The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-19
GREAT STATESMAN is GONE.
DEATH CLAIMS GLADSTONE JUST
AT DAWN.


Had Been Unconscious Practically
All Day, but Recognizes His Wifc
as She Sits Beside Him TenderIy
claspIng His Hand-sIept a Good
Deal and Uttered a Few Words
in an IncOherent Way.
Hawarden. May 10. a. m.-Hon. WililauS
Ewart Gladstone died at o'clock this
morning. He had been unconscious prao-
tically all day, though at times he seems
ed to recognize for a moment some of the
watchers about him.
Certainly he did recognize mis- wife. whd
was beside him all day. except when tho
physician prevailed upon her to rest. sha
tenderly clasped her husbands hand az
she watched him.
Apparently he slept good deal; he ute
tered a few words in an incoherent,
dreamy way. words which those who wera
watching were unable to catch. Their only
consolation was that he was not suffering
pain. No narcotics were administered.
Though national funeral viii probably
be accepted by the family there IS little
doubt that the remains Of Mr.. Gladstona
will be laid to rest in the peaceful graves
yard at Hawarden adjoining the church,
where he was married more than a hale
century ago
At Hawarden the happiest portion of his
life was passed, and 1t is truly retreas
sweet enough for any laborer.
About o'clock quick movements aboux
the corridors of the castle and glimpses OF
people passing hurriedly to and fro before
the lighted windows gave the evidences
that the supreme moment could not be fan
off
Naturally II was impossible to obtain In.
formation, as all those In the castle wera
near the death chamber.
At 8 O'Clock the long watch ended ana
the final bulletin was brought out an.
nouncing that Mr.. Gladstone had passed
calmly from one sleep to another.
a. m.-The following bulletin has BEEN
posted: I'm the natural course of things
the funeral will be at Hawarden. Mr..
Gladstone expressed a strong wish to have
no flowers at his funeral; and the family
will be grateful IL this desire Is strictly re-
spected."
DIR. Dobfe says Mr. Gladstone breathed
quietly all night and passed away quits
peacefully.
According to the description of the llI-
ness given by Dr. Doble, Mr.. Gladstone'a
heart had been weak and liable to fallure
Tor the last eighteen months or two years.
When, In September last, he went to Scot
land with Mr. Armistead, he drove about
and exposed himself good deal, though he
was at that time experiencing the effect OF
his weakened condition.
Subsequently he suffered considerable ir-
ritation IN the face and head, and II was
decided to try change Of sleeping places.
The changes proved beneficial
The seat OF pain was in the region Of tho
a xyha y.9fT
swelling and pressure at one time. but the
swelling afterward diminished and the
pressure and pain was relieved.
These favorable changes led DR.. Dobie to
believe that the use of simple remedies ap-
piled to the nose, aided by the genial ana
invigorating atmosphere of Cannes, would
do much TO restore the nose and cheek tn
a normal state.
AZ this time, Mr.. Gladstone had aban-
doned his reading; but he was advised to
renew his old habits so far as possible,
and accordingly re read with much enjoy
ment several of Sir Walter Scott's works.
Mr.. Gladstone returned 10 England
greatly depressed because his hopes of
what Cannes would do for him were dis
appointed.
He suffered very much during those
days, even more than In the latter stages
OF his Illness at Hawarden, and he was
glad 10 get back to his home.
1t Is DIR. Dobie's opinion that IL his hearF
had been stronger Mr.. Gladstone might
have lived for another year or so.