Omaha daily bee., 1902-09-24

goodbye. For three squares along South
Meridian street the carriages and escort
went at q good gait. distancing those who
attempted TO keep up with them by run
ming. Finally the depot was reached and
a slight delay arose In. crossing the tracks
because OF a train that was about to leave.
The engine was stopped as It started on
its way across The street. and the car
riages went galloping over the tracks and
on to South street. The crowd that had
gathered at the east. end Of the depot
looked upon this maueuver with wonder.
but the carriages turned sharply TO the east
on South street. and in a few minutes the
distance Of several squares to the st. Vim
cent hospital was covered.
At the Hospital.
As soon as Captain Hyland Of the police
arrived there. he alighted and running to
the door Of the presidents carriage. which
had stopped. he assisted him TO alight and
walked with Senator Fairbanks and Gov
ernor Durbin up the steps Of the hospital.
The occupants Of the third carriage quickly
followed, and at the same time Captain
Gallon had stationed his men about the
entrance, and a squad OF police who had
been sent to the hospital before the presi-
dent left the club appeared and formed a
Gordon about the building. Everything was
done with dispatch and the gathering crowds
we're kept at a distance. No one was al
lowed to enter the hospital except those
belonging to the presidents party or those
who had especial business there. From
the time the president left the Columbia
club until he found himself In a hospital
surrounded by a Gordon Of police and sol
diers not more than, ten minutes had
.Iar.c1 re- Hvrto1o' panvavopuf hal haen
carefully planned at'the Coffmbia club be-
fore it was carried out and the Utmost ef-
fort was made to keep any inkling Of what
was ia. occur from reaching the street. The
necessary orders to the police and soldiers
we're not given until the last moment and
ir this way the knowledge that something
vas amiss was confined only to those who
had an official interest in the presidents
movements. Dame Rumor did not have the
opportunity OF arousing the anxiety Of thou
sands Of people who were gathered along
the streets. and the transfer OF the presi-
dent to the hospital was executed without
their having the least notion OF what was
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 a short time the news
paper .ofhees we're the center OF excited
crowds.
Oke in the Operating Room.
After the president entered the operating
room with the physicians he sat down on a
stool and waited for the Instructions from
the physicians and surgeons, watching their
preparations with keen interest. "
81 am extremely sorry that I cannot con-
tinue my western trip" said he. Cant
you let me go ahead with 1t after this thing
is over?''
Several OF the surgeons turned to him
and one said: 1T is my opinion that you
would be very indlscreet to continue on
your feet, as would be necessary in your
fpeech-making trip, after the operation.
This is by no means a serious thing and
there is absolutely no danger Of serious
consequences from 1t 10 you are careful and
stay of your feet until the trouble is over,
but you should by all means, Mr.. President,
discontinue your trip"
Very we'll, II will have to be that way
said the president, resignedly. 81 will do
as you gentlemen say. Now, what do you
want me to do?"
The president was told to remove his
shoes and stockings and neither garments.
He also removed his coat and vest. A
moment later, however, he was told 10
simply remove his shoes and that they
would be required to bare the legs only.
This was DONE The president walked ia
the operating Gable, alone. and as he ,Ny
down he remarked. with a smile: Gentle.
men, you are formal. I see you have your
gloves on" This was IA reference 10 the
sntiseptic gloves OF the surgeons.
MT. President" said a surgeon, with a
smile. ut is always in order to wear
gloves at a presidents reception"
This caused the president to exclaim:
Good! Well said!'
Operation is Painful.
The operation began without delay. The
pain caused the president to mutter severa'
times in a low voice, but' he said nothini
that was distinct except to ask for a glas,
OF water before the needle had been re.
moved. After the operation was over h,
made several laughing remarks eoncerninl
trivial matters and asked il he would b,
allowed to use his leg long enough to wall
upstairs himself.
You will be hauled upstairs in {
wheeled ambulance said a surgeon. wher
'hey brought the vehicle in the presiden.
said: !'Why, that's a wheelbarrow,'
After being taken to the upper room from
the operating room the president wa,
served with a light luncheon and chatte,
pleasantlyvto those in the room. He mad,
several kind remarks to the ATTENDING
nurses about the trouble he was causinl
and shifted his position several times ner
vously.
At 7:4O p. m, a white blanket was throw
around him and he was placed on the hos
pital stretcher and, escorted by a compan,
or infantry, was carried to the car, a bloc
away, by four negro porters from the train
He bade goodbye TO the nurses as he wa
being carried out Of the hall to the eleva
tor and thanked them for their kindness
Tie did not talk during his trip to the cal
Senator Fairbanks, Governor Durbin an
other prominent citizens were at the trai
10 bid him goodby.
History OF the Trouble
The swelling of the presidents leg whie
made an operation necessary was occasione
by a bruise he received at the time Of III
trolley car accident at PIttsheld, Mass
when the presidents carriage was run int
y demolished by a car. Beside being in
jured In the face and across the eye, III
president at that time received a blow upo
the inner part OF the left leg between II
ankle and the knee. but he paid no atteZ
tiQn to Il, ignoring II as being a sligi
bruise not worth talking about" For sewers
weeks he took no heed OF It. but finally