Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-06-01
SIR JOHN MCDONALD.
Canada's Famous Statesman
Slowly But Surely Sinking.
CONSCIOUS IN HIS LAST HOURS
He Realizes the End is Near, and While
Speeches. is Wonderfully Cheer
ful-POlitical Speculation
lndulged In.

! OTTAWA, OyT.. May 31.-Sir John Nc
| DonaldS condition is practically unchanged
since last evening, except that his vital
k10wers seem TO be gradua.-y weakening.
Touching references to the dying premier
We're made in all the churches. both Catho-
lie and protestant. this morning. At St.
Paul's, the Rev. Father Whelan said: "At
this moment the great figure in
Canadian history, a statesman who
for nearly fifty years has been
intimately connected with public life in
Canada, and who for nearly that period has
guided her destinies, is lying at the point Of
death"
He further said universal sympathy
would be extended, and even his bitterest
enemy would not deny him sympathy or re-
fuse to offer prayers for his recovery.
Hon. David Mills. NJ. P, Il prominent
Liberal and authority on 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 be-
fore accepting Office under a new chief. He
said the law was still in force that allows "A
minister to resume Office within thirty days
after his resignation without reelection.
Sir Johns life now hangs only on slen-
derthread. He is fighting with his char
sApsefistic tenacity against the dread yisi-
tor. but with vitau,y 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 noted in health. He re-
allies that his doom is approaching, and
seems prepared for the final call.
With his left arm. which is still service
able, he makes known his desires. He
passed the night quietly and enjoyed pc
riod of brief rest.
Whenever Lady Mcdonald 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 has for many years been
the wife Of Canada's great statesman.
On large sized brass bedstead he lays,
his head slightly propped up. The windows
of the sick room which look out from the
second story on a well-kept 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 where hundreds of cable
grams and dispatches from England, Can
ada and the United States are being mo-
mentarily deposited. Two secretaries are
Efusily engaged debating replies TO assist
ants.
Queen Victoria, Lord Lansdowne, viceroy
of India, and scores of distinguished people
have sent cablegrams of inquiry, coupled
with regret at the premiers, condition.
crisis in political circles IS eminent.
if by arrangement the lips OF all ministers
are sealed as to what was done at the meet
ing. Lord Hector Langevin, as senior privy
counsellor, will, in the event of Sir Johns
death be summoned by the governor-gen-
eral TO assume charge of public affairs, but
in view of the fact that grave changes for
malfeasance 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.
Canada's high commission in England'S
government has already held an informal
conference with the minister Of justice, but
indications are that a large wing of the
Conservative party viii insist upon the Sc
Lection 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 tomorrow will be asked to ad-
journ probably for three weeks. The gen
eral feeling is to the effect that Sir Charles
Tuppers antagonism to the Grand trunk
railway will prove a serious oDstracle to
his successful administration of affairs.
BULLETIN.
6p. m-There is no change in Sir Johns
condition. He is still dosing.
1:3O D. m.-Sir john has just awakened.
There is no change in his condition.
Signed Dr.. POWELL.