National Republican., 1881-07-30

Hammond, speaks of DR.. Wales's ability
in highest terms-terms justified by his
eminent reputation. Is DR.. Wales, then,
partisan of Bliss, who omitted him
when making the list of his associates
As to the diet, 1t may be that Mrs. Gar
field, DIR. Susan Edison, General SWAIN
and General Garfield himself were all
aware of his dyspeptic tendency and well
informed as TO the character of food best
tolerated by his stomach when in weak
condition. According to the Herald, no
one was competent to treat the President
for a gunshot wound who had not previ-
ously treated him for dyspepsia This
conclusion does not appear TO be irresisti-
bic. The formation of the pus sac was
met promptly enough, The consulting
surgeons were summoned, as was most
prudent and satisfactory, to compare
opinions as to the cause ofthe disturbance
and the best course to pursue. If they
had not been called, and had not given
their opinion and aid, would not some
have said that no incision was necessary,
and that il had caused the very difficult
tiesit relieved? That the case suffered
nothing by waiting for them is best at
tested by the fact that the operation was
not performed for twelve hours after
their arrival.
As to the character Of the information
given out by the doctors to "the expect
ant Nation ii. C., to the enger and ener-
getic correspondents Of the Herald, who
are on the ground in force, rs the Heidld's
men are to be found wherever in either
hemisphere great events are transpir-
ing-let us consider. The bulletins have
stated pulse, temperature, and respira-
ton, medicines administered, and COM
pdrdtiCc condition of the patient. There
have been wearisome repetitions of gen.
eralties, and the word favorable" has
been the general refrain. Well, what
ought we TO have expected? Is there a
human being who reads this who would
be willing in such case in his own
family TO have the inmost thoughts and
apprehensions of the surgeons posted NJ
before the patients eyes, or what would
be the same, or worse, have them stated
every few hours in writing to the watch.
ing wife and attendants, in order
that she and they might abate
! the hope which creates the moral,
of the sick-room? The physicians have
always said tn ere was ground for alarm
and ground for hope. The consulting sur
geons have said just what Dr. Bliss and
those in constant attendance with him
have said. They have very strong faith in
the Presidents recovery. They have also
very great anxiety at dangerous posi-.
bilities.
To sum up, it would appear-frst, that
the Garfield family had right to employ
Dr. Bliss; second, that he has, in the
opinion of DIR. Wales, made no mistake
in the diagnosis; third, that he has, in
the opinion of Drs. Agnew and Hammond
made no mistake in the treatment; fourth
that he has not given the public more
favorable reports than have the consult
ing surgeons, who are deemed good au
thority by his enemies, and, fifth that il
would be cruel, unwise, and probably
| dangerous to the President to feed the
public press with daily speculative bulle.
tins as to what unfavorable turns would
be possible in his case. The "expectant
Nation" can dispense with the excite.
ment such bulletins might furnish better
than it can dispense with the life of its
President, who might suffer dangerous
depression of spirits by the constant
effort to prove that, while he is doing well
he nevertheless may die.