Arizona republican., 1902-09-24

Indianapolis, Ind, September 23.- President Rooscvelt's western trip came to an untimely end in this city today. He found he was suffering from a swelling of the left leg between the knee and ankle that required immedi- ate surgical attention, and instead of being taken to the train to continue his journey to Fort Wayne and Mil waukee, he vas conveyed to St. Vim cents hospital where he was operated on. The operation occurred at 5:45 o'clock and lasted only short time, when he was taken to a private room in the hospital to rest. After taking a light luncheon at 1850 p. m. he was conveyed on a stretcher to his train, which had backed up on the "" near the hospital. and at ten minutes to s o'clock the train left for Washington. The first public knowledge of the true state of affairs came in the form of a bulletin which was issued by Sec retary Cortelyou, and in short time the newspaper offices were Centers of excited crowds.
 After the president entered the opar- ating room with his physicians he sat down on a stool and waited for instruc-
 
 watching their preparations with keen interest.
 'I am awfully sorry I cannot con tinue my western trip said he. Cant you let mo go ahcaJ with it after this thing is over?''
 Several oe the surgeons turned to him, and one said:
 Ut 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 opera tion. This is by no means a serious thing, and there is absolutely no dan ger of serious consequences from it if you are careful and stay off your feet until the trouble is over. But you should by all means. Mir. President, discontinue your trip
 Very well, then, it will have to be that way" said the president resign edly. "I 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 gar ments. He also removed his coat and vest. A moment later, however, he was told simply to remove his shoes, and he would be required to bare his
 
 dent walked to the operating table alone, and as he lay down he remarked with a smile:
 Gentlemen, you are formal. I see you have your gloves on.''
 This was in reference to the antisep- tic gloves of the surgeons.
 MT. President" said the surgeon with smile, "it is always in order to wear gloves at the presidents recep- tion'
 This caused the president to exclaim: Good; well said.'
 The operation began without delay. The pain caused the president to nut ter several times in low voice, but he said nothing that was distinct. ex- cept to ask for a glass of water before the needle had been removed.
 After the operation was over he made several laughing remarks concerning trivial matters. and asked if he would he allowed to use his leg long enough to walk upstairs himself.
 You will be hauled upstairs in a wheeled ambulance" said the surgeon. When they brought the vehicle the president said:
 Why, that's wheel barrow"
 After being taken to an upper room
 
 was served with luncheon and chatted pleasantly to those in the room. He made several kind remarks to the att tending nurses about the trouble he was causing, and shifted his position several times nervously
 At 1:4O D. m. white blanket was thrown around him, and he was placed on hospital stretcher, and, escorted by company O: infantry, was carried to the car, block away, by four negro porters from the train. He bade good bye to the nurses, and as he was being carried out of the hall to the elevator he thanked them for their kindness. He did not talk during the trip to the car.
 Senator Fairbanks. Governor Durbin and other prominent citizens were at the train to bid him good-by
 The swelling of the presidents leg which made the opei ation necessary was occasioned by a bruise he received at the time of the trolley accident at Pittsfeld. Mass, when the presidents carriage was run into and demolished by the car. Beside being injured in the face and across the eye, the presi- dent at that time received a blow upon the inner part of the left leg. between the ankle and knee, but he paid no at tention to it, ignoring 1t as a slight bruise not worth talking about.
 For several weeks he took no heed of it. but finally it began to pain him so as to enforce his attention. After starting on his western trip he deter