Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1881-07-27
PRESIDENT GARFIELD.
An Unexpected Relapse.
CHILL & INTERNAL FEVER,
4 LIGHTNING RAILWAY
TRAIN FROM NEW YORK
TO WASHINGTON.

which still occasion serious alarm, al
though he has partially recovered from
the acute symptoms which quickened
his pulse and sent his temperature up
almost to the fatal point. While the
wound was being dressed the patient
was taken with chill which lasted
nearly an hour. and was followed by a
lever. This unfavorable change in the
patients condition was caused by the
obstruction Of the flow Of pus from tho
wound. and the formation OF what is
technically called "pus-cavity" with
in the lacerated channel. DR.. Hamil-
ton, of New York, aud DR.. Agnew, OF
Philadelphia, were summoned by tele-
graph, and arrived at Washington at
7.30 P. III. by fast special train,
which made the trip from New York
in 4 hours and 46 minutes. After COL
sultatien with the attending physicians
it was decided not TO disturb the Presi-
dent, as be was resting quietly, and the
fever had partially subsidized. During
Saturday night there was slight re-
currence OF the chill. On Sunday morn
ing the physicians, after consultation,
determined TO reach the ''pus cavity"
if possible, by making an incsion
through the muscles OF the back. This
was accordingly done, and the channel
of the wound as tapped some three
inches from its outer opening. The
spot through which the inclsion was
made was partially frozen by the ap-
plication of local an@sthetics, and the
operation caused but little pain. Ac-
cording to the official bulletin issued at
| : ?. NJ, pus was beng discharged
through the new opening.
AMoRE DETAILED ACCOUNT.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, July "a, II
M.-Dr. Bliss, during the course ola
conversation in relation to the opera
lion which was performed on the Presi-
dent this morning, said that during his
examination Yesterday he discovered
that slight sack or pus cavity had
formed Immediately at the turn in the
track of the bullet, and at once decided
that the proper thing to do was 10 make
an iu.isiou, which would straighten the
track and permit the pus 10 discharge
more freely. 1t was determined, how
ever, that before performing the opera
ton it would be best to notify the
consulting surgeons and request their
attendance. which was done forthwith.
The formation Of pus cavity, the doc
tor says, Is very ordinary occurrence
in similar instances, and there is no
doubt in his mind that the incision will
tend to lessen the frequency aud sever
ity of the rigors. He says however; that
/
the patient may have more slight chllls.
THE result of the examination this
morning and the presidents present con
dition" continued DR.. Bliss, are reassur-
ing. When left him Is minutes ago
he was sleeping quietly. During the
on.ration bis pulse reached about 100.
Since that time there has been a fall
ing off of abour Is beats. The Presi-
dent did not move muscle while the
operation was being performed, and it
was not found necessary to administer
any alcoholic stlmulants." The coun-
ter opening 10 about three inches below
the wound. 1t was necessary to cut to
depth Of about one inch before Il Q
connection with the original wound was
complete. A local anasthesia w9s adj
mlnistered, causing a numbness OF tie
parts operated upon, which obviats d
the experience of any pain. Shortly
after the operation the patient partook
of nourishment with relish and express
ed himself as feeling much relieved by
the operation.
THE SURGICAL OPERATION AND HOW
1T WAS PERFORMED.
EXECUTIVE MANSION, July 24.-The
demolition OF the President today was
aource of much anxiety, and in the alb
sence Of official information later than
the morning bulletin, all sorts of wild
and unfounded runners are In circula-
ton. Since the evening bulletin, how
ever. a more hopeful feeling has pre-
vailed, and the excitement OF the day
has 10 a great extent subsided. The
attending surgeons tonight do not hesi-
tate to say that there has been a sub
stanlial aud they believe a permanent
improvement In the Presidents con-
dition this afternoon. In an interview
with a representative Of the Associated
Press at 2. NJ. DR.. Beyburn expressed
the opinion that the crisis ofthe DIS
turbance caused by the formation OF
the pus cavity has passed, and that
there is now every reason TO expect an
abatement, il not an entire disappear
ance of the unfayorabls symptoms OF
the last Sc hours. Ia explaining the
nature Of the operation performed by
DR.. Agnew this morning and the
necessity for it, DR.. ReYburn made in
substance the following statement:
The direction taken by the ball after