New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-07-16
Mr.. CLEVELAND DEFIES DISEASE.
TO the Edit OrO The Tribune.

To the Editor of The Tribune.
Sir Mr.. Clevelands rheumatic lnteriude has msdn
him for the time object Of scientific interest as wen
rs afectlonnte solicitnde. While the whole couptrv
has bestowed sympathy the ilustrfous sufferer "a
Buzzards Bay, the thoughtful the inquiring and tia
philosophical mind has occupied Itself With certain
phases OF the incident which do not come within thu
range Of the emotions. The more one considers the
characteristics OF rheumatism whether II be the acuA
or the chronic variety, even the debanble cognats
known as rheumatOid arritis, the deeper grows the
Mystery II Mr.. Ueveland's complaint the acute
TYNE he should have been put TO bed MS soon as DOS
sble swathed In blankets and immersed in a flannel
shirt lie should lave been guarded against the
SLIGHTEST motion and freely treated with blisters and
electricity II it chronic rheumatism, the same
care as to perfect quie would have been proper though
hutton cauery Turkish baths and massage would have
formed the collateral treatment In the case OF rheu-
maoid ar,hris or arthris deformans, silence sola-
tion arsenic ard canharides are indispensable. 1t
viii be SEEN therefore, that although these three forms
Of rheumatism involve the employment Of very different
remedial agents OF them goes well with such
prolonged yachting excursion as Mr.. Cleveland was
allowed TO take while under the influence Of the
maJady Nearly five days did the distinguished martyr
remain on board the Oneida when he should have been
ashore In bed surrounded by loving mnisraons and
blankets and cnvcloped In silence and fyblsters.
We name no names and We make no accusations,
but we ask an anxious country whether II right.
IT, however the treatment Mr. Cleveland received
while grooming under the attack OF MS "od enemy"
was extraordinary, what shall we say OF the amazing,
the incredible nature OF his recovery Two days after
he had been dcrriced out Of the Oneida and trucked
TO tie front door OF Gray Gables we ina him sitting
on the veranda enjoying the ocean breeze and watcn
ing Colonel Dan" Lamont load up with angleworms.
The next day. the Colonel being again upon the water
NO have Mr. Cleveland engaged with his family In
various pasmesr: and finally, on Monday-less than
week after being landed-Mr. Cleveland trips lightly
down the front steps arrayed In tarpnLin ana Oh
cloth hasens fondy to the broad botOmcd beauty
rocking for him at the pier skips With agility ana
without aid into her capaclous hold and bids the sad
sea dog In charge to lead him TO the mackerels lair
Nothing more strikinglv illustrates the unparalleled
physical resource OF the President than this almost
ma ccal transformation First he sails five days in
rickey little yacht while undergoing an attack Of
rheumatism. Next he rallies from the furious charge
without assistance, and finally, at time when The
ordinary mortal would still be helpless In bed steepd
I'm anguish and screaming AT the slightest noise or
jar behold Mr.. Cleveland. armed with rod ana net,
and carrying bis "chum." as he bursts through
the doorway galops TO the waters edge and like the
chamois that leaps from crag to Jag boards MS strain
ing dingy at a single bound.
rheumatism its terrOrs for most men, but not for
our President. It may be- Is alleged his ancient
enemy but he holds II In unconcealed contempt While
others groan in bed he rides the raging MAN, While
others Toll in slppered convacsence. he plays the wild
gazele. lie bosses rheumatism as though 'twere
only Tammany. lie laughes ut twinges as he does at
Hin He sets his massive foot on science when he
leaves the house lie tramples precedent and doctrine
10 60 in quest OF bluetsh. They can't beat hun;
they cannot even tie him. He is our only Grover
lie makes Jest Of racks and torrents lie suhduss
alike the Tiger and the snake. Nothing ever struck
him but tho lightning. and that he seized and babe
strike again. NJ
New York, July Is. S93.