The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-06-01
Canadian Premier Bravely
Facing His Doom.
THE WHOLE WORLD LOOKS ON.
Grave Crisis in the Political Affairs
of the Dominion.
SIR Charles Topper Favored as the Next
Leader-sir Hector Langcvin VIII
Decline on Account OF Grave Charges
Against Him.

OTTAWA, May 3i.-Sir John Macdonald's
condition is practically unchanged since
last evening, except that his vital powers
seem gradually weakening. Touching
references TO the dying premier were made
in all churches. both Catholic and Profess
tant, today.
Hon. David Mills. NJ. p, the prominent
Liberal and authority on constitutional
laws, gives il as his opinion that in ths
event OF Sir Johns death the cabinet mifa-
listers would not have to resign and appeal
TO the people before accepting Office under
new chief. He said the law was still in
iorce that allows n minister to resume
once WITHIN thirty days after resignation,
without reelection.
sir Johns life now hangs on slender
thread tie is fighting with characteristics
tehaclty against the dread visitor, but with
vitality slowly ebbing away. The un-
equal struggle cannot be much longer
maintained. Since Friday afternoon,
though deprived OF the power Of speech,
ne mas maintained that cheerfulness for
which he Is so noted in health. Though
stiil conscious, he realizes that his doom is
approaching. and seems prepared for the
maj eal. With his left arm, which is
stun serviceable, he makes known his dr.
sires lie passed the night quietly. and
enjoyed period of brief rest. Whenever
Lady Macdonald enters the sickroom, his
lace, which has assumed an ashen hue,
lights mp. Nothing can describe the at
taehment he entertains for the
talented woman, who for many
years has been the wife Of Can-
ada's greatest statesman. The windows
OF the sick room are flung wide open a.
the heat is oppressive. In the ante-room
Is large table, on which lie hundreds Of
cablegrams and dispatches from England,
Canada and the United States which ar
rived momentarily. Two secretaries are
busily engaged debating to assistants.
Queen Victoria, Lord Salisbury, Lord
Lorne, Lord Landsdowne, the viceroy OF
India, and scores of distinguished people
have sent cablegrams of inquiry, coupled
with regrets at the premiers condition.
A crisis in political circles is immincnf.
The cabinet sat six hours yesterday, but, as
If by arrangement, the lips of all the min
isters are sealed as to what was done at
the meeting. Sir Hector Langeyin. as
senior privy counsellor, will, in the event
of Sir Johns demise, be summoned by the
governor general to assume charge of pub.
lie affairs, but in view of the fact of grave
charges of malfeasence in Office, which
are at present hanging over the
head of the minister of public
works. he will naturally decline, leaving
the question of leadership between Sir
John Thompson and Sir Charles Tnppcr,
Canadian high commissioner In England
the government has already held an in
formal conference with the minister of jus.
tice, but the indications are that a iarcs
wing of the conservative party will insist
upon the selection of Sir Charles Upper.
as the next premier, Sir John Thompson
being Roman Catholic. A caucus
of the party will be held at
an early date, and parliament
Will be asked tomorrow to adjourn, proba-
bly, for three weeks. The general feeling
is to the effect that Sir Charles Tupper's
antagonism to the Grand Trunk railway
will prove serious obstacle to the sue
cessfui administration of affairs.
At O'Clock this evening the premier
partook of some nourishment, which he
swallowed more easily than usual. He
then dozed off and awoke about 7:30.
There is no change in his condition.