Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-10-25


During the evening there Was no material
change in the patients condition. The feeble
something which, for lack Of a better term
was denominated Strength" slipped slowly
away. but its departure could not affect the
dying woman's appearance.
THE NIGHr VIGIL.
At about O'Clock Executive Clerk Mont
gomery, who has charge of the telegraphic de-
partment, was astounded at receiving several
messages Of coincidence over the wires That
indicated the circulation of a rumor of Mrs
Harrison's death. Denial Of the story was at
once telegraphed to various points, but for an
hour more the sympathetic dispatches con-
tinued to arrive.
Shortly before O'Clock DR.. Gardner drove
over from his Office, and in response to the
Presidents request agreed to remain through
out the night. BY this time the patient had
more difficulty in breathing than had previously
been manifest. but nothing could be done for
her relief. Her lips were kept moist and every
thing that promised to lessen her discomfort
was attended to, but there was no response.
To the number of notables who called during
the evening and made anxious inquiry there
was but one response: MRS. Harrison Ii barely
were Secretary Tracy and Secretary Noble, both
Of whom had just returned from Chicago; At
torney General Miller, Gen. L. A. Grant, as
sistant secretary Of war; Assistant Secretary
Soley Of the navy, Chief Justice Fuller, Associ-
ate Justice Harlan, Gen. and Mrs. Breckin-
ridge. Col Ernst, Judge Peelle Of the Court Of
Claims, Third Auditor Hart, Ex-Surgeon Gem
eral Brown, United States army; Rev. DR.. Ham
lin and Mrs. Hamlin and Mr.. w. 7. Durbin. an
old personal friend Of the President.
THE APPROACH OF DEATH
At IL o'clock the doctor found that Mrs Har-
rison's respiration was sixteen to the minute
and declining, q marked change from the
more rapid breathing which had tormented the
patient recently. Small quantities Of phlegm
interfered somewhat with the passage Of air,
but there was no cough By midnight respira-
ton had dropped to twelve. Half an hour
later the hearts action weakened materially
and the breath came more slowly than at any
period in the history of the case. The begin
ming Of the end had come and DIR. Gardner 80
notified those around him Immediately there
gathered to the vicinity Of the bed Mr. and Mrs.
Russell Harrison, Mr.. and Mrs. Mckee, Lieut.
and Mrs. Parker, Mrs Dimmick, Mrs. New
Harrison's maid, Josephine. The President
was already there. He had been there continu-
ously for nine hours. Realizing that nothing
he could do would be Of any avail the physician
left the room and stood in the corridor. Min
ute after minute passed rapidly by and the res
pirative force slowly decreased.
THE END.
Motion ceased at 40, and when, in response
to Lieut.. Parker's intimation, DR.. Gardner
looked into the emaciated face and touched a
wrist with his finger tips all doubt was gone.
Mrs. Harrison was dead.
simultaneously with the announcement OF
Mrs. Harrisons death all the lights in the house
were lowered and several policemen who had
been summoned in anticipation Of the event,
were stationed at all the entrances to the
grounds to prevent people from intruding on
the privacy Of the President and family in their
bereavement.
kilograms conveying the sad intelligence were
also at once dispatched to all the members Of
the cabinet absent from the city and to Judge
Scott Mrs. Harrison's only brother, who is
now on his way TO this city in the vain hope Of
reaching here before the end came. He started
from Port Townsend, state Of Washington, yes
terdsy and cannot reach Indianapolis before
Friday.