The herald., 1893-11-22
DEATH OF JERRY RUSK.
HIS LONG ILLNESS TERMINATED
FATALLY.
Although Expected His Demise Caused q
Profound Shock Throughout the
Nation-The Ex-President
Deeply Affected,

MADISON, Wis, Nov. 21.-Gen. Jere-
miah Rusk. ex.secretary of agriculture.
died at his home at Viroqua at O'Clock
this morning. Though not unexpected.
the announcement that the end had
come to the life OF this strongly indi-
vidual character in the political life of
the nation, caused profound shock.
He had been i'll. some time and danger
ously, but, up to a day or two ago, it
was thought his iron constitution would
pull him through. Since then, how
ever, his constant failing strength led
his friends to anticipate the worst.
Uncle Jerry, as he was affectionately
known. was familiar figure to every
resident of this city. No other man
ever brought here in official life, won &C
many frisnds. political and non-poiiti
cal, in the Wisconsin capital, rs he dur
ing his three terms as governor. Flag
are at half-staff on all the public build
ings, and public meeting was held in
Governor Peck's office to arrange for 9
special train to Viroqua to attend the
funeral.
The end was entirely unexpected.
Colonel Carson, his former private sec
retary, left his bedside at O'Clock last
night and gave his friends the most
positive assurance that the crisis was
past. General Rusk himself told his
physicians during the evening that he
was better. He took the usual amount
of nourishment and slept good portion
of the night.
His death was due to complication
of disorders dating back several years,
The trouble began in the form of dys'
pepsia, resulting in an enlargement o
the prostate gland, followed by an alb
ecess on the liver. finally involving the
gland. Seven weeks ago he was obliged
to to take to his bed. November 10th
it was decided that surgical operation
was necessary and an opening was
made and drainage tub inserted. ItE
| removal and reinsertior caused him ex-
cruoiating agony from time to time, but
the fatal ending even then was not con
sidered certain, Up to within Is min
utes of his death he talked with tht
watchers and appeared to drop into {
peaceful sleep from which he passec
into the hereafter without a struggle
An autopsy will be held to determine the
immediate cause of his death.
The whole family was at his bedside
when the general breathed his last. Hi,
last words, spoken with effort, were "a
am dying; am DYING
The funeral will be held in Viroquf
on Friday, and the remains will lie il
state at the Methodist church the day
previous.
INDIANAPOLIS, Nov. 21.-Ex-P -Presiden
Harrison was deeply affected by tho
news OF Rusk's death. He expressed
the deepest sorrow at the taking of tn,
venerable member OF his late officia
family. He at once sent Mrs. Rusk {
telegram of coincidence, and stated hi
would probably, with ex-Attorney Gen
erslsMiller, attend the funeral.
WASHINGTON, Nov. 21.--The news O
the death of ex-Secretary Rusk was re
ceived by his successor, Secretary
Morton, just % he left the Office tS
attend the cabinet meeting. He at once
ordered the flag over the agriculture
building at half-mast. The buildins
will not be closed the day of the funeral
according to custom, on account of tht
amendment to the last legislative ap
preparation bill forbidding such action