The herald., 1897-03-03
CLEVELAND'S BAD HEALTH
A Source of Anxiety to His
Friends
THE POLITICIANS TREMBLH
Lest the Bills They Pushed Fail Of
Signature
The: Presidents Rheumatic Leg Threatens @
Keep Him Away Prom the Inaugur.
alton Of His Successor
A,sociated Press Special wire

Associated Press Special Wire
WASHINGTON, March 2.-President
| Cleveland has suffered for a week from
rheumatic gout, which has now assumed
such proportions that there is some ques-
| ton whether he will be able to take
part in the inaugural ceremonies on
March 4th, though he is taking special
care of himself in order that he may per-
form his part of the ceremonies. While
his condition is not such as to excite any
alarm, 1t is extremely painful
Secretary Thurber admitted today that
the president was confined to his bed.
Surgeon General Sternberg of the ar
my was called in yesterday. He said that
rest and nursing was all that was
needed to put the president back on his
feet, but he advised quiet and little wor-
ry as possible over official duties.
For several days the president has
been receiving no visitors and all his
office work has been transacted sitting
at his desk with one leg swathed IN
bandages and resting on chair Joday
he was not able even to go to his office.
The Presidents conidtion Is causing
anxiety to senators and representatives
of both parties who fear that 1t may
cause him to leave unsigned a number
of minor bills of particular interest TO
the members who have been pushing
them, and which would otherwise have
received the presidents signature be-
fore the close of his term OF office.
The last meeting of the cabinet was
held today, but for the first time it was
conducted without the presence OF the
president. He remained in his private
apartments and all matters have been
referred to him there.
AS to the possibility of the president
~ 20 "a In ON ftsl
ceremonies, Secretary Thurber said to-
day:
HE will go If he can force himself to
do it,"
Captain Robley d. Evans called this
morning to arrange for the duck shoot
ing trip that was to be taken the latter
part of the week. Mr.. Cleveland had
Intended to leave Thursday afternoon
for the south. but 1t is now more than
probable that the trip will have to be
abandoned The president has invited
Mr. and Mrs. Mckinley to dinner tonight
at the White House, and his invitation
still holds good and will not be changed
unless II becomes absolutely necessary.
At the cabinet meeting today II was
agreed that no new subjects should be
taken up for consideration in the meet
irg nor old issues be advanced except
where absolutely necessary, the pur-
pose being to avert any possible embar-
rassment TO the incoming administrd-
ton. Several of the cabinet officials
called on Mr. Cleveland after the meet
ing They will make no formal call on
MIR. Mckinley until March 5th. by which
time the designations of all Of them. al
ready in writing. will be in his hands.
There were many callers at the White
House during the day. some being par
sons who came to say farewell and
more persons interested in legislation
now lying in the shape of bills on the
presidents table awaiting his action.
OF course none of them saw Mr.. Cleve-
land, but Mr.. Thurber was kept busy
hearing them. Mr.. Porter, the presl-
dent-elects secretary, spent half an
hour with Mr.. Thurber today and was in
itiated into some of the office methods.
Mr.. Thurber will leave Washington
Friday noon for Detroit.