The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-09-13

anxiety The physicians parted for the
night and every sign was cheering
one There had been disquieting pulse
action for several hours, but practical
~ all of the unfavOrable symptoms
had been linked with the stomach
trouble and 1T was thought that they
would probably disappear with the re-
moVal Of the cause which was supposed
to have created them. The unofficial
reports at 1 o'clock and at 1870 o'clock
were both of a satisfactory nature, and
watchers gathered about the house
prepared for an uninterrupted night.
Another thunderstorm came out Of the
north. and a few minutes play of the
lightning brought rain in a heavy
downpour. A blustery wind blew up
from the west 10 complete the cheer
lessness of the night
Shortly after . o'clock the physicians
and nurses detected a weakening Of
the heart action The pulse huttered
and weakened and the president sank
toward collapse. The end appeared to
be at hand. RestOratives were speed
lily applied. and the physicians fought
the battle with all the reserve forces
of science Action was immediate and
decisive Digitalis and strychnine were
administered. and as a last resort sa-
line solution was injected into the
veins.
A GENERAL ALARM
A general alarm went speeding to the
consulting physicians and trained
nurses as fast as messengers, the tele-
The restoratives did not at once prove
effective, and it was realized that the
president was in an extremely critical
condition. That realization with the
shadow of death behind It led to an
other call and that a summons to the
cabinet, relatives and close personal
friends of the president The messeng-
eTS who returned with the doctors and
nurses were hurried off after those
within reach, and to those who were
absent from the city telegrapllic com
munlcatlon conveying the painful It'd
ings were quickly transmitted BY tele-
graph. The scene about the house and
in the storm swept street was dramatic
in its action and setting, and the spirit
OF the tragedy was on those who looked
upon It A messenger VINO darted into
the rain and was Whisked away in
electric cab gave the outside watchers
the first intimatiOn of the i'll news from
within At the same moment new
lights burned within the windows of
the Milburn residence. Soon the word
was passed out that the president had
partially collapsed and was critically
i'll It was a confirmation that was
hardly needed for the fact had been
established by action that needed no
words.
The newspaper correspondents. who
change in the presidents condition,
rushed to the inlprovised telegraph Off
ces with the first bulletins.
As the telegraph instruments ratified
this morning the hastily aroused ply
sicians began arriving. An automobile
racing at top speed brought Dr. Myn-
ter first He did not stop to speak but
rushed into the house DIR. Mann came
almost Oh his heels and he too ran
down the street Neither stopped for a
word as they rushed into the house.
After them came Abner Mckinley. pale
and agitated. He had left the house
scarcely two hours before and had de-
parted with the assurance that the tide
4 ~, r7ru
tinguished brother. He had been
aroused from slumber by a messenger
who told him to come at once
HURRYING TO AND FRO
Secretary Wilson and Secretary
Hitchcock. in grief at the peril of their
chief, arrived within a few moments.
Neither knew the true state of the pres
ident at that moment and in silent fear
they quickly entered the house. An
other hurrying visitor was DR.. Wasdin
whose arrival completed the circle OF
physicians and another was Mrs. Nc
Williams, the friend of Mrs Mckinley.
The physicians after their consulta-
ton and the examination of the patient
could offer little encoura cement. He
was very weak and his heart was so
feeble that they feared his life might
go out at any time The bulletin they
issued at 2:5O told of the very critical
condition of the president.
1T gives rise. they said, Ito the
gravest apprehensiOns."
The movement of the bowels had oc-
Cured DuL the HGAIL Clio not respond
to stimulation. The little coterie below
stairs watched the clock tick away the
minutes and hours and perhaps the
life of the president without a word Of
encouragement until o'clock when the
president rallied slightly The saline
solution which saved Mrs. McKinley's
life in San Francisco had proved in a
measure effective.
DR.. Mann and DR.. Mynter left for
their homes The only reassuring word
was they had not given up hope.
During the whole dreadful night Mrs.
Mckinley knew nothing of the sudden
change that had come In her feeble
condition it, was considered best not to
inform her of the presidents critical
condition and she slept peacefully
through it all
Vice President Roosevelt was tele-
graphed to at three places in the
AdirOndacks. His family have been at
Tahawas club in the north woods and
it is believed he was with them. This
is some hours from telegraphic COM
munication. He was expected to be
back at Oyster Bay Sunday morning
which leads to the probability that he
is now on the way to Albany and he
Will reach there during this afternoon
or night
LITTLE ENCOURAGEMENT
Secretary Cortelyou and Mr. Milburn
paced up and down in front OF the