The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1902-09-24

skin he said, it makes the circulation of
the blood in that vicinity very poor and
careful handling of the injury is required
to prevent any liberation. The doctor
thought from his present information
that rest of week or so would cause
the wound to heal nicely and the cause of
the disturbance to disappear.
tance. No one was allowed to enter the
hospital except those belonging to the
Presidents party, or those who had spe-
clal business there. From the time the.
President left the Columbia club until
he found himself in hospital surround
ed by Gordon of police and soldiers not
more than ten minutes had elapsed. The
whole movement had been carefully
planned at the Columbia club before 1t
was carried out, and the utmost effort
Fas made to keep any inkling OF what
was to occur from reaching the street.
Kept It Quiet.
The necessary order to the police and
the soldiers were not given until the last
moment and in this way the knowledge
that something was amiss was confined
only to those who had an official in
terest in the Presidents movements.
Dame rumor did not have an opportunity
of arousing the anxiety of thousands of
people who were gathered along the
streets and the transfer of the Presi-
dent to the hospital was executed with
out their having the least notion of
what has transpiring. The first public
knowledge of the true state of affairs
came In the form of a bulletin which was
issued by Secretary Cortelyou, and In
short time the newspaper offices were
the center of excited crowds. After the
President entered the operating room
with the physicians he sat down on
stool and waited for instructions from
the physicians and surgeons watching
their preparations with keen interest.
"I am awfully sorry that cannot con-
tinue my western "trip" he said. Cant
you let me go ahead with II atter this
thing is over?'
Several of the surgeons turned to him
and one said:
'It is my opinion that you would be
very indiscreet to continue on your feet
as would be necessary in your speech
making trip after the operation. This Is
by no means a serious thing, and there
is absolutely no danger of serious con-
sequences from 1t If you are careful and
stay off your feet until the trouble is
over. But you should by all means, Mr..
President, discontinue your trip"
President obeyed Orders.
VERY we'll then, it will have to be
that way said the President resignedly.
II will 90 as you gentleman say NOW
what do you want me to do" The Presi-
dent was told to remove his shoes and
stockings and other garments. momen,
later, however he was told to simply re-
move his shoes and they would be re-
quired to bare the leg only This was done.
The President walked TO the OPERATING
table alone, and as he lay down he re-
marked with a smile, Gentlemen, you
are formal. 1 see you have your gloves
on" This was a reference TO the antisep-
tic gloves of the surgeons.
'Mr. President" said a surgeon with
a smile, '1t is always In order to wear
gloves at Presidents reception"
This caused the President to exclaim,
Good, we'll said"
The operation began without delay. The
pain caused the President to mutter sew
eral times in a low voice, but he said
nothing that was distinct except to ask
for a glass of water before the needle
had been removed.
After the operation was over he made
several laughable remarks concerning
trivial matters, and asked If he would be
allowed to use his leg long enough to
walk upstairs himself. You will be
hauled upstairs In a wheeled ambulance"
said surgeon.
When they brought tne NeniCle III Inc
President said: why, that's a wheel
barrow"
Caused BY Bruise-
After being taken to the upper room
from the operating room the PRESIDENT
was served with a light luncheon and
chatted pleasantly to those In the room.
He made several kind remarks to the
attending nurses about the trouble he
was causing and shifted his position sew
eral times nervously.
At 7:40 p. m. a white blanket was
thrown around him and he was placed on
the hospital stretcher, and escorted by
company of infantry, was carried to the
car block away by four negro porter5
from the train. He bid goodbye to the
nurses as he was being carried out of the
hall to the elevator and thanked them
for their kindness. He did not talk dur
ing his trip to the car. Senator Fair
banks, Governor Durkin and other promi-
nent citizens were at the train to bid
him goodbye.
The swelling of the Presidents leg
which made an operation necessary was
occasioned by bruise he received at the