The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1902-09-24
Mr.. ROOSEVELT'S
DATES CANCELLED

dian street between rows of banked up
humanity, held back from the street
by ropes. A slight rain had begun to
fall and this appeared to furnish the
reason why the carriage containing
the president should be entirely closed.
Amid the sound of many horses trotting
upon the asphalt, and the rafting OF
the carriages could be heard the cheers
of the people, who, though they could
not see the chief executive, thought
they were bidding him goodbye. For
three squares along South Meridian
street, the carriages and escort went
at a good gait, distancing those who
attempted to keep up with them by
running. Finally, the station 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 carriages
went galloping over the tracks and
onto South street. The crowd that had
gathered at the east end of the depot
looked upon this manoeuver with Won
der, but the carriages turned sharply
to the east on South street and IN a
few minutes the distance of several
squares to the st. Vincent hospital was
covered. AS soon as Captain Hyland,
of the police. arrived 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 Governor 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 en-
trance and squad of police, which had
been sent to the hospital, before the
president left the club. appeared ana
formed a Gordon about the building.
Everything was done with dispatch
and the gathering crowds were kept
at a distance. No one was allowed TO
enter the hospital. except those belong
ing to the presidents party, or those
who had special business there. FROM
the time the president left the Columbia
club until he found himself in hospital
surrounded by Gordon of police ana
soldiery not more than ten minutes mad
elapsed.
First Public knowledge.
The whole movement had been care
fully planned at the Columbia CLUB be-
fore it was carried out. and the utmost
effort was made to keep any mixing OF
what was to occur from reaching the
! street The necessary orders 10 tne
| police and soldiers were not given ulltii
the last moment, and in this way the
knowledge that something was amlss
was confined to those who had an OIL
| cial interest in the presidents moVe-
ments. Dame rumor did not nave an
opportunity of arousing the anXlet! OF
| the thousands of people VINO were gain
cred along the streets, and the transfer
| of the president to the hospital was
executed without their having the least
notion of what was transplrlng. Inc
first public knowledge of the true state
of affairs came in the form OF bul-
letin, which was issued by Secretary
Cortelyou, and in a short time the
newspaper offices were the center or eX-
cited crowds.
After the president entered the oper-
ating room, he sat down and waited Tor
instructions from the physicians and
surgeons, watching their preparations
with keen interest
"I am awfully sorry ] cannot con-
tinue my western trip" said he. Cant
you let me go ahead with II after thls
thing is over?'
and one said:
1T 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 seri-
Gus consequences from it, if you are
careful and stay off your feet until the
x,n, Nln tS. n
means, Mr.. President, discontinue your
trip"
"Very well, then, it will have to be
that way" said the president resign
edly. II 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 shoe and the
physicians would be required to bare
the leg only. This was done. The presi'
dent walked to the operating table
alone and as he lay down, he remarked
with Il smile:
Gentlemen, you are formal. l see
you have your gloves on"
This was a reference to the antisep'
tic gloves of the surgeons.
"Mr. President" said surgeon, will
smile, "it Is always in order to weal
, gloves ut presidents reception"
This caused the president to eNclaim
Good; we'll said"
The Operation.
!, The operation was begun without de
lay. The pain caused the president t
| in lnuv Nfnia
! but he said nothing that was distinct
, except to ask for glass of water be
? fore the needle had been removed.
/ After the operation was over, III
, made several laughing remarks con
I cerning trivial matters and asked If h
: would be allowed to use his leg lonl
enough to walk up stairs himself. "Yol
, will be hauled up stairs in wheele,
r ambulance" said surgeon.
I When they brought the vehicle in
I the president said:
t why, that's wheel-barrow."
After being taken to an upper room
e from the operating room, the presiden
: was served with a light luncheon AM
I chatted pleasantly to those in the room
7 He made several kind remarks to tn
: attending nurses about the trouble h
r was causing and shifted his position
e several times neryously. At TAO p. n
4 a white blanket was thrown aroun
: him and he was placed on the hospita
I stretcher and, escorted by, a compan
: of infantry, was Garfield to the car,
: block away, by four negro porters fror
Q the train. He bade goodbye to tn
r nurses as he was being carried out G
e the hall to the elevator and than4e
|. them for their kindness. He did ilo