Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-08-20
ii p. M.
WASHINGTON, August -.

Executive Mansion, IL p. M.-The fresi-
dents condition to-day has been decidedly
better than any day since the unfavorapie
symptoms of Monday last manifested tneni
selves; has slept more to-day than usual, ana
appears much refreshed upon Weakening
from slumber The white glandular lnfla-
nation has not entirely disappeared. IL IS
thought BY the surgeons that the Siand Is
less irritable. from the fact that the patient
does not experience so much pain from IT,
Another feature demonstrating an improve
ment. is the tone of the Presidents stomach
which has not vet shown any gastric disturb
ance.
Members of the cabinet and all others VINO
called during the day have left the mansion
very much encouraged. The air OF solemn
ity and anxiety which had pervaded the
White House for the past few days has given
place TO decidedly better feeling. 1t Is now
quite generally conceded that the inflammation
of the parotid gland does not in this case in
dictate pyamia, and it is due entirely to the
patients debilitated condition.
Not word of respondent character has
been uttered to-day by those having access
to the Presidents apartment, and faith IN
the Presidents recovery, as expressed by
these persons. have been of an almost sang
uine nature. Said one of the attending surg
cons, when approached with the question on
the subject this evening, the President has
made sensible improvement to-day.
DR.. Bovnton, in conversation regarding
the Presidents condition says, he is improv-
ing gradually. The trouble in the parotid
gland is apparently diminishing. ''Does the
President manifest a desire to eat?" He has
nothing like sharp appetite yet, but he
takes his nourishment without hestancy. He
still enjoys Cruel. Mrs. Garfield prepares it
for him.
This afternoon DIR. Bliss was asked if the
President had any malarious symptoms. No,
said he, none at all. He had very COM
Portable day. Do you expect any suppura-
ton from the inflammation of the parotid
gland? Why the inflammation is subsding
and there is no pus in it, there's nothing to
suppurate. Isn't there danger of its appearing
in the locality? We no not think so. The
doctor was pressed for his theory of the in
famed gland and did not deny that it was a
fair assumption to believe that saliva had
secreted in the gland to an unusual extent
during the time the patient was not taking
nourishment through his mouth. But, said
he, have my own theory about it. 1t is
unimportant to the public; however, you will
remember that have told you at the COM
mencement that it was an unimportant COM
plication, excepting the annoyance it caused
the patient and my predictions have already
been verified. DIR. Bliss told the Presidents
barber to-day, that he would soon be able to
resume his duties on the patient. DR.. Bliss
left the White House few minutes before 10
to meet DIR. Agnew, who arrived at 1910 p.
NJ. He said, before leaving the Mansion,
the President was very quiet; that he had
taken twenty-five ounces of koumiss and
milk during the day, and would probably
take more. The enemata are still continued,
and with satisfactory results. The discharge
from the wound, the Doctor said, although
reduced in quantity, still flows freely. as is
necessary, and the pus is of a healthy charac-
ter. In reply to question in relation to the
administration of morphia. DR.. Bliss said the
President has not been under the influence
of particle for more than a week. All the
members of the cabinet were at the White
House tonight, and had the case fully ex-
planned to them by DR.. Reyburn. The Doc
tor said that while it was possible for COM
plications to occur, there were no indications
of anv at present. and the patient was doing
as well as could be expected. The patient
pulse tonight is log, and temperature and
respiration about normal. The House was
cleared before II o'clock, and the prospects
are that the patient will pass a comfortable
night.