The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1886-11-25
ARTHUR DEAD.
The Ex-President Succumbs to a
Painful Illness.
Death Wins a Long Battle.

thurs two sisters, Mrs. McElroy and
Mrs. Cav, and his nephew, Arthur
were present when death oc-
cured. His daughter Nellie and
Chester Arthur, Jr, were in the house
and were summoned as soon as their
father died. There was no scene at
the bedside, it was not expected. Al
though Miss Nellie knew her father
was quite i'll, the news of his death
came like a sudden shock to her and
she was completely overwhelmed with
grief. Her aunt, Mrs. McElroy, led
her to the bedside where the ex-Presi.
dent lay with his pallid face, calm and
serene. The tears of the young and
beautiful orphan effected those pres
ent, and after awhile she was led
away inconsolable. Young Arthur
took his fathers death very hard, but
bore up manfully. He had been a
companion to his father and his death
moved the faithful son to tears.
THE EX-PREsIDENT's LAST HOURS.
President Arthur had not been out
of his house since he came back from
New London October l. He moved
about, took little exercise by walking
up and down his room and the hall
way. But he seemed to have an act
i've interest in what was transpiring
outside, had the papers read to him
and enjoyed the company of his two
children and family. Last Tuesday
night he was feeling better than he
had for several days, and was in good
spirits. He chatted with Mrs. McEl
roy and listened to his daughter'l
sweet voice until his usual time for re
tiring. Every member of his family
was happy and bade him good night
with expressions about his seemingly
improved condition. His attendan
went to his room with him; his daugh
ter and other members of his family
They again babe him good night ant
left him alone with his attendant
The attendant then assisted him t,
undress and the ex-President retired.
Yesterday morning at o'clock tn
attendant noiselessly entered his be,
chamber. He called in low tone @
voice to the ex-President, but receive,
no answer. The silence on the par
OF the sleeper, who always responde,
cheerfully to his attendants earl
morning salutations, created appre
hension and the faithful attendant ap
preached with alarm the bedside. III
found Mr.. Arthur lying on his righ
side breathing with difficulty. H
spoke to him quickly again, but rC
ceived no answer and not the leas
sign OF awakening.
THE BATTLE WITH DEATH.
The attendant then examined th
sleeper closely and found he was III
conscious. He quickly aroused tn
family and went in post haste for d
George Peters, the family physician
In few moments the doctor cam
and after examining the patient foun
that his right side was partially par
lyzed. He said that during the nigh
Mr.. Arthur had had stroke of ap,
plexy, which rendered him uncol
scious. DR.. Peters began strong trea
ment at once to rally the patient
consciousness. He sent for DIR. Va
entine and both physicians began
: do all in their power to relieve the Q
President. They worked heroical
all day long, bringing to their aid {
the skill and science known to Il
medical profession. At last the
brave efforts were rewarded by a fai
gleam Of returning consciousness, b
I it did not remain long, and the 2
tient would relapse into complete u
consciousness. In the afternoon Il
patient began to slowly regain co
. sciousness of his condition, but it W
: only in partial way. He was in
: semi-conscious condition, and eve
u now and then a look from his eye
= dieated that he was aware of his D,
% ilous condition. He never spoke frc
a the time the attendant discovered hi
y unconscious on Wednesday morniI
$ He would occasionally squeeze
> doctors hand gently and put out
" tongue to show he knew those abe
him. 1t was very affecting to see
3 beautiful daughter caress her fail
1t and soothe his dying pillow,
t. would kiss him tenderly, and he wol
n press her hand as if to say farew
IS, All day long it was struggle W
le death, and the doctors worked |
at Trojans. Several friends came in
ID see the patient, among them SUI
IN gate Rolling, who remained until
n end this morning. As the day pas
e his breathing became more labor
but death was not expected SO SO
a. The death rattle in the throat was
10 heard-only the long and pair
uasns that pouoa with difhcnlt raas,