New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1909-10-16
HAS A FIGHTING HOPE
M'CdRREN MAKES WILL.
Physician Issues Favorable Bulletin,
but Seems to Fear Change.

After an uncertain day, during which the
highest hopes were entertained for his speedy
recovery and the gravest fears OF immediate
death were not concealed. Senator Patrick H.
Mccaren. who was operated upon for append
citis in ST. Catharine's Hospital, Williamsburg
on Wednesday evening. was still holding his OWN
at an early hour this morning.
DR.. Peter Hughes who performed the opera
ton, spent two hours and twenty minutes with
his patient last evening. and before leaving, at
10 o'clock, gave out the following bulletin:
Senator McCarren IS in better condition now
than at any time since the operation. He has
rallied from the sinking spell that was so omi-
nous during the afternoon and Is now able TO
keep on his stomach the small quantity OF food
which he has taken. His temperature is now
100 and his pulse Sc. The drop in his pulse from
90 at o'clock is very favorable. I make no
predictions. Unforeseen complications have
bothered us already. and his present favorable
condition may change"
Early in the evening Bishop Mcdonnell. of
Brooklyn. and Father Carroll. OF the Church of
ST. Vincent de Paul, arrived at the hospital and
spent a few minutes at the bedside Of tho
stricken leader. When they came out OF
the hospital and were asked II they had admin
istered the last rites of the Church Bishop Nc
Donnell replied that the Senator was resting
comfortably It learned later that this
service had been performed at o'clock by
Father thinner, the spiritual adviser at the
hospital, when Il was thought the Senator's
death only matter OF a few hours
SENATOR MAKES HIS WILL
Senator McCarren's condition continued ia
vorabie until about o'clock yesterday after
noon, when there was an unexpected relapse.
Dr. Hughes was summoned in haste, and when
he reached the bedside of his patient and saw
his condition he advised the Senator TO make
his will. The document was drawn up by Sam
uel S. Whitehouse, the leaders personal counsel
and was witnessed by Henry F. Haggerty. his
law partner; David Hogan, his nephew" and
Magistrate Hgginhotham. DR.. Hughes then
issued the following statement:
THE Senator's condition has changed His
temperature is normal, but his pulse Is irreg-
ular. He has very anxious look and is ex-
tremeIy nervous. He is suffering great pain
from gas He has made his will. That is all
that can say at this time.
Coming after the favorable turn which the
Senator's condition had taken early in the fore-
noon, this announcement created great con-
sternation. and fears were entertained for the
patients recovery. He passed an exceedingly
restless night. but at o'clock rallied and fell
into a sound sleep which lasted for some time
and was followed by another period of slunber
lasting an hour. At this time DR.. O'Keefe, the
house surgeon of St. Catharne's Hospital who
was in attendance On Senator McCarren during
the absence of DR.. Hughes. said that the patient
was much refreshed and that the only eempli-
cation feared was q nervous breakdown.
At 1890 O'Clock DR.. Hughes arrived at the
hospital and, after spending an hour at the
bedside. issued the following statement:
jokes ABOUT HIS CONDITION.
Senator McCarren is now sleeping. 1t is a
natural sleep He is looking much better to-
day, although he was very sick last
night. There are bad signs and nothing
alarming in his condition. He is putting up a
good fight. II his present condition continues
we have every hope OF saving his life. He has
received a nutritive enema consisting of milk
egg and a little brandy. This is kind OF milk
punch, and is the first nourishment the patient
has received and retained"
In conversation. Dr. Hughes said that the
Senator seemed in joviaI mood, and described
a bit of repartee that had just passed between
them.
You looking better this morning SEN
ator." the physician remarked ''You look quite
Well"
Now, don't try to kid me, Doc" replied the
patient Il never was much for looks, and you
know it,
II don't think you were ever very bad look
ing" returned the doctor
Il believe in the old adage that handsome is
as handsome does but as a matter OF fact do
feel much relieved this morning." continued the
Senator. Then. turning to his nurse Sister Ann
he added: cit is all right lying here in bed. but
should feel much better If 1 were ON nv feet"
You'll stay where you are for a while yet.
warned DR. Hughes. 1.-THE more you worry the
longer you'll stay. I don't think you are doing
all you can to help yourself You are too anx-
ious about things"
I'm do anything you say" answered the
patient.
LOST: AGNEW-HART L4W.