The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1878-05-31
The Accident to william Cullen
Bryant.

The Accident TO william Cullen
Bryant.
New York, May 3O.-The ESenin!
Post furnishes the following account o.
the accident to William Cullen Bry-
ant at Central Park yesterday even
ing on the occasion Of the unyeiling o.
the bust OF Mazzini: Between one and
two hours, at parts Of the day when not I
blast Of air was stirring and the sur
gave It's most intense heat, during good
deal Of which time Mr.. Bryant was In
his place on the speakers stand with hil
head uncovered, suffering like many q
younger man in the assembly from ex.
posufe, though making no complaint. Al
the close Of the open air exercises he
was invited by General james G. Wilson
to his house, East 74th street, to rest al
ter the exertions OF the afternoon and
partake OF some refreshments. Arrived
at their destination, Gen. Wilson ran
ahead up the steps TO open the front door
for his guest, who followed at slower
pace, induced by fatigue. On the plat
form step Mr.. Bryant suddenly seemed tc
have lost consciousness, and in the act oi
raising one foot 10 enter the vestibule
fell backward on broad stone, striking
his head with come violence. He was
instantly lifted and carried into the
house, where he was laid on a sofa. A
dispatch was sent to his family physi.
clan. As soon as 1t was thought prudent
he was removed in carriage to his OWE
house, No. "a 18th street. DR.. Gray, his
physician, came as quickly as possible
male an examination, and, hea ring an &C
count Of the accident expressed great sur.
prise at the absence OF bruise or cut or
the patients head. BE was Of the opinion
thst Mr.. Bryant's swoon was Of the kind
known to the medical profession as syn
cope, caused by the interruption OF tht
motion OF the heart and respiration, ac
companied with the suspension Of the
action Of the brain, and temporary
loss OF sensation, volition and other fac
ulties. It Ia thought that more severe
injury than that which actually befel hin
was averted possibly BY the thickness oI
his felt hat which saved his head from
much force Of the blow. DR.. Carnerchar
was called into the consultation by DR..
Grayon on surgical aspects OF the case
and then the joint conclusion was that NJ
serious harm TO the brain Is 10 be feared
though what other internal disorder may
have been caused BY the fall II was i'm
possible at that time to judge, since Mr.
BRYANT resisted every effort TO eIamin,
him by physical contact. During th'
night he was restless and In onl,
partly conscious state, not appear
ing 10 recognize any persons about him
but evidently having plenty Of will pow
er and some physical strength At hi
command. His friend, Mr.. j. A. Graham
who remained at his side 'as watcher, at
tempted once or twice to feel his pulse
but at each attempt he would draw hi
wrist away and finally with an impetuou
GESTURE threw Mr.. Graham's hand entire
from him.
or. M.-Dr. Gray said Mr.. Bryant i
suffering from conclusion OF the brain
He thinks he will recover but Is stil
anxious. Mr.. Bryant has taken no sus
tenance since the accident and answers NJ
questions addressed TO him, but his pulls,
il better and there is fair chance o
Improvement.
lat . late hour last night the condition
of Mr.. Bryant Is considered very critical
Both OF his daughters who are absen
have been telegraphed tor.