The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1900-12-05

hope. The senator, in his moments of
iucidity, expressed strv:ig determination
to recover, and within a week told Unit
ed States District Attorney Evans, who
had been admitted to see him. that he
was positive that he would soon be WELL
Indeed, it is the general belief that the
senator's iron will is all that has kept
him alive for the last week.
The serious kidney affection which de-
veloped on November IL had refused to
yield to treatment, and his weakened
frame was unable to withstand the poi
sons left in his system by these organs
failing to perform their functions. On
Sunday, November Ii, a serious change
for the worse was noted. Previous to
that the senator had been reported as
having occasional periods of delirium.
That day these delirious spells became
more marked, and after that time the
lucid intervals became less and less fire.
Quent until the senator was almost con-
stantly out Of his mind.
Talked of His Work.
In his delirium he raved of his congress
sional work. He would declare in vigor-
Gus phrases fragments Of the nations for
eign policy. There was, of course, no CO.
herence. A sentence about the Philip
pines would be followed by comment
upon the Monroe doctrine Or a suggestion
of an impending war with Spain. But
always. In his diseased mind, his patriotic
and official duties were with him.
There have been many callers at the
Davis home, but no one was admitted to
the sickroom. Two trained nurses were
in attendance, relieving. each other after
short watches. By the senator sat his
wife, who, despite the doctors order that
she go to rest, refused to leave the bed
side Her vigil has been a long and
trying one, but she has borne the ordeal
bravely, and if wifely devotion could
have saved the dying man he would have
senator was quick to notice her absence
from his side, and would toss feverishly
about until again quoted by her pres
ence. When rational he assured her that
he .. Guild owe his recoVery-which he
never seemed to doubt-to her unwaver-
ing cheerfulness and encoura cement.
His Father at His Bedside.
Second only to Mrs Davis in his devot
ed attendance has been the senator's
aged father. Although past S. years of
/ age, the elder Nj. Davis has borne the
terrible strain with great fortitude, and
has watched over the sickbed of his dis
The senator's aged mother has herself
been very feeble of late, and she has not
realized her sons condition. Mrs. Nor
ford and Mrs. Bartlett Trip, the sena-
tors sisters, have been staying at the
house since the serious nature Of his dis
ease has been known, and have relieved
Mrs. Davis Of the household cares and
have received all callers.
Every day there have been received
I undreds Of cable and telegraphic mes
sages of inquiry and sympathy They
have come from many distinguished mem
bers Of the diplomatic corps and high
government officials, as we'll as from
those in the humber walks of life, and
all have evidenced the widespread inter
est in the welfare of Minnesota's dis
tinguished son.
Senator Davis has been twice married.
His first wife was Miss Laura Bowman,
and, after she had secured divorce from
him, he married in 1880 Miss Anna NAL
colin Agnew.