The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-05-19
HIS HEART WAS WEAK.
DIR. DObie's Account of Mr.. GIadstOne's
IIIness-The Trip to Cannes.


LONDON, May 19-According to the de-
scription of the illness given by Dr. Dobie,
Mr. Gladstone's heart had been weaker and
liable to failure for the last eighteen
months or two years. When in September
last he went to Scotland with Mr.. George
Armistead he drove about and exposed him
self a good DEAL though he was at that
time experiencing the effect of his weak
ened condition Subsequently he suffered
considerable irritation in the face and head.
and it was decided to try a change of sleep
ing places. The change proved beneficial,
but the physicians called in for an examina-
ton found that owing to a swelling of the
mucous membrane it was impossible to see
so far back as could be seen in a healthy
nose. The appearances did not point to the
condition being one of tumor or polypus, but
suggested that there was merely thick
ened and more or less iniammatory condi-
ton Of the mucous membrane. DR.. Dobie
Men recommended Cannes, his decision be-
ing based on Mr.. Gladstone's knowledge
that the climate of Cannes had a decidedly
beneficial effect upon his constitution. The
seat of pain was in the region of the ant
rum, where there was considerable swelling
and pressure at one time, but the swelling
afterwards diminished and the pressure and
pain was relieved. These favorable changes
led DIR. Dobie to believe that the use of SIM
pie remedies applied to the nose, aided by
the genial and invigorating atmosphere Of
Cannes, would do much to restore the nose
and cheek to normal state.
Mr. Gladstone's circulation had not been
so strong as usual and there was a ten
dency at times to an increase in frequency
of the pulse, but these symptoms were not
considered by DR.. Dobie to be any reason
why his patient should not go abroad, and
it was hoped that the change would operate
beneficially upon Mr.. Gladstone's spirits and
remove the tendency to depression which
was occasionally noticed by those around
him. At this time Mr.. Gladstone had aban-
doned his reading, but he was advised to
renew his old habit SO far aS possible, and
accordingly he read with much enjoyment
several of Sir Walter Scott's works. He also
took with him to Cannes a large supply of
books to enable him to continue his theolog-
ical studies, but the sojourn there did not
bring about the Improvement hoped for. On
one occasion, Jan. 81 DR.. Frank, who was
his medical attendant during his stay there,
found Mr.. Gladstone's condition to have
become extremely grave and alarming.
This condition, which lasted some hours. DR..
Frank attributed to weakening of the
hearts action.
Mr., Gladstone returned to England great
ly depressed because his hopes Of what Can
mes would do for him were disappointed.
He stayed few weeks at Bournemouth.
but the facial pain was excessive. He sur
fered very much during those days, even
more than in the latter stages of his Ill
ness at Hawarden and he was glad TO get
back to his home. After DR.. Dobie had ex-
amined him and assured him that he might
live for some months. he seemed disap-
pointed and pathetically remarked that ne
was now like a log and was 'anxiously
waiting for the end So great was the
pain at times that he said he would welcome
any strong measures to relieve 1t, even ar
operation. Those facts were communicates
by DR.. poble to Sir Thomas Smith. who