The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-12-04
THE PRESIDENT Is THERE
He MUST BE BACK AT THE OPENING OF
CONGRESS.
A Touching Recognition Scene Between
Mother" Mckinley and Her Distinguish
ed Son. Sinking Rapidly.

Canton, O., Dec. Sat a late hour
tonight Mother" Mckinley was report
ed sinking and the physician fears she
will not live until morning. Whatever
the outcome, President Mckinley Will be
in Washington for the opening OF Con-
gress next Monday.
Although there has never been IN the
history of the government, case exact
ly similar, it is necessary for the Presi-
dent to be al the capital in person at the
opening of Il session of Congress to re-
reive the joint committees from the two
houses. Until this committee has waited
on the President and received his com
munication, the regular business OF Con-
gress cannot proceed.
He has arranged to leave Canton at
2:05 o'clock tomorrow afternoon in the
special car provided for him attached to
the regular Pennsylvania train which
reaches Washington Sunday morning.
The President will leave Washington
as soon as possible after attending to the
functions of opening Congress.
To-day was one of the great suspense
in the Mckinley family. The nearness
of the messenger of death was realized
every moment. The family surrounded
the bedside all day and at short intervals
the Doctor called. But the word from
the sick room was almost without varia-
ton, family and Doctor announcing from
time to time increasing weakness and
sinking away. Only twice was this report
varied by the announcement of evidence
of partial consciousness. The first was
when President Mckinley reached the
sick room. His sister Helen announced
his arrival saying: ''Mother here is Will
liam. If you recognize him hold out
your hand"
The enfeebled patient seemd to under
stand and to make an effort to extend
her hand which was Immediately grasp
ed by the devoted son. He thought be
felt responsive tightening of her hand
about mis- own as he did so but the recog-
milton was so slight as to he almost inn
perceptible. 1t was some time later that
a second slight rally seemed to occur. A
bunch of beautiful flowers was sent from
the conservatory of the White House
and when they were taken into the room
she noted their arrival and seemed to
make an effort to reach for one The
President quickly selected a beautiful
white lily and handed it to her. She
took it in her hand and carried it to her
bosom, it being apparent that she was
conscious of the act and appreciated the
flower Soon after this, about noon she
quieted down into n rest that seemed to
he almost a natural sleep Mrs. A. J
Duncan, of Cleveland who was summon
ed from Chicago where she had been
visiting was the last of the four living
children to arrive, and she came, too late
to he recognized by her mother. She
made no effort on entering the room to
gain recognition because it was realized
that the effort would not succeed and
that it would only disturb the patient
From this time on the gradual weakening
of Mother" Mckinley continued.
The President has scarcely been out
of the house since his arrival this MORN
ing and spent most of the day in his
mothers room.
The train bearing the President made
record breaking time after leaving Pitts
burg. AT that place Judge Day, while
the President was asleep, accepted the
offer of the railroad company and a spe-
cial engine was attached to the car.
Without the loss Of moment, the spe-
cial engine dashed out of the smoky
city. All trains on the route were put
on sidetracks and the last 101 miles were
reeled off in two hours
There were many callers at the home
to-day, aged lady friends of Mother"
Mckinley. being numerous among those
who came to offer sympathy. The inqui-
ries by telegraph were numerous.
GROWING STEADILY WEAKER.
Canton, O., Dec. 4.-12:3O a. M. Mrs.
Mckinley is still living; growing steadily
weaker.