The Portland daily press., 1889-05-02
Mr.. BLAINE IS BETTER, NOT WORSE
Is the Answer to Anxious Inquiries
for the Secretary.
Alarm occasioned by Report Of a
ParaIytIc Stroke.
The Rumor Promptly Declared IN
founded by Mrs. Blaine.

BosToN, May 1.-The Boston Evening
Traveller today has special despatch from
New York stating that information reached
the Presidential party in that city yesterday
to the effect that Hon. James G. Blaine was
suffering from stroke of paralysis. Every
effort was made 20 conceal the facts and on
ly the most meagre news Of his condition
could be obtained. The news created SEN
sation in the limited circle la which 1t was
known. Walker Blaine, who was in New
York, when seen did not deny that such
news had been received, but he stated that
he knew nothing of the details.
WASHINGTON, May IA representative Of
the Associated Press was informed at Mr..
Blaine's hotel in Washington this morning
that there was not word Of truth in the
rumor that the Secretary was suffering from
stroke of paralysis.
He was much better today and expected
to go to the department today II the weather
should permit.
BOSTON, May Ia Washington despatch
to the Globe says: Considerable of an ex-
element was created in Washington this
morning by a rumor that Secretary Of State
Blaine had had a paralytic stroke. A de-
spatch to this effect was sent out from Wash
ington to Boston paper, and was repeated
here. The rumor Is absolutely groundless,
and has not the slightest vestige Of truth on
which to base it. When l called at Mr..
Baine'S hotel this morning the Secretary
was up and dressed and enjoying his lunch.
Mrs. Blaine was at the time in the parlor,
entertaining lady friend, but she stopped
her conversation, and, receiving me very
cordially, replied with utter frankness to the
questions put to her.
"'These sensational stories,' she said, are
very annoying and absolutely without any
foundation to justify them. Mr.. Blaine is
suffering from lumbago and rheumatism,
which, while painful, Is not dangerous. He
Is up and dressed, and had large beefsteak
for breakfast. His secretary has been with
him this morning, and he is transacting bus
iness without any trouble. Mr.. Blaine
would have gone to the department today
had the weather been fine, but on account Of
the rain he thought it better to stay in the
house. The weather has been so wretched
ever since Mr.. Blaine was first attacked with
lumbago, that 1t has been against his speedy
recovery and as Mr.. Blaine Is always de-
pressed by sickness, the wet weather has
tended to make him even bluer than usual
Does DR.. Lincoln regard Mr.. Blaine's
condition as being at all seriousY
"Mrs. Blaine laughed. No, indeed she
said. The doctor comes here every day,
Uub uOuut II hC tnluAo uC lotolCk NJ dll III
fact, so slight is his illness regarded by us,
that when Walker got to New York he tele-
graphed his father urging him TO come over,
as his bsence had caused considerable dis
appointment. IL the weather is good tomor-
row Mr.. Blaine will go to the State Depart
ment."
The Journal has the following Washing
ton special: 'The report that Mr.. Blaine
has been paralyzed is absurdly false. He
would have gone to the State Department
today but for the heavy rain. He Is sitting
up in his rooms and has already eaten two
regular meals today. The family and Mrs.
Blaine are encouraged BY his Improvement
in the last few days. The lumbago pains
are said to have left him.