The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-12-16
EX-SPEAKER'S FINAL HOURS.
Argued with Physicians I'm Delirium
and Used Legal Terms.

Washington Post.
The death of Thomas B. Reed, which
came with startling suddenness to the Ma
ton, was not surprise to his physicians,
nor was IT unexpected by his wife and
daughter, both of whom were almost con-
stantly at his bedside during the few days
of his prostration. 1t was apparent to the
medical men from the first day of the at
tack that his case was critical, and since
Wednesday they had little hope OF his re-
covery.
One of the attending physicians said yes
terday, in speaking of the case, that Mr..
Reed unquestionably had chronic Bright's
disease for years. and that the fatal urae-
mia was precipitated by the attack of APP
pendicitis In other words. he was carry
ing a pathological burden which crushed
him when staggered with the development
of appendicitis The symptoms become
prominent during the early days of his
short Illness. There was nothing obscure
about II. The physicians were i'm perfect
accord as TO the diagnosis. including Prof.
GoodnoW, OF Philadelphia, who was pres
ent when death came to the ex-speaker
All efforts to induce the kidneys TO elm
mate the toxic matters which were slowly
destroying the power of the respiratory
centers in the brain were unavailing. This
striking feature was referred 10 I'm the
early bulletins, and attention was directed
to the fact that IT was out OF proportion
10 the extent and gravity OF the localized
Inflammation of the appendix. In corrobor-
alton of the belief that the appendix. was
not responsible for all the early and grave
symptoms, blood tests were made, and q
condition known as leucocytoss was dis
closed. The analysis of the kidney exam
fnation disclosed the alarming fact that
the output OF curea, which is supposed to
be the essential poison of the so-called
uraemia, had diminished from fourteen
grains TO the ounce TO three grains and
very few ounces at that.
With this decrease in elimination came a
simultaneous increase in all the grave evil
dences OF profound toxemia. His respira-
tons. which had been ranging from thirty
four to thirty-six. began TO run higher, till
they reached fifty per minute after To- 30
o'clock The heart action decreased In
force and increased in frequency. and
reason was displaced by hydelirium. The
blueness OF the finger nails first noticed
Saturday morning was an 0minous syrnp-
tom, but this, together with the pulse and
respiration. improved after the TRANSMISSION
of a quart of saline solution, at a. n.
This was repeated I'm the evening.
During the afternoon and evening he was
delirious. This INSTRUCTED the work OF the
attendants TO no small extent. because OF
his unbending refusal TO take medicine and
nourishment Occasionally Mrs. Reeds
| pleadings We're effectual in inducing him
| to permit the nurses TO carry out their
| instructions. There is no doubt that Mr..
| Reeds strong intellect and will, which had
| to be subjugated each time before submit
/ ting TO the wishes of those about him,
| barred to some extent the prompt thor
| ough and complete adoption OF measures
| which IL was advisable TO employ. but
which. in all probability. did not affect the
| final result except as 10 time. Even with
reason dethroned Mr.. Reed demanded ex-
| PLANTATION and analysis from others, and
unless they appeared sound TO him We're
| pierced by the keen edge Of his cutting
comments. Up TO the last few minutes or
his existence there were CLEANS OF strong
cerebral power struggling through the
haze of delirium.
At times he was ftful forceful, combat
/ alive, argumentative and controversial. and
at others would render decisions on the
proposed or attempted employment of.some
procedure in eloquent. dignifed and judicial
terms. IL remarkable with what d.
rectness and precision he spoke, choosing
| his words with as much care as IL engaged
/ In actual debate "If unfair, then l aPoi-
ogize," was one OF his EXPLANATIONS when
/ informed by one OF his physicians that he
might have been unfair I'm his decision.
/ IF you have repented OF your action.
he continued. I'VE will consider that phase
| OF the case" After a hyperdermic intec-
ton he reused himself and said:
! Doctor, you have no. leagi right 10 do
that 1t is the third time you have taken
| the liberty. | Will have you understand
| that the citizen Is not Obliged 10 submit
TO the dictation OF the man with hoe.
| IL was some consolation to the watchers
! TO feel assured that Mr.. Reed In his last
hours was entirely free from pain. and that
his final moments were calm and peaceful.
! Mrs Reed stated that Mr.. Reed has not
been IN good health for many months: that
he suffered from vague discomforts. was
apprehensive and extremely nervous. and
! would manifest displeasure when urged 20
/ consult physician in regard 20 his health
4 This information, impaired to one OF the
| physicians led to the comment:
/ What a pity that this great man had not
| been fortunate enough TO become sufficient
/ ly I'll 10 force him TO bed for a few days
| That he might have had the benefit OF the
services OF a competent medical man who
| would certainly have discovered the kidney
| disease and by outlining a course for the
distinguished patient 10 pursue could have
prolonged his life for years.