The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1893-01-28

dent remained but q few minutes. He left
message of sympathy Cor Mrs. Blaine. saying
that he could sincerely and thoroughly approci-
ate the great loss which she had sustained. In
answer to questions Mr.. Blaine. jr.. said % the
President that his fathers death had, after al,
occurred quite Unexpectedly. When the change
end came very quickly. al was preparing TO go
TO the Office" said Mr.. Blaine. "father having
passed a very quiet and comfortable night. with
apparently no change IN his condition Mother,
observing that the nurse was not in the room at
the time, suggested that remain until she re-
turned. did so. and when the nurse came
back the symptoms had changed so decidedly
within the past few minutes that messengers
were at once dispatched for the physicians
Father was conscious most OF the time in these
later days, was able TO speak occasionally TO us,
and, near the close. he recognized the several
members OF the family
PROCLAMATION BY THE PRESIDENT.
When the President returned to the Exc
cutiye Mansion he issued the following
proclamation.
"It is my painful daty to announce to the peo-
pie of the United States the death OF James Gil
lespie Blaine, which occurred In this city to-day
at IL O'Clock. For full generation this eminent
citizen has occupied a conspicuous and infiuen-
ice was in the Legislature OF his state. After
wards. for fourteen years. he was member or
the national House OF Representatives and was
elected TO the Senate. He resigned ais seat in
that body in 1881 TO accept the position OF Sec
retary OF State in the Cabinet or President Gar
field After the death of his chief he resigned
from the Cabinet and. devoting himself TO the
literary work, gave the public in his Twenty
Years OF Congress-" q most valuable and endnr
ing contribution TO our political literature. In
March, 1889. he again became secretary OF state
and continued to exercise this Office until June,
1892.
His devotion to the public interests, HIS marked
ability and his exalted patriotism have won for
him the gratitude and affection OF his country
men and the admiration of the world. In the
varied pursuits OF legislation, diplomacy and
literature his genius has added new luster TO
American citizenship.
citation OF his great public services, and OF the
general sorrow caused by his death, direct that
on the day OF his funeral all the departments of
the executive branches or the government at
Washington be closed, and that an all public
buildings throughout the United States the ma
uonal flag shall be displayed at half-staff. and
OF state be draped In mourning
BY the President: BESJANIS HARRISON.
JOHN W. FOSTER, Secretary OF State
President Harrison said that the news Of
Mr.. Blaine's death had made very pro-
found impression upon him. While recog-
nizIng the fact. from the statements of the
physicians and members of the family.
that ultimate recovery In Mr.. Blalne's case
was improbable, he was still wholly unpre-
pared for il at this time. and the announce
ment had been O great shock to him. He
felt unable, under the circumstances, TO
enter upon the consideration of any public
DublnoSb VIII the members OF us Saoluot.
most of whom had been associated with
Mr.. Blaine IN the Official family relations
and therefore, after the expression of re-
gret and sorrow at the loss sustained by
themselves and the country in Mr.. Blaine's
death, the meeting of the Cabinet was ad-
journed.
President Harrison asked Senator Frye to call
at the White House TO consult with him as a rep
resentative of Mr. Blaine's State with regard 10
the arrangements for the funeral of the de-
ceased statesman. He thought that the general
opinion was that Mr. Blaine should have pub
lie funeral ut the Capitol but in Difference 20 the
wishes OF Mrs. Blame. the idea was dropped.