Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1921-03-24
CARDINAL GIBBONS DEAD,
WAS UNCONSCIOUS
IN HIS LAST HOURS
Continued from page 1

But about six months ago n change
began to be noticeable. The Cardinal
grew thinner, he became less active i'm
his movements, and other signs indi-
cative of a breaking up appeared. As
member of his household expressed II,
His Eminence seemed to grow old sud-
denly"
Nevertheless the Cardinal continued
his nsual daily routine, interrupted only
by visits away from home to church
functions, the most notable of these
being the PanaAmerican Mass at Wash
ington on Thanksgiving Day. He was
suffering from a cold, but apparently
felt no ill effects from the trip and
short time afterward went TO Emmitts-
burg. Md, to participate in religious
celebration. where he again exhibited
symptoms of weakness. Then in pur-
suance of a Plan for a rest, the Cardinal
went TO the home of his lifelong friends.
the Shrivers. at Union Mills, Carroll
county. where he had spent many of
his holidays. particularly his birthdays.
Instead of staying there only a few
days as nc had intended, it was fun
month before his medical advisers
deemed it prudent to permit the journey
home. Twice during his stay at Union
Mills he collapsed and SO grave was the
| CTiSlS ffltiI lDt idSl Sfttlt Ntit CIV
ministered during the first spell.
! The attacks of weakness. which first
| brought realization to the Cardinals
/ household that he was aging rapidly,
| began with a cold While preaching at
/ Havre de Grace on November 6, after
having confirmed so children. he sud
/ denly became faint. but was able to
continue his discourse in few mo-
ments.
These seizures became more fire.
oucnt as time went on and usually fol-
! lowed some over eXertion in the line of
/ his diocesan duties.
The Cardinals mental faculties were
novise impaired by his physical in
tirrnities; on the contrary his mind
seemed to become keener as his body
| grew weaker.
He realized that his end was ap-
preaching and prepared for IT fearless
ly.
The Cardinal lapsed into stupor yes
terdav and remained in that state
throughout the night. His physicians
| said il was doubtful if he would regain
| consciousness.
Hope for the Cardinals recovery was
abandoned last night by DIR. Charles
| ODonovan, for many years the Car
dinals medical attendant. despite the
| fact that the patients pulse grew
stronger during the evening. This was
felt to be only temporary and an evi-
| dence Of the patients remarkable Vi
tality-
Pope Benedict. who has followed the
| course Of Cardinal Gibbons illness with
the deepest interest and sympathy sent
/ his blessing in the following cahlegram
from Rome received this morning,
1 The Holy Father, invoking heavenly
blessings and comforts on His Emil
nence. Cardinal Gibbons. sends to him
from the bottom of his heart the
| Apostolic Benediction."
The message was signed by Cardinal
| Gasparri, Papal Secretary Of State.
The Reverend Louis +. Stickney, rec
tor Of the Cathedral, surrounded by
members Of the household and the nurs-
ing sisters in attendance upon the
Cardinal. impaired the blessing in be-
half of the Pope.
The touching feature Of the incident
was that during the ceremony the
Cardinal lay unconscious.
sketch Of Cardinal Gibbons life is
printed on page Of todays issue Of
! Every Evening.