Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-07-16
UNDERSURGEON'SKNIFE
SENATOR w. A. CLARK OPERATED
UPON IN NEW YORK.

NEW YORK, July Ex-senator William
A. Clark of Montana was operated upon
for an abscess fthe brain at his home In
this city this afternoon. 1t is understood
that he is railying from the operation and
resting comfortably tonight. favorable
outcome OF the senator's illness is antici-
pated, although as the operation was a
very serious one, it will probably be sew
eral days before an ultimate recovery is
assured.
Upon inquiry at the house II was learned
that the operation was performed by Dr.
James F. Mckernon. Senator Clark was
taken i'll ten days ago while in Butte.
Mon. and Immediately after came to this
city. Todays operation was soon after
ward determined upon.
Senator Clarks immediate family is in
Paris. With the senator at home here are
his son-in-law. DR.. Morris. and his private
secretary.
During the evening Senator Clarks pri-
vate secretary gave the following state
ment to the Associated Press:
Owing to a slight trouble with his mid
die ear since his former operation for mas
toiditis Senator w. a. Clark decided to
have a radical operation performed, which
was successfully done today at his resi-
dence by Or. James F. McKernon. The
Senator is convalescing rapidly and expects
to be about in a few days
Senator Clark Rallies.
At II: 80 o'clock Senator Clark had rallied
from the operation and was resting COM
fortably. with every apparent symptom in
his favor. Three nurses We're in constant
attendance and Dr. Lewis r. Morris re-
mained within easy call. DR.. McKernon
was with the patient during the evening,
but early left the house apparently salts
fed with the patients condition. DR.. Nc
Kernon declined to discuss the case and
referred all inquirers to the senator's fam
uy.
1t was learned, however that the present
Illness had no connection with or is not
resultant from an attack suffered by the
senator nearly a year and half ago when
Mr.. Clark underwent an operation.
year ago last November the senator
contracted a cold which developed acute
mastoiditis. He was then In Butte. Mont,
and came to this city, where a successful
operation was performed. The senator
quickly regained his normal condition and
continued in the best Of health until last
February. when severe cold developed
into pneumonia.
Senator Clark never fully recovered from
his sickness of that time.
In spite of rather poor health Senator
Clark look after his immense business in
terests up to three weeks ago when he was
seized with violent pains in the left side OF
his head. These pains continued intermit-
tently and ten days ago he decided to come
to New York that the cause of his trouble
might, If possible, be determined and re-
moved.
Operation Performed.
A week ago he arrived here. The pains
In his head were followed by a discharge
from the left ear
An examination by his physicians showed
that an acute inflammation of the middle
ear, resultant from the attack of pneumo-
mia, had never wholly subsidized, and that
radical operation was imperative. Senator
Clark readily consented to the operation,
and Immediately set about arranging his
business affairs so that they would not be
jeOpardiZed during his temporary conflne
ment. An operation for the removal of the
dead bone and the excoria ton of the dead
pus that had gathered in the vicinity of the
middle ear was determined upon, and this
was performed this afternoon.
The operation began at . o'clock and was
successfully concluded two hours later.
Besides Or. Mckernon and his assistant
only DIR. Morris in the room during
the operation. The skull was trephined.
1t found that the bone Of the left ear
had become diseased. ana pus gathering,
had eaten its way through the bone to the
brain, causing an abscess. This disease in
the bone was removed
Senator Clark recovered from the anaes-
thetic nicely and later sank into a
freshing sleep. Mrs Clark. formerly Miss
Anna Z. La Chapel!e. and their child
abroad. At midn' ght the senator's condi-
ton remained unchanged and he was sleep
ing quietly