The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1891-06-01
NEARING I'D.



OTTAWA, May 8l.-Sir John Macdonald's
condition is practically unchanged since
last evening except that his vital powers
keep gradually weakening. Touching ref-
ersnces to the dying premier were made In
all the churches, both Catholic and Pro-
testant, this morning. Sir Johns life now
hangs Oh slender thread. lie is fighting
with his characteristic tenacity against the
dread visitor. but with his vitality slowly
ebbing away. The unequal struggle can
not be much longer maintained. Since
Friday afternoon, though deprived of the
power of speech, ho has maintained, the
cheerfulness for which he is SO
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 a
period of brief rest. Whonsver Lady Mac
donald enters the sick room his face, which
has assumed an ashen hue, lights up. Moth
ing can describe the attachment he enter
tains for the talented woman who for many
years has been tho wife OF Canada's greatest
statesman. The windows of the sick room
are flung wide open, rs the heat is oppres-
sive. In the ante-room is large table on
patches from England, Canada and
the United States. Two secre-
taries are busily engaged debating
tho answers. Queen Victoria, Lord Sails
bury, Lord Lorne, Lord Lansdowne,. the
vioeroy of India, and scores Of distinguished
coupled with regret at the premier's condi-
ton.
A five O'Clock this afternoon the premier
partook of some nourishment, which he
swallowed more easily than usual. He then
dozsd off and awoke about 1880. There il
no change in his condition.
Tho physicians attending Sir John Me.
donald held consultation at Earnscliffe at
II O'clock tonight and at its conclusion
issned this bulletin: 1.-The premier passed
quiet day and we find no marked altera-
tions in his general symphonic He retains
consciousness AZ much ss in the first two
days and is free from suffering"
Hon. David Mills, Nj. p. prominent
liberal and an authority on constitution
al laws, gives it as his opinion that in the
event of Sir Johns death the cabinet min.
listers would not have to resign and appeal to
the people before accepting office under a
new chief. He said the law was still in
force that allows q minister to resume Of
fee within thirty days after resignation
without re- election.
crisis in political ciroles is imminent.
The cabinet sat six hours yesterday, but as
if ty arrangement, the lips Vt all the min.
isters are sealed as to what was done at the
meeting. Sir Hector Lanaevan, senior
privy councillor, will, in event of Sir Johns
demise, be summoned by the governor gen
eral to assume charge of public affairs, but
in view of the fact that grave charges for
malfeasance in Office are at present hang
ing over the head of the minister of public
works, he will naturally decline. leav-
ing the question of leadership be-
tween Sir John Thompson aud Sir
Charles Tupper, the Canadian high COM
missioner in England. The government
has already held an informal conference
with the minister of Justice, but the indi-
cations are that large wing of the con-
servstive party will insist upon the seleo-
tion of Sir Charles Tupper as the next pre-
mier, Sir John Thompson being a. 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 antag-
onism to the Grand Trunk railway will
prove serious obstacle to his successful
administration of affairs.