The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1885-12-05
DEATH OF HENDRICKS.
The Vice-President Expires Sud-
denly at Indianapolis.
Particulars of the Brief Illness that
Preceded His Death.
Sketch of the Deceased Statesman's Busy
Life and Public Service
How the News was Received by President
Cleveland and His Cabinet.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind, Nov. 26.-Vice
President Hendricks died very sudden
ly and Unexpectedly at his residence
on North Tennessee Street, this city,
at O'Clock last evening. The demise
OF this illustrious citizen was so unlocked
for that the city was shocked at it's occur
renee, and most of the people were 10th to
believe il until it was bulletined from the
newspaper Offices ana confirmed by person
al visits to the house. The stricken wife
was visited by her immediate friends, but
such was the shock to her nerves that it
was with the greatest difficulty that she
could talk upon the subject at all. The
city is in mourning, and the great heart of
Indiana is bleeding over the remains of her
distinguished son.
Mr. Hendricks returned from Chicago
Monday suffering from a very severe cold,
but his condition was not such as to awaken
fears for his safety. DR.. Thompson, the
family physician, was called, and the patient
insisted upon having calOmel administered
to him. This the physician refused to do,
owing TO the prOstratlng effects which the
drug always produced upon Mr.. Hendricks,
and he gave him an emetic and later in the
day an injection. At night the Vice Presi-
Mrs. Hendricks attended a reception at the
residence Of State Treasurer Cooper where
they remained till midnight. During the
entertainment Mr.. Hendricks was, in
personal appearance, as well as usual,
and none save a few to whom lie
spoke about the matter, supposed that
he was suffering pain. He complain.
to one or two, however, that he was feeling
unwell, but did not express any apprehen-
sions Of fatal consequences. He slept well
during the night and arose in the morning
apparently refreshed and feeling better. An
hour or two later he was taken with rig
or, and despite the efforts OF the attending
physician the chills remained unbrOken
for quite an hour. He was seriously pros
trated as q consequence, but the doctor
was not appreheusive OF danger, and he en-
gagged in conversation with the patient on
several subjects, among which was the Vice
Presidents expected departure for Wash
ington and his resumption OF duties as
President Of the Senate. Mr.. Hendricks,
however, appeared to be oppressed by his
sickness, and was very sOlIcitOus that Mrs.
Hendricks should always be near him. Ii
she left the room for a moment he inquired
concerning her, and appeared i'll at ease un-
til she returned to the room. When this
disposition was developed Mrs. Hendricks
continued by his side, and was present dur
ing the visit OF the physician.
a few minutes before o'clock Mr.. Hen.
dricks turned to the physician and said:
Il AM FREE AT LAST"
ITO what do you refer" asked the ply
sician. Il mean l am free from pain, " was
the answer. The physician then left the
house, and Mrs. Hendricks was called be-
low TO see friend. When the caller was
first announced Mrs. Hendricks hesitated
about going down, but being reassured by
the remark of her husband, she left his bed
side and passed down to the parlor. She
was delayed longer than she expected, and
when she returned to the room she found
that Mr. Hendricks was dead. The end OF
a busy life had come peacefully and quietly
| On his face there was no Indication of pain
or suffering, and his eyes were only half
closed, as ii in gentle sleep. There was
nobody in his room when he died, and only
Mrs. Hendricks, the servants and a caller
in the house. Mrs. Hendricks was almost
distracted with grief. and could not restrain
her feelings sufficiently to talk. The house
was soon filed with anxious friends, while
crowd collected around the gate, and it
was found necessary to refuse them ad-
mission.
THE DEATH CHAMBER.
Mr.. Hendricks died in his private chamber
a large, comfortable room in which he did
the most OF his work. Near his bedside was
a case containing legal and political works,
and on his desk were his papers, memoranda
and a large number OF letters which had
been allowed to accumulate without answer
ing in the lasttwo or three days. His dress
ing-gOwn and slippers were at his bedside
and near by was small stand on which
were various medicines and goblet OF wa
ter. Portraits, landscapes, and bric-a -brac
adorned the walls OF the room, and were in
striking contrast with the sad scene within.
A CITY IN SORROW.
The news spread through the city with the
rapidity Of lightning, and all the fire and
other bells in the city were tOlled sixty
six times one stroke for each year of his
life. All the newspapers put out bulletins,
and their Offices were crowded with people
anxious to learn the particulars. At a
meeting OF prominent citizens, held in the
United States district courtroom, last
night, committee, consisting Of Senator
| Ben. Harrison, w. II. English, Judge W. E.
NiblaCk, Noble c. Butler and Aquilla Jones,
was appointed to confer with the family,
and make all arrangements for the obse-
quies. Mrs. Hendricks Is in receipt of dis
patches from all sections of the country, of
fering sympathy in this, her saddest hour
OF bereavement. The city, irrespective Of
party mOurus with her.
THE CAUSE OF DEATH.
Dr. Thompson says it is his belief that
/ Mr.. Hendricks died OF acute paralysis Of
the brain and heart. He had suffered for
long time with a slight paralysis OF the left
hand, and had said he should prefer to die
from paralysis, as It was a painless death
Day before yesterday Mr.. Hendricks had
complained OF a sharp pain IN the left side
This transferred itself to the region OF the
stomach, and TO relieve II, the doctor gave
him a draUght OF soda and mustard with
hot water remedy which had been etfics-
cious in previous attacks. This relieved
him Of considerable mucus and he wss able
60 be about alternately during the morn
ing from easy chair to couch. The doc
tor assured him that the ailmeut was
not, in his judgment, serious, and that he
did not think opIate6 were advisablefOrt the
/ pain, becs use Of their depressing effect, and
without them the attack would wear of as
before. and he would be out in a day or
two But, DR.. Thompson, 7 said Mr.. Hen
dricks. you know that when I am sick
am awful sick To relieve the pain IN the
region of the stomach the doctor prescribed
a small dose OF bromides, which was
sffectual. and brought him ease and rest.
This, with the exception OF an enema Of
oil was all the medication that his svmp-
toms indicated. They were common rene
dies with Mr.. Hendricks, and each OF them
alleviated the symptoms TO which they were
addressed. He seemed apprehensive, and,
IN fact, was always suspicious Of 4 possible
elimination IN a general paralysis OF the
slight paralysis which had fastened itself
on the left hand. The doctor does not be
Hsvs an autopsy will be held.