The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-10-25
PASSING AWAY.
Sorrowipg Scenes in the Sick-Ro ON oi
tho Dying tidy.

'orFowipg Scenes in tho Sick-Room OF
the Dying Lady.
WASHINGTON. ID. c., Oct. 25.-Mrs. Har-
rison died at 1 40 A. NJ.
Inc incidents attending Mrs. Harrison s
iast nous have been pathetic In the extreme.
All last night the members of the family
sat oy her bedside hourly expecting the
end.
Inc President was in almost constant at
tendance upon his wife. He sat by her
pedSide for hours at time watching her
luce anxlously, now and then bending his
head TO listen to her breathing.
MIS-. Harrison appeared to be conscious
throughout last night and to-day.
her eyes would wander about restlessly
from lace to face, occasionally showing
signs OF recognition. at which times there
Wouio be an appealing expression In her
eyes. She could not lift her head
from The pillow she was so weak,
nor scarcely move q finger, the
wandering glances of her eyes being the
only sign OF life within her. Several men,
bers of the household were frequently in
the sickroom at the same time, although
very often only the President remained.
Inc hours dragged slowly enough to the
srie1-stricken watchers by the bedside. All
was quiet saye the occasional whisperings
ana SOFT FOOTBALLS of those who tiptotd their
clocK vas head with startling dlstlnctness
because all was so quiet.
ne press men, whose duties kept them
up during the night strolled UP and down
The graveled walks of the White House
grounds with their ewes turned almost con-
stantly toward the White House windows.
Occasionally shadows would cross the
curtalned window Of the sckroom. where a
light burned dimlY. This was the only sign
OF lie about the mansion, except in the
main lobby at the entrance downstairs,
where several attendants were stationed.
lhe doctor had said that life would prob
ably depart at about O'clock or s, but the
loud toned clock Changed out the hour Of
ana then 8, and yet there was no sign OF q
change. Occasionally a carriage containing
the doctor or White House messengers would
roll into the yard. DR.. Gardiner said that
Mrs. Harrison's vitality was remarkable.
lie night was gloomy, black clouds
drlfted over the White House. Through
rlfts In the clouds the stars glimmered.
Presently day began to break in the east.
Monday had come, and still there was no
change In Mrs Harrison's condition. The
members OF the family who had remained
up all night were persuaded to take little
rest, but at they were all again with the
invalid. for she seemed to be rapidly sink
ing.
With blanched faces the grief-stricken
ones huddled together, looking tearfully
lay. expecting each moment to see her in
the throes Of death. Dr.. Gardner was
hastily summoned He stayed two hours,
taking breakfast at the White House.
The President seemed to be somewhat
comforted by his presence. When Z O'Clock
arrived the doctor left telling the press men
that. although death might come at any
time, the prospects seemed that she might
live till sundown,
Many times during the day 1t seemed that
an hour or perhaps less. was all the time of
life that remained for Mrs. Harrison. but
her wonderful amount Of vitality deceived
the doctor himself. AT l O'Clock, however,
there was hurried assembling in the sick
room.
There could be no mistake this time.
Death had come to claim his victim. The
sick was gasping for breath. The unusual
commotion in the White House was appar-
ent 10 tie watchers outside. An attendant
soon appeared at the door. His face told
the story.
What is it?" asked the press representa-
tives.
''She Is Dead" said he. and In few min
utes the news had reached all parts Of the
country, however remote.
A pathetic incident was related by a
White House attendant.
Little Benjamin Mckee and his sister had
been kept IN ignorance of their grand
mothers condition. They were too young
TO realize 1t all. The innocence of child
ood knew nothing of death and its horrors,
so they were kept strictly in their own
apartments under their nurses care.
They retired early TO bed tonight. But
In the commotion during Mrs. Harris0n's
dying moments little Benjamin crept from
his bed, then emerged from his confineme mt
unobserved. Seeing the troubled faces of
those about him. some of whom were sob
bing. he asked: Grandpa. what is the
matter with you? What is the matter w ith
evcrybody?"
The funeral arrangements have been
concluded as follows: Religious services
will be held at the White House on Wednes-
day morning. after which the remains will
be taken TO indianapolis. where the inter-
ment will be made at Crown Hill Cemetery
~ m fEhn rada