Los Angeles herald., 1891-06-01
AWAITING THE END.
Sir John Macdonald Resigned
to His Fate. II
The Great Mans Life Slowly
Ebbing Away.
Canadian Public Affairs at a Stand
still Pending His Death. ~
Messages Of Sympathy Received From
All Parts of the world-Quoen
victoria's Regrets.
Associated Press Dispatches.

OrTAwA, May S1.--Sir John MacDon-
AIDS condition is practically unchanged,
since last evening, except that bis vital
powers seem to be gradually weakening.
Touching references to the dying pre-
,mier were made in all the churches,
both Catholic and Protestant, this morn
ing. Hon. David Mills, M. p, a promi-
'nent Liberal and an authority on consti-
tptional law, gives itlas 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 new chief. He
said law was atill in force that allows
a minister to resume Office within. thirty
days after his resignation without re-
Aelection.
< Sir Johns life now hangs onlyyon a
slender thread. He Is fighting with his
characteristic tenacity against the dread
visitor; but with his vitality slowly
ebbing away, the; unequal struggle
cannot be mitch longer maintained.
= Since Friday afternoon, though de-
prived of the power OF speech, he has
maintained the cheerfulness for which
he is 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, be makes known his
desires. He passed the night quietly,
and enjoyed periods of brief rest.
Whenever Lady Macdonald enters the
sick room, his face, which has assumed
an ashen hue, lights up. Nothing can
describe the attachment he entertains
for the talented woman who for many
years has been the wife Of Canada's
greatest statesman. s
The windows Of the sick room are
flung wide open, as the heat Is opprcs-
sive. In an anteroom, is q large table,.
in 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
bury, the Marquis Of Lorne, Lord Lands
-downe, viceroy OF India, and scores OF
other distinguished people have sent ca
blegrams of Inquiry coupled with regret
at the premier's condition.
A crisis in political circles is immi-
nent. The cabinet sat six hours yester-
day, but as If by arrangement the lips of
all ministers are sealed as to what was
done at the NEE ting. %
Sir Hector Langevan, as senior privy
councillor, will, in the event of Sir
Johns demise, be summoned by the
goyernor-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 decline, leaving the ques-
ton of leadership between Sir John
Thompson and Sir Charles Topper, the
Canadian high commissioner in Eng
land. The government has already held
an informal conference with the minis
ter of Justice. Indications are that q
large wing OF the Conservative party will
insist upon the selection of Sir Charles
Tupper 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, probably
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 his sue
.cessful administration of affairs.
At O'Clock this afternoon the pre-
mier partook> df some noprishment
which he swallowed more easily than
usual. He then dozed off and awoke at
about 1880. "a
There is no change in his condition.
The physicians attending Sir John
held consultation at Earnscliffe at IL
O'Clock tonight, and at its conclusion is
sued this bulletin: ''The premier passed
quiet day, and we find no marked al
teration in his general symptoms. He
retains consciousness much as in the
first two days, and is free from suffer
ing"
OTTAWA, Ont, June IL a.m.--There
is no change in Sir Johns case. He is
taking nourishment and resting peace
fully.
The queen cabled Sir John Macdonald
last night, expressing regret at his ill
ness, and expressing desire to. keep
constantly informed of his condition.
The cablegram was signed Victoria"