St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1891-06-01
The PREMIER LIVES.
Sir John Macdonald Continues
His Marvellous Fight
for Life.
The Cabinet Ministers Discuss
the Matter Of the Sue
ceSSion.
Min eteen Timber Vessels Are
Wrecked in a Hurricane
in Russia.
French Imperialists Are Try
ing to Make Their Peace
With W0pkingmen.

OTTAWA, Ont, May 31.-Sir John
Macdonald IS still living, but it is only Il
slender cord that binds him to earth,
still the attending physicians are as
founded at the marvellous vitality that
he displays. The old premier is fighting
With characteristic tenacity. but the
fight cannot be much longer maintained.
Since Friday afternoon, though deprived
Of the power of speech. he has main
.alned the cheerfulness for which he was
so noted while in health Not an APP
pearance or regret or disappointment has
oeen expressed. He realizes that the
end is approaching and seems to be
prepared for the final call. a crisis in
political circles is imminent. The cab
met sat six hours yesterday, but, as if
by arrangement, the lips of all the cab
met ministers are sealed as to what was
done. In the event Of Sir Johns death,
Sir Hector Langeyin, minister of public
works, will be summoned by the govern
or general to assume control of public
affairs, but with grave charges of
malfeasance in Office hanging over
him he will naturally refuse to do so,
leaving the question of leadership be-
tween Sir John Thompson, minister of
justice, and Sir Charles Upper, high
commissioner for Canada III England.
The government has already held an IN
formal conference with the minister of
justice, but indications are that a large
wing of the Conservative party will in
sist on the sanction of Sir Charles Tup-
per as the new premier, Sir John
Thompson being Roman Catholic. A
caucus of the party will be held at an
early date, and parliament will be asked
to adjourn for three weeks.
OTTAWA, Ont, June IL a. m.-No
change in Sir Johns case. He is taking
nourishment and resting peacefully.
OTTAWA, Ont, May 31.-The queen
cabled Sir John Macdonald last night,
expressing regret at his illness, and ex-
pressing her desire to be constantly in
formed Of his condition. The cable
gram was signed Victoria"
Touching references to the diving
premier were made i'm all the churches.
both Catholic and Protestant, this morn
Inc. At st. Patrick's, Rev. Father
Whelan said:
AT this moment a great figure in
Canadian history, statesman, VINO for
nearly fifty years has been intimately
connected with public life in Canada,
and who, for nearly all that period. had
guided her destinies. was lying at the
point of meath. Universal sympathy
would be extended. Even his bittereSt
political enemy would not dedy him
sympathy nor refuse to offer prayers for
his recovery.
Hon. David Mills NJ. P, 4 prominent
Liberal, and an authority on conStitu-
tiOnal law, gives it as his opinion that in
the event of Sir Johns death the cab
met ministers would not have to resign
and appeal to the people before accept
ing office under new chief. He said
the law was still in force that allows a
minister to resume office within thirty
days after his resignation without re-
election.
Though still conscious, Sir John rea-
Lies 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
periods of brief rest. Whenever Lady
Macdonald enter the sick room.
his face, which has assumed an
ashen hue, lights up. Nothing can de-
scribe the attachment he entertains for
.iiO Io4OHICU NOIldll WHO IOT many years
has been the wife of Canada's greatest
statesman. On large-sized brass bed
stead he lays his head, Slightly propped
up. The windows of the sick room,
which look out from the second
story on wellkept lawn, are flung
wide open. The heat is oppressive, and
only slight coverlet hides the form of
the dying man. In the ante room is
large table on which hundreds of cable
grams and dispatches from England,
Canada and the United States are
being mOmentarily deposited. The
secretaries are busily engaged in
debating replies to assistants.
Lord Salisbury, Lord Lorne, Lord
LansdOWne, vicerOy of India and scores
OF distinguished people have sent cable
grams of inquiry, coupled with regret at
the premier's condition.