The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1891-06-01
The DYING PREMIER.
Sir John Mcdonald Gradually
Sinking.
The First ImptrialiSt Banquet Since the
Death Of Napoleon Ill
Belle BiltOl'S theatrical Engagement Can
Celed-FFalCe and the Copy
right ACt.
epecial to THE MORNING CALI.

OTTAWA. May 31.-Sir John Macdonald's
condition is practically unchanged since
last evening, except that his vital powers
seem to be gradually weakening. Touch
ing references to the dying Premier were
made in all the churches. both Catholic and
Protestant. this morning. Hon. David
Mills, NJ. P, a prominent Liberal ard an
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 before
accepting Office under new chief. He said
the law was still in force that allows a
Minister to resume Office within thirty days
after his res ignati0n without reelection.
Sir Johns life now hangs only on a
slender thread. He is fighting with char
acteristic Tenacty against the dread visitor,
but, with mis- vitality slowly ebbing away,
the unequal struggle cannot 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 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 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 Tor many years has been the
vile Of Canada's greatest statesman. The
windows Of the sick-rOOm are flung wide
open, as the heat IS oppressive. Iu the ante
room is a large table on which hundreds OF
cablegrams and dispatches from England.
Canada and the United States are being
mOmentarily deposited.
Two secretaries are busily engaged in die
tating replies to assistants. Queen Victoria,
Lord Salisbury, Marquis of Lorne, Lord
Lar SdOwne, the NlcerOy OF India, and
scores of distinguished people have sent
cablegrams of inquiry coupled with regret
at the Premier's condition.
A crisis in political circles is imminent.
The Cabinet sat six hours yesterday, but,
as If by arrangement, the lips Of all the
Ministers are Seaied as TO what was done at
the meeting. Sir Hector Langevan, as
Senior PTivy Councillor, will. in the event
OF Sir Johns demise, be summoned by the
GOveTnOT-GeneTal 10 assume charge OF pub
nc affairs. But In view Of the fact that
grave charges Of malieasance In Office are at
present hanging over the head OF the
Minister OF Public Works, he will naturally
decline leaving tie question OF leadership
between Sir John Thompson and Sir
Charles Tupper, Canadian High Commits
si0neT in England. The Government has
already held an informal conference with
the Minister Of Justice, but the indications
are that a large wing of the Conservative
party Wll insist upon the selection OF Sir
Charles Iupper as the next Premier A
caucus Of the party will be held al an early
date, and Parliament VIII be asked tO-mOr-
row 10 adjourn, probably for three weeks.
The general feeling is 10 the effect that Sir
Charles Tupper'5 autagoniSm 10 the Grand
Trunk Railway will prove a serious obstacle
TO his successful administration OF at grs.
Ats O'Clock this afternoon the Premier
partook Of some nourishment, which he
swallowed more easily than usual. He then
dOZed off, and awOke about 1880 o'clock.
There IS no change in his condition.
The physicians attending Sir John Mac
donald held consultation at EarnSclitfe at
II o'clock tonight and at its conclusion is
sued this bulletin: The Premier ssed
quiet day, and We End no marked alteration
in bis general symptoms. He retains his
Consciousness as much as in the first two
days and is free from suffering"
OTTAWA, June /, l o clock A. M.-There
is no change in Sir Johns case. lie is taxi
ing nourishment and resting peacefully.
The Queen cabled Sir John Macdonald last
night, expressing regret at his illness and
expressing a desire to be constantly in
formed as to his condition. The cablegTam
was signed "VictOria."