The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1897-02-14
w. E. MASON STRICKEN
ILLINOIS SENATOR-ELECT SEIZED
WITH A PAINTING SPELL.
At First 1t Was Supposed to BE an
Attack of ApOpIeXy, but He Soon
Recovered and Started South.

CHICAGO, Feb. 13.-William E. Mason,
United States senatOr-elect,- was suddenly
stricken i'll at his residence on Washington
boulevard at 2 o'clock this afternoon, and
for time serious results were apprehended.
number of physicians were hastily sum-
moned, and it was at first thought that the
seizure of an apoplectic nature. After
working over the patient for some time the
doctors decided that it was not apoplexy,
but severe fainting spell, brought on by
nervous strain and overwork. 1t had been
for some time the intention of Mr.. Mason
to leave for the South to escape the i'm
portunities of politicians and secure much
needed rest, and as soon as he came out OF
lis fainting spell this afternoon decided to
start at once. He accordingly made hurried
arrangements for his departure, and at
o'clock in the afternoon left by the Illinois
Central for New Orleans. Within two
hours after he had left the city the rumor
was current that he had taken i'll second
time and had died on the train. The train
dispatcher of the Illinois Central sent
query over the wires. and within short
time the answer came that Mr.. Mason was
alive and resting comfortably.
For weeks Mr.. Mason stood the brunt of
one of the hardest campaigns ever con-
Quoted at Springfield. the State capital He
returned to the city when he carried on the
honors very much worn out. He was i'm
mdiatey plunged into consideration OF
minor matters pertaining to his position,
and got little rest. In fact, he would not
take rest Then Mr.. Mason went down TO
Washington. where he remained some days.
Leaving Washington for Chicago, he
stopped at canton, o.. where he had long
talk with President-elect Mckinley. Since
his return from his trip the senator-elect
has not known any rest. Public business
and private matters have taken up his time
day and night. Last night Mr. Mason at
tended the Lincoln exercises at the Auditor
ium. where he made a brilliant speech. The
fatigue attendant on this effort undoubtedly
brought on the stroke.
Billy Mason, as every one knows him,
has been for years one of the most prom
inent and popular figures in local politics,
and few men have a wider general ac-
quaintance among those who direct the az
fairs of the Nation at large. Mr.. Mason,
while ever a Republican in politics. has no
enemies, even among those of opposite po-
litical beliefs. AS a leader in ward and city
politics and congressman Mason was
always vigorous. successful and OF &C
knowledged integrity. The laurels of a SEN
ator had been dearly desired by him Tor
years and he had just seized upon the toga
when stricken down. 1t is believed that
rest in the South win restore his health.
Members of the senator-elect's family said
late this evening that no word had been re-
ceived as TO his condition since leaving the
city. He had, they said, fully recovered
from the effects of the fainting spell early
in the afternoon and his usual good spirits
had revived. Nothing serious was
feared. and the family retired, expecting re-
assuring news tomorrow.