The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1892-10-25
THE STORY OF THE DAY.

WASHINGTON, Oct. A.-Dr. Gardner was
summoned to the White House at Z o CLOCK
this morning, an hour earlier than the
time of his usual morning visit. He found
that the disease was making rapid prog
ress, and that Mrs. Harrison was slowly
but surely nearing the end. At the sug-
gestion Of the president, who seemed to find
comfort in his presence, he remained at
the house longer than usual, and took
breakfast with the family about o'clock.
After the meal was over he sent out word
to the newspaper men who had called for
information that Mrs. Harrison was sink
ing rapidly and would hardly survive the
day.
At 1925 o'clock a. m. Dr. Gardner said
that while no improvement could be noted
in Mrs. Harrison'S condition, the i1dica-
tions were that she might live till the day
began to fade into evening.
Dr. Gardner made another brief visit to
the White House at Ills O'clock a. m. On
leaving the house lie informed the news
paper men that Mrs. Harrison was barely
alive.
THE DAY AT THE HOUSE.
The day was clear and crisp and cool,
and perhaps the inspiring sunshine and
the dry atmosphere had somewhat helped
the patient and acted as a stimulant. She
was lying on her back, and whenever she
awoke from her troubled and unsatis-
factory sleep she was conscious. She could
still recognize her surroundings, and a
glance of recognition greeted the physi-
morning. The fatal cough was present,
but naturally in the enfesbled state of the
invalid 1t was not pronounced.
Early In the morning there was a revival
in the popular interest in Mrs. Harrison's
condition. Many of ths bureau chiefs and
other employees of the executive DEPART
ments went out of their way to enter the
White House grounds and ask for infor-
nation regarding the condition of the
patient. and the watchmen 1T the door
were kept busy answering questions. At
torney General Miller called early and
saw Mr.. Halford. So did Mr. de Struve,
the Russian minister; Minister Grip of
Sweden; Rev. DR.. Hamlin. the family pas
tor; Assistant Secretary Grant and Indian
Commissioner Morgan
MIR. Halford himself had been admitted
to the sick room early in the day, SO that
he was prepared to describe the situation
One OF his first acts was to telegraph
statement of the case to Secretary Rusk,
who Is In Wisconsin, and to Secretary
Elkins, who is in West Virginia, and to
suggest their speedy return to Washing
were not sent for, because they are ex
pected TO return today and tomorrow
Nearly all the members of the diplo-
matte corps called at the White House
during the forenoon to leave messages of
sympathy with the presidents family.
Notwithstanding the publicity given to
the fact that Mrs. Harrison was near to
death, there was the usual rush TO the
White House of curiosity-seekers for
whose thoughtless conduct the only excuse
to be offered is that they are strangers in
the city. Although the house was closed
to them, they did not appear to realize the
fact until they entered the portico and
were confronted at the door of the main
entrance with two signs conspicuously
placed, each bearing the single word
Closed. While the president and his
grief stricken family were gathered abont
Mrs. Harrisons bedside aw titing the inc
vitable, Private Secretary Halford and the
other mem berS of the clerical force were
at their desks in another portion of the
executive mansion. Sergeant Loeffler
the usher at the presidents door, stood
in his usual place all day and told all call
ers who got that far that the president
would not be in his Office today, and that
all messages for him should be left with |
Mr. HaIforf