Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-12-03
HIS MOTHER DYING.
PRESIDENT HURRIEDLY LEAVES
WASHINGTON FOR CANTON.
A STROKE OF PARALYSIS.
The Aged Lady Sinking Rapidly
Her Strong Character-Her Re-
Family Originally from Virginia.

CANTON, o.. December Mrs. Nancy
Allison Mckinley, the mother of the
President. was stricken with paralysis
this morning, and it is feared that her
death is only a question of a short time.
The paralysis at present is Of but mild
form, but owing TO the extreme age of
Mrs. McKinley-nearly 80 years-Dr
Phillips. the attending physician, can give
but little hope to the family.
Mr.. Abner Mckinley, OF New York, has
been visiting her for a few days. and
when his mother was stricken this morn
ing, Immediately communicated with the
President by telephone.
Tho physicians statement to the family
was that there was little doubt that the
attack would ultimately result in death.
but that there was no indication yet as
TO just when the end might come. The
attack was very light, and in younger
person would not necessarily be regarded
ws dangerous, but to one of her advanced
Years there is every probability that the
attack would become aggravated
Mother" Mckinley has for some time
not been in really good health having
suffered from mild form OF grip. Wed
nesday she seemed to have materially
improved and her bright and cheerful
humor was especially noted by the mem
bers of the household. She retired as
usual Wednesday night, occupying room
adjoining that Of her daughter Helen.
About the hour the family usually rises
this morning, Mother Mckinley walked !
20 Miss Helen McKinley's room. and |
awakened her. The latter addressed her |
mother, and receiving no answer, sur |
missed that something was wrong, imme- |
diately dressed, and summoned the house I
hold and a physician.
Except in a failure of the vocal organs,
AIRS. Mckinley shows but little evidence
of paralysis She is in full possession Of
her mental faculties, recognizing ali of
the family. and others who see her. and
taking an interest in whatever transpires.
"A letter was received from the President
this morning. and was read to her by
Miss Helen Mckinley. who inquired if she
understood the letter. To this Mother
Mckinley nodded assent.
At II o'clock tonight DR.. Phillips called
ht thS MUMMY ubi4Ns IlC ItpOIlcu ti'il
there was but a slight change in the pa
TENTS condition. She was breathing
heavily, but otherwise her symptoms were
no worse.
PRESIDENT GOES TO CANTON.
WASHINGTON, December 2-President
Mckinley left the city at 7:2O O'Clock to-
night over the Pennsylvania railroad TO
hasten to the bedside of his sick mother
at Canton. where he will arrive to-mor-
row. With him went Judge Day AS
sistant Secretary of State, the two occu-
pying the Pullman car Davy Crockett.
attached TO the regular train The Presi-
dent had made hurriea arrangements for
his departure. and during the afternoon
disposed OF a large volume Of business
awaiting his attention. He reached the :
station unattended few minutes before
he time for the train 10 leave. Desiring Z
10 avoid any demonstration, ne instructed
he coachman TO drive TO the baggage 1
ransfer. where Secretary Porter ana y
Cortelyon met him. II =
lis mother appears better he will re-
urn TO Washington in time for the c
pening OF Congress His absence will p
Tot prevent his annual message from be- =.
ng sent to Congress.