The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-05-16


drop to half mast all over the city It
was soon learned that it was incorrect
and gradually the flags were restored to
their former position
San Francisco. May 16. 10 a. na.-Pres-
ident Mckinley is at the bedside Of his
wife without hope that she will ever
night she commenced to sink rapidly
at O'Clock this morning. DR.. Rixey.
who has been in attendance almost
without relief for several days. hur-
riedly SUNNI oned Doctors Hirschfelder
and Gibbons They arrived at the Scott
residence before z o'clock, and every
thing their knowledge and skill could
suggest was done to keep Mrs. McKin-
ley alive.
Access to the house for the first time
was denied newspaper representatives.
Guards We're posted at the door. and
everyone except the doctors was turned
away At 3 O'Clock the physicians held
another consultation and at $3.50 Sec
retary Cortelyou gave out a bulletin
announcing that Mrs. AIcKinley's con-
owing to the Striking spell at 5 o'clock,
and that the president had Cancelled all
engagements. Later it was learned by
the Associated Press that Mrs. McKin-
ley was barely alive and was liable to
expire at any moment
The distressing news was spread rap
idly over the city and crowds gathered
about the newspaper bulletin boards
anxiously awaiting further information
About the house on the hill where Mrs
Mckinley lies groups of people gath
cred and discussed in low tones the ILL
ness Of the presidents wife. Every
body who left the house was eagerly
sought for information, but everybody
was referred to Secretary Cortelyou. As
that gentleman was invisible to those
who called. nothing definite could be
learned.
The Scott mansion is on the crest of
a high hill overlooking Lafayette
square and there is very little traffic in
that neighborhOod. When it became
known how dangerously i'll Mrs Nc
ESinley was. even the few bicycles that
pass that way stopped and the streets
on all sides Of the house were kept
free from noise.
It is very probable that the local com
=
ments for entertainments and ban
quets for the president and the visitors
from Ohio will abandon everything. In
the event of Mrs. AIcKinley's death. it
Is quite likely that the launching of the
battleship Ohio. planned for Saturday,
win be postponed
The members Of the presidents cab
anet called at the house early this
morning. but they could be of no as
sistanee and they returned sadly to
their hotels. From there they kept in
constant telephone communication
with Secretary Cortelyou. who even to
the members of the presidents official
family was very reticent
The president was with Mrs. AfcEin
ley constantly during the night At his
request all relatives have been notified
of the extremely critical character Of
her illness. She is unconscious most of
the time and is just towering between
life and death. Artificial heart stinu-
lants have been resorted to, and three
physicians are in constant attendance
Thousands Of kilograms have been
received. not only from all parts Of the
country, but from all over the world.
AS far as possible they are being an
swered with the information that Mrs.
AcKinley's condition is very critical.
at 70 O'Clock Mrs. Morse, the presidents
niece, arrived at the house. Everything
nc that hour Indicated that the end was
approaching.
BARE CHANCE TO RALLY.
San Francisco. May 16.-At 1880 a.
"a the attending physicians were in