The Austin weekly statesman. (Austin, Tex.) 1883-1898, 1891-06-04
CANADA'S GREAE PREMIER
SLOWLY YIELDING go EHE
GRIM REAPER.
HIS DISSOLUTION HOURLY EXPECTED
A Crisis in Public Affairs Apprehended
Already the Factions are squab-
bling Over the Premiership.

OTTAWA, Ont, May 3l.-Sir John
McDonald's condition is PRACTICAL!
unchanged since last night, excep
that his vital powers seem to be grad
ually weakening. Touching refer
ences to the dying premier were made
in all the churches, both the Catholic
and Protestant this morning,
At st. Psups the Rev, Father
Whelan said; Al this moment &
great figure in Canadian history, &
statesman who for nearly fifty year.
has been intimately connected
with public lie in Canada and
who for nearly that period
had guided her destinies, was lying at
the point of death. Universal sympa'
thy would be extended, and even his
bitterest enemy would not deny him
sympathy or refuse to offer prayers
for his recovery"
Hon David Mills. NJ. P, a promi-
nent Liberal and authority on consti-
tutional law, gives It as his opinion
that in the event of Sir Johns
death the cabinet ministers would not
have to resign and appeal to the people
before accepting office under a new
chief. He said a law was still in force
that allows minister to resume office
within thirty days after his resgna
ton without re election.
Sir Johns life now hangs only on a
slender thread. He is fighting with
his characteristic tenacity against the
dreaded visitor, but with his vitality
slowly ebbing away. The struggle
cannot be much longer maintained
Since Friday afternoon, though
deprived of the power of speech, he
has maintained a cheerful mood
for which he is so we'll noted in health.
Though still conscious he realizes that
his doom is approaching and seems
prepared for the final call. With his
left arm, which is still serviceable, he
makes known his desires. He passed
the night quietly and enjoyed period
of brief rest. Whenever Lady Melon
aid enters the sick room his face, which
has assumed au ashen hue, lights up.
Nothing can describe the attachment
he entertains for the talented woman
who has for many years been the wife
of Canada's great statesman. On a
large sized brass bedstead he lays his
head slightly propped up. The win
dows of the sick room, which look out
from the second story on well kept
lawn, are flung wide open. The heat
is oppressive and only slight coverlet
hides the form of the dying man.
In the anteroom is large table on
which hundreds of cablegrams and
dispatches from England, Canada and
the United States are being momen-
tarily deposited. Two secretaries are
busily engaged debating replies to as
sistants. Queen Victoria, Lord Sails
berry, Lord Lorne, Lord Lansdowne,
Viceroy of India and scores of distin
guished people have sent cablegrams
of inquiry, coupled with regrets at the
premler's condition.
A crisis in political circles is mimi
nent. The cabinet sat six hours yester-
day, but as if by arrangement the lips
of the ministers as to what was done
at the meeting are mute Sir Hector
Longeview, as senior privy councillor,
will, in the event of Sir Johns death.
be summoned by the governor general
to assume charge of public affairs, but
in view of the fact that grave charges
for malfeasance in Office are at present
hanging over the head of the minister
of public works, he will naturally de.
cline. leaving the question of leader
ship between Sir John Thompson and
Sir Charles Topper, Canadian high
commissioner in England.
The government has already held
informal conference with the Minister
of Justice, but indications are that a
large wing of the Conservative party
will insist upon selection of Sir Charles
Upper as the next premier, Sir John
Thompson being a Roman Catholic.
A caucus of the party will be held at
an early date, and parliament tomor.
row will be asked to adjourn probably
for three weeks. The general feeling
is to the effect that Sir Charles Tup-
per's antagonism to the Grand Trunk
railway will prove serious obstacle to
his successful administration of affairs.
BULLETIN.
No change in Sir Johns condition.
He is still doing.
7:30 p. m.-Sir John has just awak-
ened. No change in his condition.
TSignedl DIR. POWELL.
OTTowA, May 31-Physicians at
tending Sir John Mcdonald held a
consultation at Farnscliffe at II
o'clock tonight, and at its conclusion
issued this bulletin:
The premier has passed quiet day
and we find no marked alteration in
his general symptoms. He has re-
tanned consciousness much for two
days past and is free from suffering.