The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-16

The Ex-President Confined to His Room ano
His Condition Serious,


His Condition Serious.
New York Special.
There is again much gossip of serious nature
about ex President Arthur A friend said to-day
that he was denying himself to everyone save a
few close personal friends. Only last Sunday
he was not in to such callers as Bonanza Mackay
and Jonn Russell Young. Mr. Mackav was a
very conspicuous guest at the White House dur
ing the last month of General Arthur's admins
traton. and his failure to see him is looked upon
as an indication that his indispostion is
OF a more serious nature than most
people think. None of the ex-President's friends
claim that he is in good health or deny that he
is practically leading the life of recluse His
trouble seems to be mostly with his stomach
but his general health and spirits suffer as we'll
Mr.. Ransom, his law partner, said that General
Arthur had not been to the Office down town to
do any business since his return from Washing
ton. Those legal affairs in which his advice is
desired or required are taken to his house for
consideration But it is generally understood
that his law business does not receive much at
tention from him even at home. His name is,
OF course, OF considerable value to Judge Ran
som and the other active partner of the concern
1t is also rather pleasant fiction for him to ap-
pear to have some connection with the active
affairs of life This is why no is rated as praeti
cling law
The few immediate friends who are admitted
to the presence of the ex-President describe him
as losing much of his old.time spirit, but this
may not be strange when he is forced to live al
most wholly on a milk diet. Lack of exercise,
added to the dyspepsia and sort of forced re-
tirenent SO unusual with the ex- President are
rapidly telling unon his once strong and vigorous
constitution Those who ought to know tell me
that he is fast losing that bright happy and con-
viyial habit which fitted him so well while he
was in public life. II doubt whether he will
ever again deal with general affairs. either bust
ness or political, /" said the friend who was speak
ing of his present condition. His life in the
White House was a serious strain upon his phys
ical forces he continued. He sat upllate nights
ate heartily of the richest of viands and led
life that was one dream of good cheer
No President enjoyed himself better or WAS
more grateful for the power an accident placed
in his hands. When he returned to private life
here he found things very much changed He
was no longer a power i'll any of the active
affairs in which he had so long participated. He
found that people looked upon him as tradi-
ton rather than present force. This had more
or less sf an effect upon his temper. Indiges,
ton an9other troubles have not improved his
state o5sFind; therefore. in many respects his
life,s pat happy one. He still has ambitions
that can never be realized, and is, l believe
looking back upon his presidential term with
anything but feelings of enthusiasm He finds
that while most people look upon his admnistra
ton as a fair one, most Of them feel that it
lacked positive elements to make it honored in
the history of the country. So he sits and waits
upon his digestion. If it returns he may again
brace up"