The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1890-10-11
AT DEATHS DOOR.
Justice Miller in a PreCari0uS
Condition.
Stricken With Paralysis When a Short
Distance From Home.
He Had Felt Unusually Well and Attended
10 His Duties at the United States
Supreme Court.
Special 10 THE MORNING CALL

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1O.-This afternoon
Justice Samuel Miller of the Supreme Court
of the United States was stricken with
paralysis and is now in serious condition,
though he is resting comfortably and his
mind is clear. He was returning from the
Supreme Courtroom, and when within sight
of his residence was seen to stagger and fall.
His servant, John Woodford, who saw him,
quickly got him home, and Drs. Cook
and Lincoln were soon in attendance.
They found that the left side of
the Justice was paralyzed, but he
is still able to recognize those about him.
DIR. Lincoln left Justice Miller at II o'clock
tonight He says the Justices condition is
not nearly so favorable as it was two hours
ago. and the case is now very serious.
Judge Miller has been suffering nearly all
summer from an attack of dysentery, but at
no time was his illness severe enough to pre-
vent him from attending 10 his judicial du-
ties while on his annual court ciIcuit in the
West. He returned to Washington last
week feeling much better, though somewhat
weak. This morning he was feeling un-
usually good.
The Justice, on telling Mrs. Miller of his
fall, said he felt his knee giving way under
him and his legs felt so heavy he could
hardly lift them. Thinking it was Il sud
den return of Il rheumatic twinge which lie
had often before felt, he made another
effort TO step forward, and as he did so he
either tripped on the car track or slipped
ana fell forward on his face and left side
and arm, at the same time cutting his fore
head slightly and causing an abrasion OF the
skin on the nose. The Justices servant
was standing in the door at the time and
saw him fall. He Immediately ran TO his as
sistanre and with the help of friend raised
the Judge to his feet and placing him
in a cab, conveyed him to his home. An im-
proyiSed stretcher was brought out, and
though the Judge protested against being
placed on it, as lie said he ieit perfectly
able. with assistance, TO walk, he at last con-
sented, ami was taken gently up the terrace
leading TO his house and into his office on the
first floor
Meantime Mrs Miller, who was out visit
ing, arrived, aud finding the judge down
stairs Immediately had him removed to his
room on the second floor, though the change
was made unwllliugly on his part as he iu-
sisted that he vas only slightly weak and
would prefer having dinner downstairs
rather than in his bedroom.
When the Justices bedroom was reached
he jocoSely remarked, just place the
stretcher alongside the bed, much to their
surprise. DR.. Cook, who lives two doors
away, was called in, ana Dr. Lincoln sent
for who administered some slight restora-
tiveS, and after an examination found par
tial paralysis of the left side from the arm
down. The numhness in his arm has now
partially disappeared.
At l O'clock this Saturday morning it
was stated that the Justice was resting
quietly, and his family thought he was a
little better.