook that OF the
! Captain II was his goodby The big-framed, big
hearted out OF the house with hts eyes sui
| fused tears. He stopped Tor moment to relate
sho affecting scene tho reporters and then drove
| away 10 his duty.
The dia leave the room but stayed there
silently awaiting Developments. In mechanics there
Is stat. caliod 1.-The dead centre" When the steam
runs into the cylinder OF engine the ny wheel slowly
rises. There 10 point whers Il hesssIes and trem-
bles for moment II 4 passes that point the engine
will move aud the wheel rcvolve with increasing
rapidity. Sometimes fails to pass that point, ana
the NEE hanlsm fails. .sThe dead centre OF John
Whites Tito had been reached. 1t trembIed for It's
period. Thcre was not enough vitality TO carry IT
ovor II Tell back and the human engine foil power
less and dead.
HIS end was as peaceful and us calm as tho fading
OF summer twilight into darkness. He was con-
| scious 10 tho last and spoke from time to time In
a very feeble tone 20 his wiic who sat weeping by
/ his bedside and TO his old friend Bailey, who had
| attended him night and day since hc was brought
effort exhausted him and no would lie there silent
aud still, with his dark eyes gazing sadly upon his
young vita Tho doctors stooa together aud con-
versed In whispers they glanced from time 10 time
at the pale face the pillow. But they said nothing.
| At last ihe end came The pulse beat slower and
| iceblcr.
"You arc going now. John" said Bailey. and he
| knct beside his Trend
| II am ready. Goodby, old boy" was the reply
feeble that the grie stricken comrade had 10 bend
he very lips OF the dying TO catch The words.
/ While they looked the eyes slowly closed, emile
overspread the features aud ali was still doc or
! lifted ono of the pale and cold hands He let u fall
ana said "lt over" They led tho poor wife and
/ IN