The record-union. [volume] (Sacramento, Calif.) 1891-1903, 1891-06-01
NEARING The END.
LIFE OF SIR JOHN MACDONALD
SLOWLY EBBING AWAY.
Though Conscious That His Doom is
Approaching, He Maintains Re-
markabIe Tortitude.
to the REcoRD-Ux1oN.

Special to the RECoRD-UNIoN.
OTTAWA, May 31.-Sir John Macdon-
AIDS condition is practically Unchanged
since last evening, except that his 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 morning.
Hon. David Mills, NJ. P, a prominent
Liberal and authority Of constitutional
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 new chief. He said the
law was still in force that allows a Minis
ter to resume office within thirty days
after his resignation without reelection.
Sir Johns life now hangs only on a
slender thread. He is fighting with
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, he has maintained the
cheerfulness for which he is so noted in
health. Though still conscious, he re-
allies that bis doom is approaching, and
seems prepared for the final call. With
his left arm, which is still seryiceable. he
makes known his desires.
He passed the night quietly and en-
joyed 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 states
man.
The windows of the sick room are flung
wide open, as the heat is oppressive.
In the ante-room is large table on
which hundreds of cablegrams and dis
patches from England, Canada and the
United States are being deposited. Two
secretaries are busily engaged debating
replies to their assistants. Queen Vic
toria, Lord Salisbury, Lord Lorne, Lord
Lansdowne, the Viceroy Of India, and
scores of distinguished people have sent
cablegrams of inquiry, coupled with re-
gretS at the Premier'S condition.
crisis in political circles is imminent
The Cabinet sat six hours yesterday, but
as If by arrangement, the lips of all the
Ministers are sealed as to what was done
at the meeting. Sir Hector Langevan, as
senior Priyy Councillor, will, in the event
of Sir Johns demise, be summoned by
the Governor General to assume charge
of public affairs. But in view of the fact
that grave charges for malfeasance in of
flee 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 Topper, Canadian High
Commissioner in England
The Government has already held an
informal meeting with the Minister of
Justice, but the indications are that a
large wing of the Conservative party will
II,
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, probably for
three weeks.
The general feeling is to the effect that
Sir Charles TupRer,s antagonism to the
serious obstacle to his successful admins
tration of affairs.
At five o'clock this afternoon the Pre-
mier 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.
The physicians attending Sir John
Macdonald held q consultation at Earns
clife at IL O'Clock tonight. and at its
conclusion issued this bulletin: 1.-The
Premier passed quiet day, and we
find no marked alteration in his general
symptoms. He retains consciousness as
much as in the first two days, and is free
from suffering"
JUNE Il A. M.)-There is no change
in Sir JOINTS case. He is taking nourish-
ment and resting peacefully.
The Queen cabled Sir John Macdonald
last night ex pressing regret at his illness,
and expressing desire to be constantly
informed of his condition. The cable
gram was signed Victoria