Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1898-06-23
SAY THERE is HOPE
Joe Cunningham's Condition
Promising
THE CRISIS NEAR AT HAND
1t Was Said Yesterday That IL He Lived Two
Days Longer He VIII Rave Passed
the Danger Point. Other
O. local News.

The news that came from the bed,
side of Mr.. Joseph ]. Cunningham at
noon yesterday strengthened the flick
ering flame OF hope in the breasts OF
his friends and impaired to them a
bright and cheerful air. 1t was good
to see them and hear them talk, despite
the lingering dread that after all his
apparent improvement may turn out
to be but the forerunner of the grim
messenger Of death. Everybody is
anxious for Mr.. Cunningham to recov-
err. Even those who do not hesitate to
declare their disapproval Of his al
legged interference with Mr.. Richard
sons affairs. express the hope that a
kind Providence may spare his life.
Dr. Plecker, the physician In charge
of the case. was greatly encouraged
yesterday. Mr.. Cunningham, after
passing the night in refreshing natural
slumber, was cheerful throughout the
day, and at the hour Of closing this
report his condition WAS pronounced
satisfactory. AT no time has he been
unconscious. circumstance which. in
view of the fact that the doctors admit
that part Of the mans brain WAS car
red away. Is looked upon by intelli-
gent laymen as being most remarkable,
whatever the learned physicians may
say or think. This is taken to indicate
that the injury to that organ Is not so
alarming as was at first reported and
that 1t furnishes the basis for the semi
professional opinion that the wounded
man will get we'll. None OF the doctors
who have seen him. however. has ven
tured to indulge in an unqualified
statement concerning the case. Those
who take the most hopeful view wisely
allow themselves ample latitude for
future explanations. Yesterday after
noon q well informed gentleman who
saw Mr.. Cunningham during the day
\ -
longer the chances Will be in his favor.
But from an equally reliable source it
was learned that the crisis is not likely
to be reached for a week Various
complications. it is stated. may arise.
among which are tetanus. meningitis
and others almost as certainly fatal.
But the astonishing vitality displayed
by Mr.. Cunningham may carry him
through.
Careful notes were made by the ply
sicians when the wound was examined
and dressed. all Of which. Of course,
will probably be made public next
month. when Mr.. Richardson's trial
will occur. 1t was rumored yesterday
that the gun used by Mr.. Richardson
was loaded with buckshot. but the
story was generally denied. The doc
tors decline to tell what they know
about it. AS Mr.. Richardson stood at
a distance Of less than ten feet from
Mr.. Cunningham when he fired. a
charge of buckshot would have caused
instant death unless his aim had been
very wild. Some of the shot struck
Mr.. Cunningham in the breast. but II
does not appear that they are regarded
as being in the least serious. 1t does
not seem reasonable to believe. there
fore. that they were buckshot.
The wounded man is receiving the
very best medical attention and if he
does not live it will certainly not be the
fault of his physicians. They are SIM
ply trying to bring him back to health
and strength without botherinE them
selves about the causes which placed
him In their care. =