The Portland daily press., 1881-08-27
The Breaking of the Abscess.
[1O.4O A, MI

Secretary Kirkwood came out of the Cabinet
few moments ago, and in reply to questions
, by the reporter OF the Associated Press stated
that the surgeons think this morning that
there has been slight change for the better,
the breaking of the suppurating gland into
the cavity of ear will, it is thought, offer more
relief than could be given in any other way
and therefore is regarded as favorable symp-
seems to be free. The pus is thus far of
healthy character, and the patients mind this
morning is clearer than last night, showing
there has been no blood poisoning of conse-
quence from the gland as yet. Taking every
thing into consideration he thinks there is rea-
son this morning for a little more hope.
Bliss Says the Chance is Slim.
Up. MI
EXECUTIVE MANSION Aug. 26-The noon
bulletin has rather deepened than relieved the
intense anxiety which prevails at the Execu-
tive Mansion. The discharge of pus from the
indamed parotid gland through the ear, which
was regarded this morning as a favorable
change and likely to afford relief, has not thus
far answered expectation. The symptoms of
the patient continue to be Urgent and alarming
and he seems to be gradually sinking. DIR.
Bliss came out of the surgeons room at 40
and made the following replies to questions
asked him by reporter of the Associated
Press:
us the condition very critical?"
"You may say alarming. 1t is as bad as at
any time before; not entirely hopeless, you un.
derstand, but very grave. He continues TO
take nourishment about the same as yesterday.
We have also resumed the administration of
enemata. His system seems to bear them well
and stimulants can be given in that way better
than through the mouth"
alcoholic Stimulants?"
"Yes whiskey."
"What is the present condition of the parotid
gland?"
$50 far as we know about the same, In or
der not to disturb him unnecessarily we did
not take the poultices and wrappings off this
noon. do not think there is much danger of
acute blood poisoning from pus in the gland.
He is more likely to die from exhaustion"
sit is a question Of his ability to hold out if
the present condition of things continue?'
There has been very littleldelirium to-day,
His mind is clearer than last night. He talks
nationally; not great deal, but little, and is
conscious of what is going on around him. His
disturbance is attributable. I presume, to the
an@mic condition of the brain. The brain is
not properly nourished It is one of the effects
of exhaustion"
"The fact, then, that his mind is clearer and
mere active to-day than yesterday is favora-
BILE symptom?"
$50 far as it goes. The patients pulse has
not been higher at any time to-day than it was
when the examination was made for the noon
bulletin. OF course every time we move Or
disturb him the pulse is accelerated, but we do
not always take it at such times, and might
not notice transient fiuctuation. The rate
giveu in the noon bulletin was, L believe the
highest observed to-day. The character of the
pulse, however, is of quite as much of impor-
lance as the rate, and in the Presidents case
the character has improved a little since morn
ing. Mrs Garfield is fully aware of the grav-
ity of the situation. She is with her husband
almost all the time, is close observer and no
tices the slightest change in his condition and
appearance, and she discusses his symptoms
with us frequently. We have not thought it
necessary to say anything to her with regard to
the probable result of the case because we still
hope for recovery. Her strength holds out and
she has not shown the slightest weakness. In
case the President should grow worse the cause
of death would be exhaustion, unless some
new complication appears The patient is not
likely to die directly from any other cause"
"Any intention of sending for DR.. Agnew?"
ono. If there were the slightest doubt as to
the proper treatment of the President we
should send for him, but there is none. We
are entirely agreed upon the treatment"
In conclusion DIR. Bliss said:-"PleaSe do
not misunderstood me and quote me as saying
that the Presidents case is hopeless do not
think it is. He has chance, although slim
chance. of recovery, and for recovery we have
still hope"
MIDNIGHT.
Information received from the surgeons
room is to the effect that no noticeable change
has occurred during the last hour. The ply
scians apprehend no material change in the
Presidents condition during the night.
ADay of Fasting and Prayer.
WASHINGTON, Aug. 26-At union meet
ing of prayer for the recovery of the President,
held to-day at the Vermont Avenue Christian
Church, it was agreed by the pastors present
that a recommendation be made to their
churches to observe Sunday, the 2Sth inst, as
day of humiliation, fasting and prayer and
that an invitation be extended to all sister
churches and as faras possible throughout the
country to unite in This observance. The rec
ommendation meets with the approval of the
Presidents family.
The Queens Sympathy.
LONDON, Aug 26.-It is stated that the
Queen expressed deep regret on learning of
the relapse of the President and Her Majesty
renewed her request for the latest kilograms
concerning his condition