Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1891-06-03

TORONTO, Ont, May 29-Sir John Mac
donald's health is the one topic of con-
versation at the capital. One paper re-
ports Sir John as dying from inhamma
ton of the lungs. Another journal
states that he is suffering from an attack
of paralysis, and third has it positive
~ that heart disease is the trouble.
The facts are that Sir John has never
taken the time necessary to recover
from the fatigue incident to his almost
superhuman efforts during the general
elections. He had scarcely totalled
up the returns when he began the
hurried work of preparation for the
session. He never gave up the
control of the Department of Railways
and Canals but assumed in addition the
work of president of the privy council,
and the result is that he has not given
himselfa chance to recuperate. He has
always been an interchangeable worker
and he would not allow his work to get
in arrears, even though his health
should suffer. Thus it is that he had
several relapses that have alarmed his
friends and caused anxiety to his
physicians.
was in excellent health, but on Friday
ne contracted cold, which proved OBJ
stinate and probably gave rise to the
rumor of inflammation of the lungs. The
matter was not of serious character,
though sufficient to coniine the Premier
10 his house. On Wednesday night the
nervous weakness, which since the cleo
tions has always been present, grew suf-
hciently great to justify the attend
ing physician in asking expert
assistance This being represented to
Sir John, he was induced to consent to
specialists being called in, and Drs. Ross
and Stewart, of Montreal, were tele-
graphed for. They came up yesterday
and consultation was held at O. clock.
A thorough examination of Sir Johns
condition was entered upon, and with
the result Of the diagnosis was consen-
ssus of belief that the only trouble was
physical and nervous weakness which
had, through hard work, eVentuated into
actual prostration.
The effect ofthe consulting physicians
opinion will no doubt be that Sir John
accede to the wishes of both profession
al and lay friends and take a much
needed rest Though he may, and no
doubt will occasionally visit the House
of Commons, he will not attempt to as
sumo the active leadership. This task
will, for the time being, deyolve upon
the senior member of the cabi-
net. Though Sir Johns presence
in the House is at all times most desir-
able, his absence will not at this
iuncture be attended with serious in
convenience. The estimates have all
been decided upon, the legislation of
the session is fixed and Sir John has
Iieutenants in the cabinet quite compe
tent not only to lead the house but to
take care of the "Grits' under any and
all circumstances.
The report that Sir Charles Upper is
to be recalled is without founda-
ton. Equally untrue is the state
ment that Sir John Macdonald is
about to resign. He will retain the
premiership and control Of the party.
He willin the meantime take all the rest
he can, and, when the session is over he
will probably take a trip to England.
A sea voyage has always been of great
benefit to him and in this instance it
will no doubt have great recuperative
results. The physicians hope and be-
lieve that this course will before the
next session Of Parliament restore the
grand old chief to his party and his
friends fully recovered. Meantime he
must be left absolutely free, and if this
course is followed there is no doubt that
the old leader will yet be spared for
many years to carry out the old policy.
OTTAWA, Ont, May 30.-Sir John A.
Macdonald Is slowly sinking and an live
but few hours. Twice it was reported to-
day that he was dead. The attending
physicians say there is no prospect
whatever of his recovery.