Daily Kennebec journal., 1881-08-08
UNOFFICIAL BULLETIN.
Outside lndicatiOns.-An Interview With
DR.. Bliss.
WASHINGTON, August 5.

WAsHINGTON, August 3.
Executive Mansion, Aug. Z, 10 p. M.-The
day at the Executive Mansion probably has
been the most quiet Of any since he was
wounded, and there was some comment about
the city regarding the information contained
in the morning bulletin, the language of
which, was that 60 the President this morn
ing is in good condition, although the ef-
fccts of the febrile disturbance of yesterday
is slightly perceptible in the pulse and tenn
perature."
Many persons construed this sentence as
an indication Of unfavorable symptoms, but
the general public accepted it as reassuring,
and consequently there has been a flow Of
inquiries at the mansion during the day.
At 1890 p. NJ, when the patients wound
was dressed, his pulse was l04, temperature
100, respiration 20 The fact that fever ex-
listed at this hour, was not generally known,
inasmuch as there was no bulletin issued. the
information being obtained privately from
the attending surgeons.
While admitting that the fever has contin-
ued all day, as is shown by the evening bull
letin, it does not appear desire to con-
verse any more than necessary on the SUBJ
ject, thereby leaving the public to forms its
own conclusion as to the cause of the con-
tinued high pulse. 1t is intimated that there
are indications of the formation of another
pus cavity, but its correct location has not
been ascertained.
Prof. Bell being out of the city, his assis-
tant, Mr.. Taintor, was called to the mansion
late this afternoon to consult with the attend
ing surgeons regarding the use of the elec-
tric probe, and he was requested to bring two
cells of the battery to the mansion tomorrow
morning. should it be determined to use the
instruments. At this time it probably will be
for the purpose of ascertaining the exact To-
cation of the course of the wound from the
surface of the body to the spot where the
ball is lodged and if possible to discover
whether there is a pus cavity, and if so its
exact location. 1t is understood that the
surgeons desire to procure a perfect
diagram of the wound and it is therefore
probable that the electric probe may be used
for the purpose. The insection of the tube
is said to be rather trying operation. DIR.
Hamilton, who was to have left the city this
afternoon, still remains. All attending sur
geons and two consulting surgeons were pres
ent at the evening dressing.
During the afternoon gentleman from DIR.
Bliss office was seen near cutlery establish
ment, and in explanation of his presence in
the locality of the store said he had brought
some surgical instruemnts which the Doctor
desired sharpened. While these indications
are not necessarily conclusive of the contem-
plation of an operation upon the President,
they at least prove that the surgeons are pre-
pairing for any emergency which may arise
In conversation tonight DIR. Bliss spoke very
encouragingly about the patient, saying he
was resting comfortably, and had expressed
himself in general way as feeling as well as
usual. In reply to question regarding
Taintor's presence at the mansion this after
noon, the Doctor said he (Bliss) had several
electric probes, one of which he did not un-
derstand, and he had requested Taintor to
furnish him with some battery for the pur-
pose of adjusting the instruments. This, the
Doctor explained as precautionary meas
ure. saying it might be desirable to use in
struments sooner or later. When asked the
cause of the continued high pulse and temper
ture, the doctor replied: 1t may be caused by
tardv flow of pus but we haven't vet discov-
cred it. The discharge continues perfectly
healthy and is apparently free. The doctor
said further that there were no indications
of formstion Of pus cavity and nothing to
warrant the supposition that another opera
ton would be necessary. He also repeated
the assertion that the ball would not be cut
unless it should be found to be doing the
patient harm The Doctor upon further
questioning regarding the high pulse and
temperature, said it was possibly due to ex-
tremely hot weather. Concluding the doc
tor said, we will probably know more about
the matter in the morning.