The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-04-12
A CHANGE FOR THE BETTER
Hon. Roscoe Conkling Has Apparently
Passed the Crisis of His Illness,
And All His Physicians Now Confidently Ex-
pect His Complete Recovery, Unless Some
Unforeseen Complications Arise.

New York, April Il-Dr Barker called at
the residence of ex-senator Conkling this morn
ing at ten minutes past 9'ociock and found his
patient resting peacefully. The Doctor felt the
patients pulse and found it more regular than it
has been for several days. Mr.. Conkling awoke
and cordially shook hands with the physician
who at once asked him if he would not take
some soothing medicine. The sufferer promptly
replied in the Affirmative, and he took the madi-
cine offered him. subsequently. Dr. Barker, in
the form of an official bulletin. announced 70 the
members of the press that Mr.. Conkng was
beginning TO recover. "A marked change for
the better" he added s'has taken place during
the night. Mr. Conkling is much better this
morning. In fact, he is much better than he
has been for at least ten days, and enioyed more
refreshing sleep during the night than he has
for over ten days"
Edward S. Stokes visited Mr.. Conkling at 10
O'CLOCK. When he came out he said 81 never
was mors surprised in my life than to see the
improved condition of Mr.. Conkling Yester
day believed he would not recover, and sent
kilograms to that effect To-day he Is sitting up
in his bed and recognized me-" Among q large
number of people who called at Mr.. Conkling's
residence to inquire after his condition,
Secretary Window.
DR.. Barker said this morning that he wished
to correct some reports that had appeared con-
corning the patient. He had Tot at any time
been violent He had at all times been very
gentle, even in his most delirious moments.
Dr. Barker says that he had hopes and had by
no means given up his distinguished patient.
This morning. as usual, he had taken milk as
nourishment 1t was learned that Mrs. Conk-
ling was feeling very much enc outraged this
morning She said that her husband had been
rational of the time, and had slept al inter
walls during the night.
At o'clock Dr. Barker called on Mr.. Conk-
ling. He said: II don't think he is as strong
as he was this morning. He took milk,
and is now sleeping quietly. He has lost
siderable ground since morning. There lie still
some hope for his recovery nnless some compli-
cations In the region of the mastorid set in"
A reporter, in conversation with q prominent
physician who does not want his name pub
lished, learned some new facts. The physician
said:s "Mr Conkling, If he had mastorid trouble
alone. the pus having been removed, he would
recover; but. If he had meningitis also, he
would die"
In view of this statement the reporter asked
DR.. Barker If Mr.. Conkling had meningitis. He
said: There is tendency that way and should
it run into meningitis it would only be matter
Of twenty four hours"
DR.. Sands called at 2:3O o'clock and dressed
the wound. He found Mr. Conkling sitting mp,
but unconscious.
Mr.. Conkline's and at sos left
the patient He said that Mr.. Conkling
had been ksleeping quietly since 4 P. NJ, and
was sleeping when the Doctor left. Dr. Barker
denied that Or. ConkIing in a state of
stupor He said that his pulse eighty-four
and his temperature has varied about two de-
grees during the day. It was 102 at p M. The
Doctor said he did not apprehend any danger
within twenty-four hours unless some complica-
tions occurred.
At 915 Drs Barker and Sands finished a
sultation. DIR. Barker said that the patient had
had sound healthy sleep from until $40 P.
NJ, and that his mental condition was excellent
The doctors said the sleep good for the
reason that it took away all strain. from the
nerves. The chances of the Senator's recovery
were improving. 'Twenty-four hours ago his
chances were one in a hundred; now the chances
are one in twenty five that he will recover. He
hours" The patient again went to sleep after
the departure Of the doctors, who will not return
until morning. DR.. Hartley remains with the
patient all night
MIDNIGHT-After the doctors left Mr.. Conk-
ling fell asleep again, and seemed to be resting
comfortably. During the physicians last visit
for the night a message OF sympathy was re-
ceived from Washington from the members of
the Senate. Democrats and Republicans signed
it alike. The first signature was that of Soma
tor Voorhees,. After reading the dispatch the
doctor said, laughingly. "How's thisa LooKs
though you were turning Democrat. Senator
He made answer, bus a merry twinkle lit
up his eye for moment. He then noticed a
to him. and murmured "How beautiful" At
that hour about o'clock, the Senator's temper
ature was 100. and pulse 80. He was not suffer
ing much pain. AT midnight there was no
change.