Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-02-02
DEATHS DREAD HAND
maps THE SLENDER THREAD OF
JAMES G. BLAlNE'S LIFE.
The Long Awaited Crisis Comes Mt last
in Peace-President Harrison Visits
the Bereaved Home-Publio Express
siors of Respect and sympathy.

WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-James Gillespie
Blaine's death, although it has removed
from the world a character who was promi-
nent III everything he undertook, caused but
little surprise.
1t was a foregone conc uson that his bat
tie with death would end in the final defeat
of his life, though tho facts as to his illness
have, from the first, been studlousy con
cehled through the official channels of com
munication. He was sick man when he
returned to Washington to settle down for
the winter.
Death aud its berea vement added more
and more to his ailments. He has grown
worse and continued on his journey to the
grave as fast as the days would carry him.
Science and skill have furnished him
weapons Of defence for comparatively
long time, but his death has furnished the
end of the fight. he was doomed man
from the start, and, to all intents, he has
been dead man for many days past.
His mind has been almost blank for
weeks past, his lucid moments having boen
but few, but his physical frame has with
stood the ravages of wasting disease until
now.
His death-bed was surrounded by those
who were nearest and dearest. The news
of his death spread like widfre; crowds
gathered on the corners and visitors fiocked
20 the house. DR.. Hamilton, who was
passing the house when the announcement
was made, at once entered and remained
with the family for some tlme
President at the Blaine hansion.
Word IVES sent to the president immedi-
GtelY a ter his death, and at | :25 President
Harrison, accompanied by Private Secre-
a rker nd
over to the Blaine mansion. The president
showsd marked sigus of grief. Postmaster
General Wsnamaker followed closely after
the president.
Blaine passed restless night, and this
morning was lsnguid and weak, but moth
ing serious was noted until shortly before 8
O'Clock, when change for the worse oc
CURED. Both physicians were hastily sum
moned and remained at tie bedside until
death.
Blaine was conscious until few moments
before, aud the end quiet and peace
full that only the experienced eyes of the
physicians could perceive that the great
statesman had joined the majority. All the
immediate members of the family, and
Mrs Dodge, were at the bedside when the
came. DR.. Hyatt said that Biaine's death
was due to sheer exhaustion.
IL was further ascertained from the ply
sicians that there was nothing dramatic or
sensational in Mr. Blaine's last moments.
There were 10 last words. He simply
failed away.
Proclamation by the President.
WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-The president
has issued the following proclamation:
at is my painful duty to announce to
the people Of the United States the death OF
James Gillespie .aine, which occurred in
this city to-day. For full generation this
eminent man has occupied a conspicuous
aud influential position in the nation. His
devotion to the public interests his marked
ability and bis exalted patriotism have won
for him the gratitude and affection of his
country men, and the admiration Of the
world.
In tue varied pursuits of legislation,
diplomacy and literature, his genius has
added new lustre to American citizenship.
As L suitable expression o. the national
appreciation OF his great public service, and
oil tn general sorrow caused by his death, l
direct that on the day OF his funeral all de-
partments of the executive branch of the
government at Washington, be closed, aud
that on ali public buildings throughout tue
United States the national flag shall be dis
played a. half-mGst, and that for a period of
80 days the department of State be draped
in mourning