Evening star., 1897-12-04
Mrs. McKinley's Physician Says Life
is Nearly Gone.
PRESIDENT LEAVES FOR WASHINGTON
Was Told His Mother Would
Never Recover Consciousness.
URGENT BUSIN ESS HERE

CANTON. Ohio, December AT 1890
o'clock Dr. Phillips left the Mckinley
house. He said Mrs. Mckinley would never
return to consciousness and recognize her
family: she was sleeping herself away, and
might die at any moment, but might pos
sibly survive the day.
At this hour carriage sent for Mrs.
w. X. Miller, cousin, and very intimate
friend of Mrs. Mckinley, who is nearly her
own age, and who has been almost pros
trated since the first news of the illness.
The doctor said to President Mckinley
that his mothers breathing was becoming
more labored, and that her pulse was stead
lily weakening, portending an early end.
The doctor further told the President that
he could do absolutely nothing for his
mother by remaining here: that she would
never recognize him again or any one else.
On receiving this Information the Presi-
dent decided to carry out his plans for 60
ing to Washington at 900 O'Clock.
Sank During the Night.
Except increasing weakness and more
visible evidence of the near approach of
the eLd, there was little change in her
condition during the night.
Several times the rapid failing became
so noticeable to the friends about the bed
side that it was thought the summons had
come. This condition was emphasized by
a slow, weak pulse. The radical change
for the worse which this condition seemed
to presage did not occur.
AT o'clock, however, the patient seemed
so weak that il seemed she must soon
yield. and those of the family who had
sought rest were summoned to the bedside,
expecting every moment to see the last
fiickcring of life'S flame. The patient, how
ever, continued as she had been during
the night, just slowly wearing away and
steadily weakening.
President Watched at Bedside.
The President remained at the bedside
almost the entire night repeatedly declin
ing to seek some sleep at the solicitation of
the family until the night was nearly
spent. AT no time since taking the flower
yesterday afternoon did Mrs. Mckinley
show evidence of consciousness or that she
recognized her children around her bed
side.
DR.. Phillips left the Mckinley home at
$50 o'clock, after examining the patient.
He could OILY repeat what he had said
tefore, that death was slowly but surely
drawing near. Theirs had been slight
rally since the alarming condition at
o'clock. but it was not significant rally
and did not endure long.
The patient exceedingly weak, at
times life being almost imperceptibe. The
doctor said it was possible that she might
hive the greater part of the day
Inc PreSiuent dld not alter his plans,
announced last night of returning TO
Washington this afternoon for the opening
of Congress If the weather is such as
to allow her to travel Mrs Mckinley, TO-
gether with Mrs. Abner Mckinley and
daughter Mabel; will return to Canton with
the President when he has completed the
important work which calls him there.
Miss Grace Mckinley of Smith College.
Northampton, Mass. a granddaughter is
expected here today.
Resting Easily at Noon.
AT II o'clock Mrs. Mckinley was resting
quietly, though in deep and natural
sleep. There had been no appreciable
change in her condition for several hours
Although she was undoubtedly weakening
every moment, the failing was so slow as
to appear that she was holding her own.
1t seemed probable at times that she might
survive the day. The doctor called at
short intervals. but could do nothing for
the patient, and could only say the end
vas slowly approac hing. The President
slept only two hours during the forenoon
ana resumed his post at the bedside of his
mother about noon