The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-06-17
EX-SENATOR MCDONALD.
Although Crit caIIy III, There Are Strong
Hopes OF His Recovery.

Although Crit .caIIy III, There Are Strong
Hopes OF His Recovery.
For several months ex-senator Melon
aid has been IN impaired health, and re-
Gently his condition has been such as to
cause his immediate friends good deal of
apprehension. Since Sunday his symp-
toms have become somewhat more seri-
Gus. but while his case is regarded as
critical by his attending physician, and Is
so recognized By the patient himself,
very lively hopes are entertained of his
recovery. In personal interview with
the editor of THE SENTINEL Friday evening
the venerable ex-senator said: II am a
very sick man, and am prepared
to meet with equanimity the
issue of life or death, whichever it may be.
I am greatly touched by the many ex-
pressions of interest and sympathy which
have come to me from friends here and
elsewhere, and they may rest assured that
these manifestations of their regard and
kindly feeling are highly appreciated. I
believe that l have fair chance of recov-
cry, and so long as there are as many en-
couraging indications as now, there is cer-
tainly good reason to hope for favorable
result. But through all the varying ex-
periences of life have never sought TO
deceive myself as to its realities, and
while am hopeful for the best, am fully
prepared for the worst"
Friday afternoon at their res
idence Mr.. and Mrs. Mcdonald
were formally admitted to the
communion OF the presbyterian
| church. The ceremony was conducted by
the Rev. Joseph A. Milburn, pastor of the
Second presbyterian church Of this city,
in the presence of the elders of the
church, and was most solemn and i'm
pressive. The action of ex-senator McDon-
aid was not the result of any sudden i'm
pulse or OF any change of belief, but arose
from desire on his part to formally tes-
tify, while in full mental vigor and in
comparative physical strength, to the re-
ligious belief he has held throughout his
| life Senator Mcdonald was raised pres
byteriau, and during the greater part OF
his life has been an attendant upon the
presbyterian church. He has never
been obtrusive In the expression
of his religious views, nor has
he ever sought to conceal them.
They represent an intellectual conviction
which he has held from boyhood with all
the tenacity of his strong mind and rugged
personality. The best evidence of the
sincerity and depth of this conviction,
however, has been afforded by the purity
and beauty of his life. 81 have that" said
this great and good man yesterday to the
Rev. Mr.. Milburn, (which is better even
than title of membership in any church
"a conscience void of ofense."
Senator McDonald's malady is an af-
lection of the stomach and kidneys, which
first manifested itself while he was in
Washington last winter. Although the
symptoms are distressing and have been
persistent, the senator's strong constitu-
ton, his buoyant temperament, and the
moderation and correctness of his past
life, are all strong points in his favor, and
give himself and bis friends the best
reasons to hope for a favorable issue of his
illness. Tine senator's mind is as keen and
vigorous and his spirits as bright and
cheerful, as in the days of his greatest phys
ical vigor. A great army of friends and
admirers, scattered ell over the country,
are hoping and praying for his early and
complete restoration to health.