The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-16
4 BAD NIGHT FOR CONKLING.
The Distinguished Invalid Is No Better, and
His Recovery Is Very Doubtful

NEW York. April 15.-Lass night was bad
one for ex-senator Conkling. He slept but
little, and was much affected by bad cough
that disturbed him every few minutes. He Is
much Frustrated by it, and this morning was
weak and nervous Il has been found necessary
to engage an assistant ncrse for him. Mrs
Coukllng who has been almost constantly at
her husbands bedside, retired this morning TO
secure much-needsd rest Mrs. Oakman, the
Senator's daughter. remained in her fathers
room all night. and is still with him. Dr.. Barker
said this morning that there were no symptoms
for the worse in his patients condition, except
little bronchitis, developed during the night.
Mr. ConkIing's pulse was 80 and bis tempera-
ture 961. There still remains some twitchiug of
the muscles. He has not slept well, and there
are signs Of Improvement The patient has
taken considerable nonrishment. about twenty
six ounces of koumiss and milk.
Opinions of the friends Of Mr.. Conkling and
the physicians continue to differ. DR.. Barker
called at o'clock P. n He said Mr.. Conkling
had lost nothing, and that there was no change
ia his pulse temperature since his last visit.
He declared false the rumor that Conkling was
in stupor and unable to recognize anybody.
He had grasped the Doctors hand with frmer
grip than he cared to have. DR.. Barker will
again
The Senator took his nourishment well tonight.
Notwithstanding this hopeful view, the fol-
lowing telegram was sent to-day:
Hon. j. p Jones. Utica. n Y:
Much weaker. Chances diminishing. Very little
hope S. l.. nj. BARLOW.
AS the day wore on Mr.. Conkling's nervous
ness and the twitchings of the muscles became
more pronounced. A state of partial coma was
power to resist the doctors's efforts to fesd him
and dress his wound. Shortly after 100 this
afternoon he sank into sleep which was more
q state of stupor than sleep Not for single
moment was he rational this afternoon, and his
mind seems flied with recollec: ions Of great law
suits and political campaigns in which he has
been leading figure. Even the physicians
whose whole attitude is most guarded and cir
cumspect, admitted this afternoon that Mr.
Conkling was in a state of coma. From TO
o'clock many callers left their cards. but
word came from the sick-room other than that
Mr. Conkling was still sleeping and was still un-
conscious. Among the callers were August
Belmont, Clarence A. Seward and Mayor Hew-
lit
About o'clock DR.. Barker entered the house
and few minutes later two burly porters from
the Hoffman house ran the steps and were
ushered into the Conkling residence. This incl
dent caused some excitement among the watch
ers, who inferred that Mr.. Conking had be-
come uncomfortable and that the men had been
summoned to hold him. Dr. Barker remained
half an hour, and he wore pleasant smile when
he emerged. $ I'm happy TO inform you," said
he TO the reporters. that Mr.. Conkling is no
WORSE Dut u SnduS O6bLeT tHau dS luis bfue AESb
night. He has not been in a state of coma or
even a stupor. as reported. Early this
evening be expressed a desire for a mint julep,
and he seemed to enjoy the drink Immensely"
In reply to question regarding the presence
of the porters, DR.. Barker said: II merely
called them III to hold Mr. Conkiing down
should he become violent during the night. al
though there are positive indications now
that he will become excited"
the patients temperature was, at this time,
49, l-5o, and his pulse had fallen tn 90.
At 1890 there was change in Mr.. Conk-
ling's condition. according to the reports which
reached the street. An hour before this. Ed
ward Stokes, proprietor of the Hoffman House,
SAID: mir. Conkiing is failing rapidly. There
is chance of his recovery. / do not think the
end is far distant"
Judge Coke left Mr.. Conklngs house at 1850
He said Mr. Conkling was not sleeping but was
coughing badly.
At2 A. NJ. Mr.. Conkiine's con dition was un-
changed. He was sleeping