The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1888-05-31
SHERIDAN.
Critical Condition of the Dlstin-
gulshad Military Ch1eftaln
From Heart Disease.
He Has Sinking Spells From
Failure of the Hearts
Valves.

WAsHINGT IN, May 26.-General Sheri-
dams condition is extremely critical to-
night and his death at any moment would
not be unexpected. He had recurrence
of the heart trouble about O'Clock this
afternoon, accompanied by a serious
sinking spell which gave great alarm to
the physicians, who Immediately took
prompt and powerful measures to rally
him. These remedies have only given
partial relief, and at 1880 O'Clock tonight
the four physicians who have
been in attendance, are at his side,
closely and aaxiously watching
every symptom. The action of
the heart is still very feeble and has re-
sponded but family to the medicine ad-
mini to him, The attack came al
most without premonition, slight feeling
of faintness being the only thing which
warned the physicians that crisis might
be at hand.
Up to about 1850 O'Clock the general had
been doing very well, and the family were
in cheerful spirits at the strength and in
terest in passing events shown by the sick
man. No symptoms of recurrence of
the failure of the valves of the heart to
properly close had appeared, and as the
attacks of the day previous had occurred
in the morning, it was hoped he would
quickly rally and become better able to
meet any future dangers.
As soon as it became evident, however,
that the valvular failure of the heart had
again set in, they saw that their cherished
hopes of a successful day would not be
realized. Everything possible was done
for the patient, but with only imperfect
success. Digitalis aud whisky were ad
ministered and finally blister was put
over the heart. These applicatio IS stimu'a-
ted the heart to an increased action, though
not to the extent that was desired. The
blisterwas not intended so much to couu-
teract the present attack as to
prevent a subsequent one. The gen
erals return 80 nearly the normal condition
in which he has been since his illness was
slower than from any previous attacks,
and the doctor said of the attack: at
was pretty severe"
At o'clock he had recovered somewhat
from this attack and was getting on COM
fortably. He was still an object of
earnest solicitude, however, and the doc
tors did not leave his side. Mrs. Sheridan
also remained constantly near. The at.
| bdCk WAS uuhccOn pduleu py pain nuu liz
was conscious and thoroughly aware of
the gravity of the situation.
A bulletin, stating his condition, was to
have been given to the press at $3.50
o'clock, but, owing TO the extremely crit
ical condition of the general, it was not
issued unit 10 O'Clock. A few minutes
after that hour one of his aides slipped out
of the house into the portico and gaue to
the newspaper men who gathered around
him the official statement of the physi-
clans. 1t reads:
WASHINGTON, May 26.-(10 p. ny
General Sheridan passed comfortable
day, took plenty of nourishment, spok'
cheerfully, and he hopefully and general!
did we'll until 10 minutes before o'clocl
this afternoon, when the action OF thu
heart became very feeble, from which
condition it has reacted imperfeotly. Al
this time he is suffering neither pain mol
distress. He thoroughly understands, al
does his family, the gravity of tho situa
ton, but is now quiet, tranquil, undis
mayed and hopeful for the best.
(Signed) R. M. O'REILLY,
, WASHINGTON MATTHEWS,
N. @. GARRow,
/, G. B. BYRNE.