The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-31
OPERATION JAPAN'S MINISTER.
SURGEONS FIND A BAD CASE or
APPENDICITIS.
PeritO nitis Had Already DeyelOped-TwO
Secretaries OF Legation Come On
Here From hingtOn-Patients Con.
dition After the Operation Satisfactory.

Kogora Takahira, the Envoy Extraor-
binary and Minister Plenipotentary from
Japan to the United States, was operated
on yesterday at the Hotel Majestic for
appendicitis, and the operation was none
too soon. for peritonitis had already set in.
At O. clock last night the following bulle-
tin was posted at the hotel by Saduzuchi
Uchida the Japanese Consul-General here:
sThe patient was taken sick Saturday
morning with appendicitis. Symptoms OF
perisonitis rapidly supervened, and an
operation was decided on by Drs. Bull,
Delafleld and Shrady. The operation took
place early In the afternoon, since which
time his condition has been satisfactory,
although he cannot be pronounced out OF
danger for two or three days. At present
the outlook Is favorable
Minister Takahira came here from Wash
ington on Thursday night. He went di-
rect to the Hotel Majestic. He was alone
and apparently in good health. On Friday
morning he didn't feel well and late in the
day he summoned Dr. A. NJ. Shrady, the
hotel physician. The Minister was under
the impression that he was suffering from
indigestion. DR.. Shrady thought so too,
and gave him medicine that eased him
somewhat. On Saturday morning Mr.,
Takahira was worse. He tried to eat, but
could not retain food. BY noon DR.. Shrady
concluded that 1t was a case of appendicitis
and he suggested that he be allowed to call
in experts.
Mr.. Takhira agreed, after consulting with
Mr.. Uchida. DR.. Shrady summoned DR.. W.
T. Bull and DR.. Delafield They consulted
on Saturday night and agreed that Mr..
Takahira had appendicitis and was very
sick man. Cold congresses were tried
but did not better his condition much.
Yesterday the physicians told the Minister
that he had better not postpone the opera
ton a minute longer than he had to-
Everything was in readiness at o'clock.
Mr.. Takihara was soon under the influence
of an ans sthetic DR.. Bull operated, Drs.
Delafeld and Shrady assisting. There
were three trained nurses in attendance.
The operation was over in an hour. After
he regained consciousness Mr.. Takahira
sank into a sound sleep.
Consul General Uchida notified the Japan
csc Legation at Washington, and Mr.. Hioki,
az First Secretary OF Legation, cabled the
Japanese Department of Foreign Affairs at
Toxic.
Mr.. Hioki left Washington on the Con-
gressional Limited at o'clock yesterday
afternoon and reached the Majestic before
10 o'clock last night. He will be in charge
OF the business of the Legation while the
Minister is sick. His stay here will depend
upon the press OF official business in Wash
ington. He was accompanied here by
several attaches of the legation, among
whom was Third Secretary Hanihara. Mr..
Hanihara will remain during Mr.. Takahira' 8
illness.
Mr.. Takahra's critical condition was
kept secret as long az possible yesterday
at his earnest solicitation. His wife is in
Japan and he said he did not want to cause
anxiety. Mrs. Takahira went home nearly
a year ago and it has since been said that
she ia one of the most ardent Red Cross
workers in Japan.
The secrecy maintained concerning the
Minister'S illness in the early part Of the
day started the rimor that Russian
fanatic had shot the Japanese Minister
Consul-General Uchida said this story was
ridiculous. He said that Mr.. Takahira
never had any fear of harm Detailing him
In this country, for ever since the Japanese
Russian war began he has gone about I'M
accompanied Count Cassini the Russian
Ambassad or, was guarded by Secret Serv-
ice men when he last visited this city.
The Japanese in this city who heard Of
Minister Takahira's serious illness left
cards for him at his hotel. Many of his
oountrymen called TO express sympathy.
There was a party OF distinguished Japanese
at the Hotel Manhatt an yesterday and they
first heard OF Mr.. 'Takahira' 8 illness from
reporters. Among them is DR.. $. Sotn.
professor of surgery at the Toxic Uni
versity. Prof. Sato and his party are
makinge trip around the world studying
sanitarv conditions in the largest cities.