Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1888-04-10
CONKLING'S DANGER.
THE GREAT LAWYER AND STATESMAN
VERY BADLY SICK.
His Physicians Seriously Alarmei-hr. COnkhNe
Dslrous-Dr. Barker Says There Are Slight
Hopes Of RscOvsry-An Opera
hon Performed.

NEW YORK, April 9.-Roscoe Conkling's
condition changed much for the worse last
night. He was buoyed up in the evening
by the presence of his wife, whom he had
not been permitted to zee since his illness
became serious. After her departure be
sank into stupor, from which he aroused
but atlong intervals, and then only to dis
play symptoms Of delirium.
DIR. Agnew, the eminent oculist, called
at Mr.. Conkling's residence last night.
At the time of his leaving the patient
seemed to be not much worse, though his
temperature had risen perceptibly. DIR.
Fordyce Baker said to-day he feared Mr..
Coukling's occular trouble had caused an
affection of the brain which may prove
fatal.
"All care to say Just now" said Dr..
Barker, sis that Mr.. Conkling has had a
bad change within the last twenty -four
hours and is very poorly, indeed, have
called in DIR. Sands and DR.. Delafeld, and
they, in company with DR.. Agnew and
myself, will visit the patient this after
noon"
At 2:30 p. M. Mr.. Conklipg's condition
was unchanged from tine last report.
At 2 o'clock Drs. Sands, Delafield, Bar
ker and Agnew called at Mr.. Conkling's
house and had a consultation. A few
minutes after Hamilton Fish called, but
was not admitted. DR.. Barker, at the
conclusion OF the conference, said that the
patients condition was very unpromising;
that he was suffering from Inflammation
of the ear, which had extended to the
membranes of the brain. The probabili-
ties were that Mr. Conkling would not
recover, though there was q possibility
that he might get we'll. His temperature
was 1881 and his pulse 100.
DR.. Barker did not think that there
would be any marked change in his pa
tents condition for about twelve hours.
There is no person admitted TO the sick
room but the nurses and Mrs. Conkling,
and all callers at the house are denied ad-
mission.
At 9:45 p. ID. DR.. FOrdyce Barker, on
behalf of the attending physicians, said
that Mr.. Conkling was resting much
easier, and that there was no immediate
danger of death. His temperature was
102 and his pulse about %. Mr.. Conkling
moved 80 much that his pulse could only
be approximately taken. DR.. Barker
said that the operation had heen in every
way succuessful. Two holes about haitian
inch in diameter were made in the skull
behind the ear and about an ounce of mat
ter was taken out. He seemed soon after
to be greatly relieved.
After the operation Mr.. Conkling rose,
walked into an adjoining room and re-
turned. Besides the physicians Mrs. Conk-
ling and her married daughter were with
the patient constantly. Mr. Conkling has
not been able to recognize any one but his
wife during the day and he will probably
remain unconscious all night because of
the anesthetics which were administered.
Messrs. Barker and Sand left the sick
chamber at 94J and will not return until
9 a. M. tomorrow.
At 12 o'clock midnight Mr.. Conkling
was walking mp aud down his room in a
half delirious condition. He sent for Ed
ward Stokes, and when he arrived Mr.
Conkling said to him: ed, it is no use.
am gone. have Tough: against
this for some time, can't stand it any
longer" Mr.. Stokes in going out saw DR..
Sands at the door. He asked the Doctor
if Mr.. Conklipg had any chance. DR..
Sands said: He may live 4S hours but !
doubt it. "