The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-05-17

| which Postmaster General Smith and Sec
retary Hitchcock took with the President
MISS Barber came downstairs and told the
small company that Mrs. Mckinley had
just asked fer chicken and coffee, saying
she was tired OF liquid nourishment, which
the doctors were giving her.
This evidence OF her reviving strength
was considered extremely gratifying, and
for Il time the little company was most ex-
ultant Perhaps the hope they felt was dis
proportionate to the slight grounds upon
which 1t was based.
The doctors, of course, were compelled
t1 refuse Mrs. Mckinley solid food. For
two days they have only been able to give
her beef tee and brandy, together with the
other stfmuiants for her enfcahird hear:
action. Nitroglycerin ana the most pow
erful stimulants known to tho medical pro-
fesslon have been resorted to.
PRESIDENT WISHES PUBLIC
TO BE KEPT INFORMED.
About half past 2 this afternoon. the
President decided to go out for a walk and.
accompanied by the Postmaster General and
the Secretary of the Interior. he itrolled
through the neighboring streets. returning
respectful salutations which he met with
from all who recognized him. and once or
twice he stopped to shake hands with those
who stepped up and requested that priv
ilege.
Upon his return to the house, he cheerily
told group of newspapermen assembled
there that Mrs. Mckinley was holding her
own.
During the afternoon the President ex-
pressed the opinion that the public was en-
titled TO specific information Regarding the
nature of Mrs. Mckinley's illness and the
treatment she was receiving Up to that
time the bulletins. issued at intervals since
Yesterday. had been of the briefest end
most vague character. and the public was
largely in the dark as to the character of
the trouble which had brought her to
deaths door.
1t was at the Presidents distinct request
that the signed statement issued by the
physicians was prepared and given to the
press.
SECRETARY HAY WORN OUT
By FATIGUE AND WORRY.
The ladies OF the Cabinet also took ad-
vantage of the slight Improvement of Mrs
Mckinley's condition to go for a short drive
during the afternoon. All day long Lafay-
ette Park, opposite the Scott residence, was
hlled with crowds Of people, not drawn
thither 80 much by curiosity as by an eager
desire for direct news from the sick room.
Their profound sorrow was apparent from
the silent. respectful way in which they
obeyed the injunctions OF the police to keep
back beyond the coping of the road, which
".oae" eie echteh oi tHc park. Al
though fully 100 yards from the house. many
Of them spoke in whispers.
Late In the afternoon little girl, with
an armful Of flowers. braved the bluecoats
and assembled the steps. The butler opened
the door.
II brought these for Mrs. Mckinley" she
lisped I'VE are SO sorry. ! hope she will
be better soon" Then she handed over the
flowers and slipped away.
Secretary Hay is utterly worn out by the
strain OF the last few days. and the fatigue
OF the long journey across the continent.
and rested in his room in the hotel all day.
Mrs. Hay, who was at the Scott residence.
kept him frequently advised of the develop
ments there.