Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-09
MR.. BLAINE VERY I'LL.
Kept Alive Yesterday Only by Con-
slant Attention.
r A L L WING AT MIG HT
The Disting uished Patient In q Critical State
The Physicians OFFER No Ground for
Hope-very Close to Deaths Door-Anxious
Visitors at the House.

During the past thirty-six hours ex-Secretsry
Blaine has been very close to deaths door.
Yesterday morning after his serious attack of
heart failure the doctors did not think he could
possibly survive. He is still alive and late this
afternoon it was said that he had rallied
slightly.
This statement brings with it very little hope
to the friends Of the grea. statesman Even
the members Of his family are forced to admit
that the hours Of his life are numbered Death
may come at any time. 1t is hardly thought
that he can live more than day or two at
the outside. He is very weak and his rally
Of today was not sufficient to warrant much
hope. About all that can be said of him is that
he is still living, but the ravaees of the disease
from which he has suffered 40 long have Slapped
his vitality to point where he has no longer
the strength to survive another severe sinking
spell.
THE DocToRs REPORT AT NOON.
When he left the house at noon today Dr.. W.
W. Johnston, who had been almost constantly
at the bedside Of the sick man for nearly
two days, said that Mr.. Blaine seemed then
to be better and brighter than he had
been at any time during the past four
days. The friends who called this morn
Ing and were admitted to the house
bore signs OF sorrow their faces when they
LETT and 1t was clear to see that they had been
told that the family feared the worst.
Among the callers were several members
Of the cabinet, and President Harrison is
also kept informed OF any changes in
Mr.. Blaines condition. DIR. Hamlin at the
house this afternoon for quite a little while.
The members of Mr.. Blaines family circle who
were not present when he suffered
his alarming relapse hese reached the
citv and we're all at the house today.
The news that came from the house during
the day was anything but reassuring All who
came out were at once surrounded by anxious
in ouirers who were DESTROYS to know
what was the latest news from the
sick room, toward which all eyes are
turned today. Men who had stood close to the
man from Maine when he was at the zenith of his
power have at last come to the conclusion that
thew have seen him in life for the last time. They
fear that when he comes forth next it will be
never to return.
The PATIENTS REMARKABLE VITALITY.
The remarkable vitality possessed by Mr..
Blaine was shown in the rally he made yes
terday afternoon and last night. At
noon, or shortly before, it the gen.
eral belief, shared by members of the
family, that the distinguished invalid could
not recover. but the physicians, hoping against
hope, relaxed none of their efforts to prolong
his life. And he responded to the RENE
dies and treatment in such a satisfac-
tory manner that toward midnight Dr.
HYATT felt justified in returning to
his home, where he remained throughout the
night. His departure was overlooked by the
watchers on the outside and until this morning
it was supposed the two physicians were in the
house.
All night long the vigil Of the press repre-
sentatives was maintained, but there was no in
cident to reward their watchfuness nor to
break the monotony of the long hours
until shortly before 6 o'clock. Then
the light in the chamber of the sick man was
suddenly turned on full. and in two or three
minutes it was again lowered to the point at
which it had burned ever since the house was
closed for the night and the family had re-
tired.
CLOSE FRIENDS FEAR.
One of tine closest friends of the stricken
statesman and who was admitted to the sick
| chamber last night passed the house shortly
after 9 o'clock this morning and salut-
ing the watchers said: ~ don't think YOU
will have to keep the vigil much longer.
The light of the life of Mr.. Blaine is going
out and do not think he will survive the next
tweuty-four hours. His present condition is a
struggle between existence and the end which is
likely to terminate at any time.
Mr.. Blaine in his present condition is ap-
parentiy oblivious Of those around him. but he
frequently arouses from the comatose state,
| and although too weak physically to manifest
any interest in the family, yet gives evidence of
consciousness.
Although the officials and other friends Of
on their way down town. did not ring the door
bell, they almost invariably inquired of the
newspaper reporters for the latest report from
the doctor and appeared much relieved at the
answer given.
Dr. Hyatt visited the patient about O'Clock
and remained an hour or more.
IN CASE OF HIS DEATH.
In case Of Mr.. Blaines death it is understood
that the cabinet and diplomatic corps will OBJ
serve period of mourning the same as if he
were still in official life. While there has been no
agreement to this effect nor even consultation
upon the subject, it is known that the British
minister and Secretary of State will give up
their several engagements and their example
would. In all probability. be followed.
At IL o'clock DIR. Johnston, who had been
with his patient half an hour, stated to a re-
porter: "Mr. Blaine is very much better be
is as well as he was four days ago, and has en-
tirely recovered from the relapse Of Satur-
day night and yesterday morning. He
is quite cheerful this morning, and /
feel very much encouraged respecting him."
Shortly before this statement was made Mr.
James G. Blaine, jr., started out for a walk
He repeated substantially the same remarks
made by DR.. Johnston, and it was evident from
his manner that he felt greatly relieved
Several callers who were seen after they left
the house stated that the members of the fam
lily were much encouraged over the develop
ments Of the morning and spoke quite hopefully
Of the issue.
THIS AFTERNOONS REPoRrs
The answers to inquiries at the Blaine man.
sion during the afternoon ranged from HE is
resting easily" to "He is very much
better There were few callers and
none of note. Nearly every per-
son who passed looked mp at the lace cur
tanned windows and few braved the appear
ance of the big mastif lying at the main door
way and made bold to ask the servant at the
entrance how the sick man was progressing.
Rev. DR.. I. 8. Hamlin, pastor Of the Church
Of the Covenant, called at O'Clock He came
out in a few minutes. s'Mr Blaine is much
better, they say" was his reply to question.
TIE SUNDAY MORNING ALARM.