The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-11-01
HIS LIFE HANGS BY A HAIR
STATEMENT ISSUED BY CON
SENT OF THE FAMILY.
HIS ILLNESS BEGAN IN THE FALL OF 1898
II Yielded to Treatment, but Returned Gaining
aStronger Foothold fter an Attack Of
the Grip. Condition Favorable
Last Night.

Patterson, n. j., October 3l.-There
are several reasons why the exact nature
of the Vice Presidents malady has been
withheld FROM the pblic In the first
place the family has desired to reserve
to itself the privileges Of retaining such
facts as were of IA private nature, NJ
the same time recognizing the right Of
the public to accurate information in
the case of an invalid holding high pub
lie office. Moreover, there We're things
connected with the Yice-P Presidents re.
lationse with the Government which
prompted a similar policy.
This was done, however, not for the
purpose of secrecy, but to avoid embar>
rassmem In addition, the effect of pub
LEFTY upon the Vice-Presidents health
had to be considered He was a dill
gent reader of the newspapers and it
was observed that the alarming reports
which crept into papers, and met the
NiCe-President's eyes hal most unfa-
vorable impression. For these reasons
it was deemed advisable it keep cert ain
facts from the public.
Recently the family and physicians
lave decided to place the facts more
clearly before those interested and the
following statement is issued in accord
ance with this plan:
..Iha illness of the Nice President may
be said to date from the fall of 1@S,
prior to his return to Washington in
November. At that time his physicians
observed symptoms of impaired respira-
ton with frequent attacks of angina
peetoris. This condition responded read
lily to treatment, and when the Vice
President went to Washington in the
latter part of November ne was in good
health. He stood remarkably well the
strain and excitement incidental to the
opening Of Congress and he was making
favorable progress until in January he
became a victim of the grip. Following
this there was a return of heart trou-
Bile, accompanied with signs of degenera.
ton. His ailment was diagnosed as
dilated bright heart due to myocardiis
The recovery from this attack was less
rapid, and ON the last day Of the session
of the Senate the strain AMI excitement
of delivering the closing speech were so
great that he was on the verge of a
collapse
a few weeks after, toward the mid
die of March, the Vice President and his
family, together with the Presidential
party went to Townsville. Ga, to visit
Senator Hanna. The fatigue of the trip
affected Mr.. Hobart very u,,favorably.
and his condition was further impaired
by the intense heat and humidity then
prevailing. As soon as possible he was
taken to Long Branch, where beneficial
results from sea air and quiet were ex-
pected. His progress toward recovery
was not made, however at the rate that
was anticipated and a trip to Lake
Champlain, with the fatigue and ex-
posture incidental thereto FASTENED rath-
er than retarded the course Of his dis
ease. Since then his system has not re-
sponded to- the minstrations of his ply
sicians and the critical condition of the
last few days has been the result.
1T should be added, that ever since
his illness became serious the Vice Presi-
dent has had the benefit of the best
medical advice and treatment. His ut.
tending and consulting PHYSICIANS have
at all times agreed upon the nature of |
his disease and upon the treatment of it, |
and the results to be expected
lit is apparent from this statement |
that the Vice President is in no condi- |
ton to resume his political duties at |
His family desires, there |
fore to announce that he will not return
to Washington, nor will he again take |
part in public affairs. His condition to-
lay is such that fatal result may ensue
ut any moment or his present condition
may be indefinitely prolonged"
A COMFORTABLE DAY.
Paterson. n. J.. Oct. 31.--At 6 o'clock
his evening, it was announced that Vice
President Hobart had passed very COM
Portable day He has taken an interest
IN affairs; has been very cheerful and
enjoyed a natural sleep. He, himself
says that it has been one of the best
lays he has passed in a week.
NO IMMEDIATE DANGER.
Paterson, n. j.. Nov. 1.-Vice Presi-
lent Hobart's condition was favorable
1t 2:30 O'clock this morning.
There is no Imminent danger" is the
asst bulletin.
HIS CONDITION IMPROVED.
Paterson, n j., Nov. 1.-2:30 a. m.-
Tice President Hobart is resting quietly.
He has slept since s o'clock and DIR.
Newton reports his condition improved