The Dickinson press. (Dickinson, Stark County, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1883-1927, 1902-09-27
HIS TRIP ABANDONED
PRESIDENT FORCED TO UNDERGO
A SURGICAL OPERATION At
INDIANAPOLIS.
As Result Of His Recent Injury at
Pittsfield, Mass, an Abscess Formed
on His Left Leg and Immediate
Treatment Was Necessary to Avoid
Blood Neutrality-suspicious. An.
ticipate No Serious Consequences.

ticipate No Serious Consequences.
Indianapolis, Sept 24.-President
Roosevelt's Western trip came to
All untimely end in this city during
the day. He was found to be suffer
ing from a swelling in the left leg
between the knee and the ankle that
required immediate surgical attention,
and instead of being taken to the train
to continue his journey to Fort Wayne
and Milwaukee, he was conveyed to
st. Vincent's hospital, where he was
operated uron. The operation oc-
short time. when he was taken to
private room in the hospital to rest.
After taking a light luncheon at 1850
p. M, be was conveyed on a stretcher
to his train, which had been backed
up on the "Y" near the hospital and
the train left for Washington.
After the president entered the
operating room with the physicians he
sat down on a stool and waited for
instructions from the physicians and
surgeons. watching their preparations
with keen interest.
i am awfulfy sorry that l cannot
continue my Western trip" said he.
Cant you let me go ahead with it
after this thing is ov>r?"
Several of the surgeons turned to
him and one said:
1T is my opinion that you would be
very indiscreet to continue on your
feet as would be necessary in your
speechmaking trip, after the opera
tion. This is by no means a serious
thing and there is
Absolutely No Danger
of serious consequences from it if you
are careful and stay off your feet un-
til the trouble is over. But you should
by all means, Mr. President, discon-
tinue your trip"
Very well, tAen, 1T will have to be
that way" said the president resign
edly. Il will do as you gentlemen
say. Now, what do you want me 10
de?"
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 to simply remove his
shoes and they would be required to
bare the leg only. This was done.
The presided walked to the operating
table alone
The operation began without delay.
The pain caused the president to NUT
ter several times in a low voice. but
he said nothing that was distinct ex-
cept to ask for a glass of water before
tho Doo6lo ba bonn rap,0vn6
After the operation was over, he
made several laughing remarks con-
cerning trivial matters.
After being taken to the upper room
from the operating room the presi-
dent was served with light luncheon
and chatted pleasantly to those in the
room. He made several kind remarks
to the nurses about the trouble he
was causing and shifted his position
several times nervOusly.
At 7:40 D. m. a white blanket was
thrown around him and he was placed
or the hospital stretcher and escorted
by a company of infantry. was carried
to the car. block away, by four negro
porters from the train. He bade good
bye to the nurses as he was being car
ried out of the hall to the elevator and
Thanked Them for Their Kindness.
He did not talk during his trip to the
car. Senator Fairbanks, Governor
Durbin and other prominent 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 re-
| ceived at the time of the trolley car
accident at Pittsficld, Mass. when the
presidents carriage was run into and
| demolished by car. Besides being
| injured in the face and across the eye.
| the president at that time received a
blow upon the inner part of the left
| leg between the ankle and the knee,
but through his characteristics he
paid no attention to it. ignoring it as
| being a slight bruise not worth talk
ing about. For several weeks he
took no heed of it, but finally it began
| to pain him so as to enforce his at
| tention. After starting on his West
ern trip he determined that perhaps
DR.. Lung. who was aboard the train,
should examine it. The doctor did SO
and pronounced it to be serious
| matter. When in Detroit the doctor
| finally declared that something would
have to be done. After consulting
with DR.. Richardson, another member
| of the party, it was decided that In
order to avoid the possibility of blood
poisoning it would probably be wise
| to have an operation performed.