Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-01-12
IN EXTREMIS.
MIR. Blaine Oace More in the Valley
CT the Shadow.
THREE ATTACKS OF HEART FAILURE.
Coherent Moment. Seldom Appear His
WiEe's Desotion-The Phystcians'
Bulletin A Slight
Rally.

WASHINGTON, Jan 9.-Ihe news that
James @. Blaine had once more passed
into the valley OF the shadow of death,
and that even those who had been most
sanguine in anticipation now had no
hope of his recovery, became known in
Washington and by means of press bull
letins to the country at large early yes
terday morning. Notwithsta nding the
hopeful views which the family and
the attending physicians by their de
rection had from time to time given
out for publication, no expecta-
ton of Mr. Biaine's ultimate re-
covery has been entertained by any one
in Il position to acquire knowledge OF
the real facts of his case since the issu-
ance of the significant bulletin of De-
Gem Der 1? last, which said: ''Mr. Blaine
has been suffering for some time past
with symptoms of general ill health. but
which did not clearly indicate the dis
ease of any particular organ. Evident
ly this organic disease has been mani
tested lately and Mr.. Blaine's present
co ndition is due to this cause
Saturday night the physicians ad
mitted that Mr.. Blaine was worse and
much weaker. Even then this admis-
sion was qualified by the announce
ment that no immediate danger was
anticipated and that the doctors would
not return during the night unless sent
for. The exigencieS of the case how
ever, brushed aside this intention, if it
was ever seriously retained, and from
the hour of 1 IL m. OR the other
physician remained in constant attend
ance at the bedside. each relieving the
other. At noon the physicians author
! lied this statement:
Saturday Mr.. Blaine lost strength,
! but that night his weakness became
more decided for few hours and he
seemed in danger of a speedy termina-
ton. Yesterday morning, however. he
was somewhat stronger and at the
present moment shows more decided
evidence and is rallyimg. But no great
+ hope is to be felt unless the improve
ment shall become more marked than
at present and these continue for some
hours. His present symptoms are con-
nected with an irregular and feeble ae-
ton OF the heart"
The doctors bulletin, alarming as 1T
was, left many facts to be supplied ly
oH tside inquiry lit was about midnight
that his condition became SO alarmiag
that the trained nurse who is constant
ly at his bedside had DIR. johnson
aroused and hslrriedly summoned. DR.
b. johnson arrived at L o'clock and found
Abr. Blaine sinking rapidly and he
worked over him for some time before
signs of any recovery become evident.
His condition was SO alarming that the
family fearfully looked for the end
before the dawn of Sabbath morn
Ling, and remained awake and
within immediate call OF has bedside.
Powerful heart restoratives, applied by
| the doctors, the most potent known to
medical skill, were successful in rally
ing and regulating the feeble and fitful
pulSations of the heart, SO that by the
time the church goers passed the family
| residence on Lafayette square, Mr..
Blaine's condition was a shade better.
He was still, however, SO weak and
PROSTATE that the doctors did dare not
to leave him. at the same time fearing
that another attack and the final sum
mons might come at any moment.
a warm personal friend Of Mr. Blaine,
one who had access to what ttranspres
in the sick room, said: MIR. Blaine
has not had connected thought for
thirty days past. The heart. while
nourishing other organs, has not been
strong enough to furnish the necessary
blood to the brain. Hence it is that
Like an ancient pine Mr.. Blaine has
been slowly perishing at the top. But
Mr.. Blaine dies like a philosopher
at last, distasteful as the sub
iect of death has been to
him in other and stronger days
A few weeks since he called his family
about him and calmly told them that
he did not expect to recover He was
in full possession Of his mental faculties
and went over his affairs in detail and
said to each of his children all that he
had to say. In the intervening time
the membersO of the family have become
reconciled to the end which is inpend-
ing. When the history is written of
! Mr.. Blaine's illness the touching devo-
ton of the wife and mother will be one
of its interesting chapters. No one eX
cept the inmates of the family are able
to appreciate her fidelity and watchful-
ness and courage
1t is ascertained that there were three
distinct relapses during the night. At
L a. M, when he was first seized
with heart failure, his physicians
really thought the end had come. But
by the use of stimulants. chatting and
usual accessories he rallied He soon
after, however, reiapsed into a stupor.
Suddenly at 5 o'clock il the morning, he
| OpShCA Eyes, "CIC
clear as they ever were and seeing
| his physician at his side exclaimed:
doctor. L am glad you have come. .
The tones of his voice We're remar1a bly,
clear aud strong for a man almost in
| eXtremis. Five minutes later he sank
again into a stupor, and thirty minutes
| later he had still another attack of
| heart failure. Strange to relate, he
| again rallied, only to be seized the third
| time three hours later.
| At midnight Mr.. Blaine's physicians
| issued the following bulletin:
Mr. Blaine's condition has been
favorable He is now sleeping quietly
| and shows a fair degree of strength.
| The proba bilitles are that no change
| for the worse will take place tonight,
| although no positive assurance has
been given on this point As con. pared
with last night and this morning he is
| better"
/ HIIfPoL CoOIET~