The herald., 1893-01-28

OF chronic disease of the kidneys. beins
commonly known as Bright's disease
yet this was not the sole cause OF his
death. There were other complaints
which tended 10 exhaust him and hasten
hls end. The relapses which he had for
some time were due to heart exhaustion.
that is feebleness and irregular.
ity of the action of the heart
accompanied by difficult breathing.
During yesterday nothing of impor-
tance occurred. Blaine simply lay there
IN feeble condition taking little nour-
ishment. Indeed he had taken very
little nourishment since December 18th,
and this consisted almost wholly OF
milk. AT no time had he any difficulty
with his stomach and he was able to d.
gest whatever food was given him.
throughout his long illness he was able
TO recognize his family and physicians.
While he had not conversed to any ex-
tent, even with his family, Tor sometime
past, he had always been able to indi-
cate his wants very clearly. To ques-
tlons asked him, he always replied in
telligently but in monosyllables.
DR.. Johnston said further there had
been really no hope of Blaine's recovery
since his sinking spell in December. But
to within two or three weeks of the end,
there was strong hope that his life
might prolonged. Since then no hopes
were entertained and practically nothing
was done, except to give him nourish-
ment.
MANY DISTINGUISHED CALLERS.
The news of Blaine's death spread like
wildfre; crowds gathered on corners,
and visitors hocked to the house. Word
was at once sent to President Harrison,
who, accompanied by Private Secretary
Halford and DIR. Parker, at once walked
over to the Blaine mansion, followed
quickly by PostmasterG General Wana-
maker. The president showed marked
signs of grief
Following the presidents VISIT in
quick succession came the members of
the cabinet; then one after another in
constant stream the most prominent
peop]a in official life called and left
words OF coincidence.
THE PRESIDENTS PROCLAMATION.
After returning this morning from his
visit to the house of death. President
Harrison issued a proclamation to the
people of the United States announcing
the death and giving brief resume of
the public career of the late illustrious
statesman, paying tribute to his devo-
tlon to public interests and his marked
ability and exalted patriotism, which
won for him the gratitude and affection
of his countrymen and the admiration of
the world. and directing that on the day
OF his funeral all the executive depart
ments at Washington be closed, and on
all public buildings throughout the
United States the national flag be dis
played at half.stsff, and for period
OF 80 days the department of state be
draped in mourning.
Secretary Foster issued an order clos |
ing the state department.
PUBLIC FUNERAL TALKED OF.
President Harrison sent for Senator |
Frye of Maine, to consult about Blaine's
funeral, which he thinks should be pub
lie and at the capitol, of course. There
had been no opportunity to consult with
the family, but Frye had no doubt they
would interpose no objection to this
honor being paid to the memory of the
lead statesman.
Up to late hour this afternoon the
remains of the statesman lay in the front
'oom. in the southwest corner of the
;hird floor. where the patient had been
,inningr iirp2tfdly u iEy laaaa nfdedzin din"A 40 Grape
vas on the door, and there was no indi-
,ation since the throng of callers had
partially ceased that there had been
.nything unusual to mar the serenity OF
he household.
THE CAUSE OF BLAINE's DEATH.
The physicians have issued the follow
ng preliminary announcement OF the
,auses of Blaine's death: Chronic in
,erstitil nephritis "a form OF Bright's
iisease), due to general changes in the
arteries and with the dilation OF the
heart. This condition was complicated
with disease of the lungs of tubercu-
lar nature. The immediate cause OF his
death was connected with the heart.