The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1906-09-21
CBy Andrew JOyner.)

greensboro, y. T., September l9.-
At , O'Clock at the Marlborough House
in Raleigh, Or. McIver with Colonel
w. H. Osborne, Of Greensboro took
dinner. He ate hurriedly and sparing-
~. He was in the best Of health and
humOr, remarking as he sat down that
he knew when he found Osborne be
would find good feeding. On the train
to Durham he was very jOvial and
cheerful, but when Durham was reach
ed, as the others got into carriages he
said to Mr.. p. d. Gold. Il am not feel
ing well. | think | am suffering with
acute indigestion. and instead of going
to the speaking l will go to a drug store
and get some mediciEe."
The drug store was closed, and he
and Mr.. Gold returned TO the train,
though he would not permit Mr.. Gold
to remain away from the speaking
He took up a newspaper, and declaring
he was feeling better and really pre-
ferred to be alone. When the party re-
turned to the train DR.. McIver had ap-
DdI 6llIF IcCONeICu HIS IlSIOS-lI
and greeted the corners cordially. In a
few moments he Went in the smoker,
and took a seat at the extreme front
end, facing the OblOng seat at which
ran across the panel. He called State
Treasurer Lacy 70 him, made way for
him to sit next the window, and began
an earnest conversation. Suddenly he
complained Of feeling very uncOmfOrt-
able and suffering pain in the chest,
saying his indigestion had returned
with increased violence He was ad-
vised to lake a sip of brandy, and some
was procured g. him. In a little while
he remarked tina. he did not believe
this had done him any good. He was
sitting just in front of Mr.. P. D. God,
and near by were the other occupants
of the car. among them being Senator
Simmons, MeSsrs. A. D. Watts, II. E.
c.. Bryant, Andrew JOyner. Dr.. Jones,
of HillsbOrO. and half a dOzen others.
The main party escort of Mr.. Bryan
and Mr.. Bryan himself and the ladies
were in the { Pullman Of the TWO
car special. without a moments
warning. Dr.. McIver's mead was seen
to be resting back on his seat, the voice
of Mr.. Lacy being heard in great
alarm, Mr.. Gold, look at DR.. McIver"
his head having fallen on Mr.. Lacy's
shoulder, and being raised a. once to
the cushion Of his seat.
Mr.. Gold Immediately moved in front
and saving Get a doctor here quick,
Mr.. Watts. DR.. McIver has tainted"
DR.. Jones responded Immediately and
it was the work of but q moment TO
gently lay him IN the long cushioned
vacant seat in front of him, and While
those of us who sc tenderly laid him
there and opened the windows and uD-
butrOned his collar and other binding
clothing. hoped it was but a fainting
spell. it was felt that we were in the
presence of death. and 50 il proved, for
with two doctors trying to bring respi-
ration, in a vain hope that it was not
so. there was not the least response,
for besides a mechanical thrOb of the
pulse, as we laid him down, there was
nc movement whatever Of a muscle Or
a nerve. the calmness of death and its
rigid calm and grand dignity Of re-
pose marking his features from the
very frs. 1t vas apopleXy sure, swift
and sudden. and he lay there until
~OIp61SDOGO was ItdClSu, DIS IL Ill d
sweet and restful sleep after a ftful
task. .-r-
Not one on the rear car knew of
what was passing. and while they were
enjoying the sweet converse of con-
genial thought, social o. political, that
the soul of the life of the crowd but a.
few moments before mad taken its
flight. When the awful intelligence
was communicated, there was a scene
never to be forgotten, as weeping men
rushed through the fast moving train
across the vestibule to the dead com
rade's side, helpless, stunned, paralyz-
ed with sorrow.
Whatever may be Mr.. Bryan's hold
on himself, he lost it then. Like a
lion he rushed through less speedy
friends, exclaiming ut cannot be, Oh
1t cannot be- and reaching the bier. he
knelt down and caressed the dead