Evening star., 1902-01-01
CHANGE FOR THE WORSE
MRS. DENNIS CONDITION REGARDED
As EXTREMELY CRITICAL.
Physicians Decide TO Repeat Transfu-
sion Of Saline SOlution-Symptoms
of Brain Trouble.

DniaNoraple symptoms marked the con-
dition of Mrs Ada Gilbert Dennis the first
day of the new year. When the physicians
had concluded their examination of the pa
tient this morning they sent word to Capt.
Boardman that she was worse. She had a
slight stroke of paralysis Saturday. and
this morning there was a twitching of the
head, which was regarded by the surgeons
as bad sign. This new symptom. It is
stated, indicates that there is depression
of the skull which is affecting her brain.
1t was apparent from the conversation Of
the physicians that they regard the patient
as being in an extremely critical condition,
although they did not say there was any
danger of immediate dissolution
During the twenty-four hours preceding
their visit this morning the patient lost
ground, and they decided that unless
pronounced change for the better occurs
during the early hours OF the afternoon
TRANSMISSION of saline solution shall be
gwen They have almost abandoned hope
of being able to save Mrs. Dennis Unless
the saline solution is decidedly effective.
her death Is regarded as a matter of only
two or three days. Prior to the time when
she was given the TRANSMISSION on a former
occasion her condition was regarded as ex-
tremely critical and a great improvement
followed. Since then, however other COM
plcatlonS have arisen and the doctors do
not anticipate such good results from a
second application of the remedy.
While the paralysis is only partial. IL is
regarded as a bad sign, and the trouble
shown by the twitching of the head salts
fies the attending surgeons that the brain
of the patient is In bad state.
Detective McNamee was at the hospital
this morning when the consultation was
held, and Mrs. Kate Dunn, sister of the pa
relapse of her sister, and Detective McNa-
NEE went to headquarters and reported to
Major Sylvester and Captain Boardman
the result of the consultation.
Police Disappointed.
The police officials are disappointed over
the bad news from the sick room They
had hoped that the patient would recover
the full possession Of her faculties and
give them some definite information as to
the identity of her assailant. 1t is still the
belief of the police that Mrs. Dennis was
asleep when the first blow was inflicted,
though she may possibly have heard the
voice of her assailant and have recognized
it. Her death without making statement
may mean that the case will have to be
recorded as an unsolved mystery.
Mrs Dennis has done considerable talk
Ing at times. but the surgeons and detec-
tives are unable to believe that anything
will be accomplished from what she has
heretofore said. Some of her statements
nave pteii NeTHieu put tnOSe winch were
the more important were in every instance
contradicted.
AS printed at the time the assault was
committed, the revolver which Mrs. Dem
mis- usually kept beneath her pillow was
found in her desk drawer near her bed that
morning. The drawer was open and the
belief was expressed that in her death
struggles she had reached for the weapon.
1t has since been hinted that the weapon
might have been removed from it's place be-
meath her pillow by the assailant who was
aware of where ii was kept. The domestic
in the house had been frightened by finding
the weapon in the bed and it was stated
that Mrs. Dennis had changed the place of
keeping it at night on this account. This
however, Is not definitely known
Detectives Continue Investigation.
Detectives Horne, Hartigan, McNamee
and Helan are still working on the case,
and every supposed clue that is obtained
is investigated. Last night Detectives
Horne and Hartigan spent practically the
entire night following the supposed clues.
Attorney Scaggs, representing the heirs
Of Samuel c. Presley the printer. who
committed suicide. and about whom an in
yestigaton in connection with the case OF
Mrs. Dennis was made. called on the po-
lice today and asked for Presley's effects
He was given some insurance papers of
the deceased, who carried s., 600 in the New
York Life, $50 in the Knights Of Pythias.
s2lO in the Typographical Union and ss1 in
beneficial organization. Mr.. Scaggs is
confident that Presley had no connection
with the Dennis case.
In the event of the death of Mrs Dennis
Mr.. Scaggs will appear in order to see that
the name of Presley is properly protected
from unjust or unwarranted statements.