The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1893-01-28
A Partial Statement as to the Cause OF
Death Is Given Ont BY DR..
Johnston.
The Funeral Services VIII BE Held
Monday Foreaoon at Wash
ington,
And Temporary Interment VIII Be
Made There-The Arrangements
Not Fully Completed.


Gillespie Blaine's death, although it has
removed from the world character
who was prominent in everything he
undertook, causes but little surprise.
The news of it had so long been dis
counted that there remained but the
line of announcement to complete it. It
was foregone conclusion that his
battle with death would be the final de-
feat of his life. Though the facts al. to,
his illness have from the first been
studiously concealed through the official
channels of communication he was
broken down. He was sick man when
he returned to Washington to settle
down for the winter; death and its be-
reavements added more and more to his
ailments. He has grown worse and has
continued ON his journey TO the grave
as fast as the days would carry him.
Science and skin have furnished him
the weapons of defense for compare
lively long time, but his death has
furnished the end of the fight. He
was a
Doomed Man from the Start,
and to all intents he has been a dead
man for these many days past. His
mind has been almost blankfor weeks,
his lucid moments having been few and
at times far between. but his physical
frame has withstood the ravages OF
wasting disease until now.
Dating from the cradle to the tomb
Mr.. Blaine's sixty three years have been
active ones. All the trials and tribula-
tions that fall to the lot of a public
mar, have been his. and have earned for
him the peaceful ending Of career
which closed when life's candle made
its last flicker.
Surrounded by Dear Ones
Mr.. Blaine, on his death bed, was sur
rounded, Just as he had been almost in
cessantly for weeks, by those who were
nearest and dearest to him. In fact il
was only his own family and those very
closely associated with them that have
been permitted to see or even hear from
him during the last days of his life.
Trained journalists, calling into
requisition every honest means at their
command, and resorting to every posi-
bic means within the line of Legitimate
Journalism, have kept most watchful
eye on every movement without, and AZ
far as possible. within the now famous
Red Houscs where the distinguished
statesman breathed his last.
Watched and Waited.
Naturally enough, there has been /
disposition. both on the part of the fam
ily and the attending physicians, II
either conceal or distort in SOME wa,
the real conditions existing in th,
Blaine mansion; bnt from time to tim
accurate information as to Mr.. Blaine
condition has been obtained and faith
fully reported. 1t is quite safe to sa.
that there are few. if indeed any journ
alist;c experiences which could furnish
Il more thorough example Of watchin,
and waiting than has the. case of Mr.
blaine. Every element of discomfort
rain. snow, sleet and frost has been
factor in the line of duty of the report
ers who have noted scenes and incident
at the Blaine residence for weeks past
DR. Johnston was summoned to tn
bedside of Mr.. Blaine early in the morn
ing, but his presence was not known t
those outside until about 11:1O, when
in company with DIR. Hyatt, he left tn
ho .se
"He Is Dead
The physicians were unusually pale
and when accosted by the reporter fo
the latest news the significant look i
their faces answered the question. H