The Birmingham age-herald., 1904-10-03
FEEBLE RAYS OF
 HOPE FOR PAYNE Postmaster General LingerS Be- tween Life and Death MAKES RE REMARKABLE RALLY Doctors at One Time Yesterday Said He Was as Near Death as
 Man Could be and
 Live.
MAKES REMARKABtE RALLY

Washington, October 2.-After day filled with strong hopes, alternating with the gravest fears of almost immediate dissolution, Postmaster-General Payne condition late tonight was declared by his physicians to be decidedly more en- couragng, but they are unwilling to haz- ard an opinion as to the future
 In the early hours his heart action became decidedly weaker, with resultant feebleness of pulse and unconsciousness. At times he suffered intense pain, and once or twice he cried out at his agony These paroxysms were followed by pe- riods of exhaustion with brief intervais of comparative freedom of the pain, put the heart action continues to give the physicians the greatest concern several times during the day the pulse became so feeble that 1t seemed it must cease altogether, and at one time the physl- clans said the postmaster-general was as near death as few ever get and survive the day.
 Believed End Was at Hand.
 At o'clock this afternoon the doctors fully believed that the end was at hand, and the family who were at dinner, were summoned. By Mrs Payne's direction Rev. pr. Smith, rector of St. John Episcopal church, where the family wor- shin. was sent for, and on his arrival at inc stricken mans bedside joined in nrayer. But again his marvellous recu- perative powers asserted themselves anu won another victory.
 Slowly but very perceptibly change for the better took place, and al 4:SV o'clock a more hopeful bulletin was ls- sued. This was followed at 6:4o py Tar the best news of the day Miss Jones, niece of Mrs. Payne, came rom the SICK room and with beaming face told or wonderful change for the better. Some t,ne hefore that hour, she said the post master general had regained complete consciousness. had recognized those about him and seemed almost like himself aqain. He had even asked for food and milk and when the latter was brought he drank rom a glass le himself held. One of the physicians said the improve ment was almost miraculous
 Early Sinking. Spell.
 After a lad night in which his condi- ton contlnred extremely grave, Post master General Payne had a sinking spell at 5 o'clock this morning Dr. Grayson was at his bedside, and rallied the patient but second spell occurred about o'clock which was so severe that pr. Grayson summoned Dr. Nagruder The two physicians employed heroic measures for an hour. For a while 1t was feared the end was imminent but the heart ac- tion finally responded gratityingly. At about 10 o'clock, Dr. Osler arrived from Baltimore. He and pr. Rixey join ed Drs. Magruder and Grayson in gen eral consultation, and at 10:b the fol- lowing bulletin was issued;
 During the night the action of the heart has been very weak. This morning there is some Improvement but the con ditions are not So favorable as yester- day.
 "OSLER,
 "RIxEY,
 "MAGRUDER." Another sinking spell occurred about noon. followed by rally. Shortly after | o'clock the relatives who were at lun- cheon in the apartment down stairs were | summoned to the sick room and mo- ment later the Rev. Dr. Smith. rector | of St John's Episcopal church, arrived at