McKINLEY’S FIGHT FOR LIFE.
The courage exhibited on the battlefield, when the whole being is
aroused and the nerves are tingling with a thrill of excitement, is
worthy of the highest praise, but to show fortitude and resigned courage
in a battle for life, when the approach of death is heralded by
unfailing signs, requires a hero. Such was the lamented Chief Executive
in the trying hours following the attack of the assassin. Few of those
about President McKinley on that memorable day expected to see him
survive the night.
Prompt work on the part of the surgeons and a rugged constitution
prevailed over wounds considered mortal. The President was under the
care of the most skillful practitioners, who were encouraged by the
favorable turn, and they, by their bulletins, which were full of
hopefulness and buoyancy, led the nation and the entire world to believe
that their distinguished patient would soon be back at his desk. All
realized the gravity of the situation; nevertheless few anticipated any
but a favorable outcome.
Beginning on the eventful Friday night, the official statements sent out
were encouraging. While the normal pulse is about 80, the fact that
McKinley’s was from 120 to 128 was not considered cause for alarm. In
all cases where an operation is undergone, a high pulse follows for some
days. During the week the President lay wounded his averaged 120, high
under normal conditions, but not alarming in the case of a wounded man.
Dr. P. M. Rixey, the family physician, was the most constant watcher at
the bedside of the wounded man. After McKinley had recovered
sufficiently to talk, which was on the third day, he would ask regarding
the condition of Mrs. McKinley. The assurance that she was bearing up
bravely seemed to act beneficially on the President.
Mrs. McKinley was permitted to see her husband daily, but only for a few
minutes at a time. As was his wont in former days to cheer his invalid
wife, so it was a pleasure for her to show a reciprocal spirit, which
she did. The daily meetings were those of true lovers, and every eye in
the sick room would be wet ere the parting kiss of the day would be
given.
These visits, at all times brief, were still a source of deep
satisfaction to the stricken President. The outcome of the struggle
vitally interested McKinley, more because of the effect his death would
have on his wife and on the nation than for personal reasons.
A man of sterling Christian character, pious and devout, he did not fear
death. The end had no terrors for him, but he felt it would leave a
void, a vacancy, which none other could fill. The invalid who for 30
years had relied on him alone as her support and protector, her aid and
comfort, still needed him. It was parting from her that made him feel
reluctant to lay down his life’s work.
Cares of state engrossed little of his attention during that week spent
in the Milburn residence. He had builded well, and the dedication, as it
were, of his noble edifice of national policy, in which all culminated,
was in the memorable speech of the day preceding the fateful Friday.
Several times during his last days he smiled upon being complimented for
that truly great oration, but he did not live to learn how thoroughly it
was appreciated throughout the length and breadth of the land.
Dr. Charles McBurney, the eminent New York specialist, was summoned to
Buffalo the evening of the shooting. He did not arrive until Sunday
morning, however.
The President passed the first night after the shooting fairly
comfortably. His temperature increased from 100° to 100.6° between 1 and
3 a. m., and fears were entertained that peritonitis might set in. The
doctors chosen to care for the case—P. M. Rixey, M. B. Mann, Roswell
Park, H. Mynter and Eugene Wasdin—were in attendance at the President’s
bedside all night, watching carefully each symptom.
At 10:40 p. m. the doctors issued this bulletin: “The President is
rallying satisfactorily and is resting comfortably. Temperature, 100.4°;
pulse, 124; respiration, 24.”
At 1:30 a. m. the bulletin read: “The President is free from pain and
resting well. Temperature, 100.2°; pulse, 120; respiration, 24.”
Saturday, the day following the shooting, was one of grave anxiety. The
President, while holding his own, was approaching, so the doctors said,
a crisis. It was thought that Sunday would decide what effect the shots
fired by Czolgosz would be. Dr. Rixey gave it as his opinion that the
President would recover. The other physicians refused to commit
themselves, saying that they could not make promises until further
developments.
An X-ray apparatus was brought from Thomas A. Edison’s laboratory with
which it was intended to locate the bullet which lodged in the back. It
was not used. On Sunday morning at 5 o’clock the physicians issued this
bulletin: “The President has passed a fairly good night. Pulse, 122;
temperature, 102.4°; respiration, 24.”
Sunday proved a rather uneventful day after all. The anticipated crisis
did not materialize. The news was good throughout the day. It was not
merely negative good news, but news of a distinct improvement. The
President’s temperature on Sunday evening was a degree lower than it was
during the morning, the pulse was slower and the respiration easier.
Dr. McBurney arrived during the day and held a consultation with the
other doctors at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon.
Immediately following the consultation this bulletin was issued: “The
President since the last bulletin (3 p. m.) has slept quietly, four
hours altogether, since 9 o’clock. His condition is satisfactory to all
the physicians present. Pulse, 128; temperature, 101°; respiration, 28.”
This bulletin was signed by Drs. Rixey, Mann, Park, Mynter, Wasdin and
McBurney.
DR. McBURNEY’S STATEMENT.
Later Dr. McBurney said in an interview:
“The fact that there is no unfavorable symptom is a most favorable sign.
What we are all waiting for is the lapse of time without the occurrence
of inflammation or septic conditions.
“I want to say right here that in my opinion everything has been done
for him that could and should have been done. The case has been most
handsomely handled. If he lives he will owe his life to the promptness
and skill of the physicians here.
“The question of time is of the greatest importance in a case of this
kind. An operation could not have been performed too soon. It was
performed in one of the quickest times on record. It will be famous in
the history of surgery.”
This report from so eminent a surgeon served to allay all doubts, and
the reports sent out from Buffalo cheered millions of Americans, who had
spent a sorrowing Sunday. Prayers had gone up for the President from
thousands of hearts and their invocations seemed to be answered by a
divine Providence.
Telegrams of sympathy and condolence were changed to congratulations
over the good tidings. Hopes rose high, and the somber spirits which had
pervaded the land for three days changed to those of a brighter hue.
Intimate friends were permitted to see the President for a few moments
at a time, and each one on leaving the Milburn home brought cheering
news. The bulletins were optimistic, and the members of the Cabinet who
had been hastily summoned began to discuss returning.
Vice-President Roosevelt had hurried to Buffalo from Vermont. Senator
Hanna had come from Cleveland, his home, and Abner McKinley sped from
Denver, with Dr. and Mrs. Herman Baer, the latter being the favorite
niece of the stricken President. Roosevelt soon departed for the
Adirondack regions on a hunting trip. Hanna returned to Cleveland and
hopes ran high, for the departure of these men was taken as proof
positive that no serious results were apprehended by the corps of
physicians.
The President improved so rapidly on Monday that his friends declared he
would be able to attend the duties of his office, at least to a moderate
extent, within a month. The worst danger was regarded as past,
peritonitis seemed no longer probable, and the only cause for fear was
the possibility of a sinking spell. The X-ray instrument was still in
the house, but had not been used. It was decided by the doctors that so
long as the bullet did not prove immediately dangerous, no serious
attempt should be made to locate it, much less to remove it. If it were
imbedded in a muscle, or was even loose in the abdominal cavity, it was
not regarded as likely to cause much trouble for the time being.
There seemed only one contingency which would necessitate its immediate
removal; if it should press against the spinal column it might cause
paralysis sooner or later, and would have to be removed to save life.
This contingency, however, was remote.
The bulletins throughout Monday were hopeful. One said the President has
passed a somewhat restless night, sleeping fairly well; and another
declared the President’s condition was “becoming more and more
satisfactory,” and adding that “untoward incidents are less likely to
occur.” One issued at 3 p. m. stated: “The President’s condition
steadily improves and he is comfortable, without pain or unfavorable
symptoms. Bowel and kidney functions normally performed.”
The last bulletin for the day, issued at 9:30 p. m., said: “The
President’s condition continues favorable. Pulse, 112; temperature,
101°; respiration, 27.”
Mrs. McKinley felt so encouraged that she took a drive during the
afternoon. She had just left the President, after an interview in which
she displayed quite as much fortitude as the President. She seated
herself beside his bed and took his hand. They said little. In each
other’s eyes they seemed to read what each would say. Then the President
remarked quietly: “We must bear up. It will be better for both.”
There were tears in her eyes as Mrs. McKinley bowed her head in assent.
Soon afterward Dr. Rixey lead her gently from the room.
Mrs. McKinley paid another brief visit to the President that evening.
They were alone for a moment only, barely sufficient for her to kiss him
good night and murmur a few words of cheer.
The way Mrs. McKinley is regarded in the Presidential circle is well
expressed by Secretary Wilson.
“It is a little less than wonderful,” he said, “how remarkably well the
noble woman bore her trial. She was shocked and frightened, but never
for a moment did she show the slightest sign of collapse. Tears came to
her relief, and perhaps it is fortunate for her that they did, as such
an expression of grief undoubtedly lessened the strain.”
News from the bedside on Tuesday was more favorable than on the
preceding day. The danger point was regarded as past, and fast recovery
was the general prediction. The doctors had only two services—aside, of
course, from careful watching—to perform. One was to open in part the
President’s outside wound to remove some foreign substances, and the
other was to give him food for the first time. It developed that a
portion of the President’s clothing had been carried into the wound by
the bullet, and this had not all been removed at the first operation. As
slight irritation was caused by the cloth, the surgeons removed it. The
operation caused no harm, and little annoyance to the patient.
The President felt so well that he asked for some newspapers to read.
The request was denied. The President enjoyed the food given him—beef
extract. At 10:30 o’clock on Tuesday night the physicians issued this
bulletin: “The condition of the President unchanged in all important
particulars. His temperature is 100.6°; pulse, 114; respiration, 28.”
Whenever the physicians would permit the wounded man to talk, he would
show his hopefulness. Jokingly he assured the constant watchers that his
wants were all filled except one—his desire to smoke. McKinley loved a
good cigar and smoked from ten to twenty each day. The craving for a
cigar was constant and only by great self-denial did he keep from
demanding one. The weakness of his heart, which later was one of the
contributing causes of his death, was in part due to the sudden change
from free use of cigars to the absolute prohibition which the doctors
imposed.
The consultation held by the physicians in attendance upon President
McKinley lasted from 9:20 until 11:20 o’clock Tuesday night. Half an
hour after they left the Milburn residence the following bulletin was
issued:
“The condition of the President is unchanged in all important
particulars. His temperature is 100.6°, pulse 114, respiration 28. When
the operation was done on Friday last it was noted that the bullet had
carried with it a short distance beneath the skin a fragment of the
President’s coat. This foreign material was, of course, removed, but a
slight irritation of the tissues was produced, the evidence of which has
appeared only to-night. It has been necessary on account of this slight
disturbance to remove a few stitches and partially open the skin wound.
This incident cannot give rise to other complications, but it is
communicated to the public, as the surgeons in attendance wish to make
their bulletins entirely frank. In consequence of this separation of the
edges of the surface wound the healing of the same will be somewhat
delayed. The President is now well enough to begin to take nourishment
by the mouth in the form of pure beef juice.
“P. M. Rixey.
“M. D. Mann.
“Roswell Park.
“Herman Mynter.
“Charles McBurney.
“George B. Cortelyou,
“Secretary to the President.”
Before the doctors appeared, Secretaries Smith, Wilson, and Hitchcock
came out of the house, followed by Secretaries Hay and Root. They said
the doctors were still engaged in their consultation, and had not come
down stairs. They had been informed, though, they said, that the
satisfactory conditions still continued.
Very soon after the doctors had left the morning visitors began coming.
First came Comptroller Charles G. Dawes, Senator Fairbanks, and Judge
Day. They went into the house about 10:50 o’clock. They were only there
a few minutes when Senator Hanna and Secretary Hitchcock,
Postmaster-General Smith and Congressman Grosvenor of Ohio appeared.
They all expressed themselves as confident of the outcome. The bulletin
of the physicians was not taken to indicate anything serious, and the
visitors confirmed the hopefulness of the situation. The President
showed so much improvement in his condition the people began to send
flowers to him. Shortly before noon Tuesday a wagon load of flowers
arrived at the Milburn house, the gift of Governor Gregory of Rhode
Island to the President. They were accompanied by a message of the
tenderest sympathy and encouragement. The flowers, which were in
baskets, were placed on the lawn and were photographed before being
taken into the house. Two large bouquets came from the First Signal
corps, and some of the friends of the Milburns sent other baskets.
While interest at Buffalo materially centered at the Milburn house, the
prison in which Czolgosz was confined received attention from many. The
President was interested in the assassin, and asked for information a
number of times. The physicians would not enter into details, but stated
that the man was undoubtedly insane, and that the general public
attached no meaning to the attack further than to attribute it to a
diseased mind.
Roosevelt left Buffalo for the Adirondack woods Tuesday night. He
planned to hunt for a few days and then proceed to his home at Oyster
Bay. Senator Hanna and most of the members of the Cabinet left Tuesday
or Wednesday.
Wednesday was another day full of hopeful signs. The President continued
to show remarkable recuperative powers and passed the day without the
slightest unfavorable symptom. He was able to retain food on his
stomach, and surprised and amused his doctors by again asking for a
cigar. He was not allowed to smoke, but he was placed in a new bed. He
was also given a bath. His highest temperature on Wednesday was 100.4°.
That was at ten o’clock in the evening. The highest point reached by his
pulse was 120—at six o’clock a. m.—and his respiration remained normal
at 26.
Mrs. McKinley saw the President on Wednesday morning. When the doctors
arrived at the house for the consultation they passed her sitting in the
upper corridor of the residence at work on her knitting. She was in good
spirits, and after the visit of the doctors they gave their assent to
her entering the sick room again. She remained only a minute, as the
physicians were avoiding any sapping of the President’s strength by
prolonged visits, even by those nearest to him.
Governor Yates of Illinois and State Senator Templeton, chairman of the
Exposition Commission of Illinois, called to pay their respects and
advise with Secretary Cortelyou as to the propriety of proceeding with
the arrangements for Illinois Day at the Exposition, which was set for
the following Monday.
Secretary Cortelyou told them that it was the President’s own desire
that none of the features of the Exposition should be disturbed by his
illness, and assured them that there would not be the slightest
impropriety in going ahead with the arrangements. Such was the
confidence displayed forty-eight hours before McKinley’s death.
The physicians announced that there was no intention of hurrying Mr.
McKinley away from Buffalo, which city is much cooler than either Canton
or Washington, and the home of the President of the Buffalo Exposition
is a first-class modern residence, admirably equipped for taking care of
the patient. It is in a residence part of town, and by utilizing the
police and the infantry had been completely isolated.
It was Mrs. McKinley’s wish that they remain at Buffalo until the
President had recovered and then spend a month at the home at Canton in
final recuperation, after which they were to proceed to Washington. The
President favored going to Washington and the Cabinet officers favored
this plan. There was no pressing public business, but the routine duties
are numerous. Plans were under preparation for the journey to Washington
when the distinguished patient began to show signs of a relapse.
It was on Thursday, just six days after the shooting, that the President
suffered a relapse. Everybody was still full of hopes until 8:30 o’clock
in the evening, when the physicians announced officially that the
President’s condition was not so good. The problem of disposing of the
food in the stomach was becoming a serious one, and the danger of heart
failure increased. At midnight the situation was critical. Calomel and
oil were given to flush the bowels and digitalis to quiet the heart. The
bowels moved soon afterwards, and the patient improved. The pulse
dropped to 120, and the prospect was regarded as brighter.
Secretary Cortelyou announced that there would be no more bulletins
during the night, and the physicians departed.
Shortly after two o’clock, after a heavy thunderstorm, the physicians
and nurses who were left on watch detected a weakening of the heart
action. The pulse fluttered and weakened and the President sank toward a
collapse. The end appeared at hand. Restoratives were applied speedily,
but they did not at once prove effective. It was then decided to send
for the other physicians, relatives, members of the Cabinet, and close
personal friends of the President.
Trouble began on Thursday afternoon through the failure of the digestive
organs to perform their functions. The necessity for nourishment had
been pressing for several days, and the partial failure of artificial
means had led to the adoption of natural means. The rectum, through
which nourishment had been injected previously to Wednesday, became
irritated and rejected the enemas.
[Illustration:
PRESIDENT McKINLEY FALLING INTO ARMS OF CORTELYOU, SAYING: “AM I
SHOT?”]
[Illustration:
PRESIDENT McKINLEY BEING PUT IN THE AMBULANCE AFTER BEING SHOT.]
The physicians tried to feed him through the mouth, probably before the
stomach was prepared. The first administration of beef juice through the
mouth, however, seemed to agree with the patient, and the physicians
were highly gratified at the way the stomach seemed to receive the food.
Dr. McBurney was especially jubilant over the action of the stomach and
before his departure for New York dwelt upon the fact that the stomach
seemed to have resumed its normal functions. The breakfast of chicken
broth and toast given Thursday morning was spoken of by all the
physicians as strong evidence of the President’s marked improvement. It
was only when it became apparent late in the morning that this food had
not agreed with the President that the first genuine anxiety appeared.
The first note of alarm was sounded in the official bulletin Thursday
afternoon, which spoke of the President’s fatigue.
President McKinley, already weak from the ordeal of the tragedy and
suffering, complained of an increasing feeling of fatigue. He had
heretofore been so buoyant and cheerful that his complaints were
regarded seriously. The pulse was then also abnormally high, 126 beats
to the minute. With a temperature of 100.2° it should have been thirty
beats lower.
The weakness of the heart began to arouse serious concern. Instead of
growing better, the President’s condition after that grew steadily
worse.
The staff of physicians, augmented by Dr. Stockton, who had temporarily
taken the place of Dr. McBurney, was summoned early in the evening, and
there was a conference.
At 8:30 the physicians announced officially that the President’s
condition was not so good. The problem of disposing of the food in the
stomach was becoming a serious one and the danger of heart failure
increased.
It was believed then that the opening of the bowels, which was effected,
would have the effect of allaying the wild pulsations of the heart. His
pulse did drop to 120 and the prospect was slightly brighter. But owing
to the President’s extreme weakness and his fatigue no attempt was made
to conceal the serious apprehension which was felt. The feeling of
depression increased in volume and intensity.
Secretary Cortelyou insisted that the truth should be made public by the
doctors and the bulletins themselves were telling their unfortunate
story all too plainly. There was still hope that the worn and weary
patient would be better in the morning, and at midnight Secretary
Cortelyou said it was not probable that another bulletin would be issued
until morning.
Hope came once more to the breasts of those who had waited for hours in
anxiety. The physicians parted for the night and every sign was a
cheering one. There had been disquieting pulse action for several hours,
but practically all of the unfavorable symptoms had been linked with the
stomach trouble, and it was thought they would probably disappear with
the removal of the cause which was supposed to have created them.
The unofficial reports at one o’clock and 1:30 o’clock were both of a
satisfactory nature and the watchers gathered about the house prepared
for an uninterrupted night.
Another thunderstorm came out of the north and a few minutes’ play of
the lightning brought rain in a heavy downpour. A bluster wind blew up
from the west to complete the cheerlessness of the night.
Shortly after two o’clock the physicians and nurses detected a weakening
of the heart action. The pulse fluttered and weakened and the President
sank toward collapse. The end appeared to be at hand.
Restoratives were speedily applied and the physicians fought the battle
with all the reserve forces of science. Action was immediate and
decisive. Digitalis and strychnia were administered, and as a last
resort saline solution was injected into the veins.
A general alarm went speeding to the consulting physicians and trained
nurses as fast as messengers, the telegraph and telephone could carry
it.
The restoratives did not at once prove effective and it was realized
that the President was in an extremely critical condition.
That realization, with the shadow of death behind it, led to another
call, and that a summons to the Cabinet, relatives and close personal
friends of the President.
The messengers who returned with the doctors and nurses were hurried off
after those within reach, and to those who were absent from the city
telegrams conveying the painful tidings were quickly transmitted.
The scene about the house and in the storm-swept street was dramatic in
its action and setting, and the spirit of the tragedy was on those who
looked upon it. A messenger who darted into the rain and was whisked
away in an electric cab gave the outside watchers the first intimation
of the ill news from within.
At the same moment new lights burned within the windows of the Milburn
residence. Soon the word was passed out that the President had partly
collapsed and was critically ill. It was a confirmation that was hardly
needed, for the fact had been established by action that needed no
words.
Mrs. McKinley went through the long night of sorrow as only the
thoroughbred woman does. She slept, but that she could have slept much
was impossible. But no traces of the night’s agony showed as she turned
her serene face upon early callers next morning.
Mrs. Barber, Mrs. McKinley’s sister, was present, and with her the
Misses Barber, her daughters, and her son, Assistant Paymaster Barber of
the Navy. When the two sisters met, Mrs. McKinley came nearer to
breaking down than she had at any time. Her eyes overflowed and her
voice broke. But she soon recovered and was again the strong, consoling
wife of a stricken mate.
When the serious condition of the President was realized, early Friday
morning, Secretaries Hitchcock and Wilson, the only Cabinet officers in
the city, were summoned at once and came in a short time. Drs. Mann and
Mynter and Dr. Park, who had been present at the consultations held
during the night, arrived just after them. The first two were together
in an automobile. They leaped from it before it stopped and ran up to
the house. Dr. Park showed the same haste.
Miss Mackenzie, one of the nurses, arrived at 3:10 in a cab. She jumped
from her cab and ran up the steps. Mrs. Newell, another of the nurses,
followed her in five minutes in an automobile.
Secret Service men, summoned by Operator Foster, came and took
possession of the Western Union telegraph wires leading to the Milburn
house. Communication was attempted with Vice-President Roosevelt. The
Cabinet ministers who were not in Buffalo were sent word to come at
once. Senator Hanna was summoned from Cleveland, and answered that he
would come as fast as a chartered train could bring him.
Mrs. Lafayette McWilliams drove up to the house at 3:35 and went
directly to Mrs. McKinley, who at that time was still sleeping. Then the
procession of carriages arriving at the Milburn house at a gallop grew
thicker, bringing state dignitaries and friends of the President with
their anxiety marked on their faces.
When the immediate danger of death was considered passed the visitors at
the house began to depart, and some of the physicians left. At eight
o’clock the only person at the house besides doctors and regular
attendants were Secretaries Hitchcock and Wilson, Abner McKinley,
Colonel Brown of Fostoria, Ohio, John G. Milburn, Miss Alice Barber and
Mrs. Lafayette McWilliams.
Crowds of the curious had surrounded the house by that time, the news of
the President’s extremity having circulated rapidly through the city.
The lines of police and soldiers were doubled, but the crowd grew and
seemed content to wait for news from the physicians.
Shortly after eight o’clock the physicians began to arrive at the house
again, some of them having gone home for breakfast and rest. Abner
McKinley did not go to his breakfast. Mrs. McKinley was still sleeping
at eight o’clock and Secretary Cortelyou had lain down to rest, as the
strain and anxiety of the night had exhausted him.
Major Diehl called at 9:30 and with him was former Postmaster-General
Bissel. They were informed by Dr. Mann that if the President survived
the day there was hope for him. The President was in a collapse, he
said, although his heart action was slightly strengthened.
A clergyman, Arthur O. Sykes, arrived soon after and caused much
excitement among the watchers, as his presence was interpreted as a sign
of extremity. It was learned, however, that he only came to bring
messages of sympathy from the citizens of Portsmouth, Va.
Senator Hanna arrived at the house in an automobile at 9:35. He arrived
at the Central Station on his special train but a few minutes before,
after a record-breaking run from Cleveland in a chartered train.
Detective Ireland met him at the train and the automobile brought him to
the President as fast as possible.
At eleven o’clock the President fell into a slumber. While he slept the
sun, whose beams had dispelled the rain clouds of the night, was again
overcast. A chilling rain began to fall. Visitors still came into the
house, inquired of the President’s condition and departed.
Governor Yates of Illinois was among them. He arrived shortly after
eleven o’clock. When he left he said the surgeons had informed him there
was a slight improvement in the President’s condition, but not
sufficient to remove the grave apprehension felt.
Senator Chauncey M. Depew arrived shortly after noon with Colonel Myron
T. Herrick, who had gone to the depot to meet him. Senator Depew had
been summoned during the night. Colonel Herrick arrived on the same
train that brought Senator Hanna.
The news that came from the house at this time was still of the gravest
kind. Nothing more than a fighting chance was conceded by the
physicians. That was the news that Colonel Herrick brought out when he
left the house at 12:18 to go to dinner.
By far the most hopeful of the watchers was Senator Hanna, who declared
his belief that the President had a good chance for his life. He sent
for Dr. Rixey and questioned him and the doctor replied:
“The President is gaining strength and has a good fighting chance but
for his heart. God knows what it will do.”
The most noted heart specialist in the country, Dr. Janeway of
Washington, was summoned during the morning.
The advance of death may be read in the bulletins which were issued by
the physicians and others and sent by the newspaper reporters to their
respective papers.
Beginning at 10:28 a. m. Dr. Mynter announced that the President had a
fighting chance. Then came, at 1:45, “The President is sleeping and an
examination will be postponed until later.”
Then for a time no information came which would give the watchers
outside any clew as to the positive condition of the patient within.
Suddenly a carriage came up at a rapid speed and Dr. Stockton jumped
out. He bore what appeared to be a case of surgical instruments.
It was not until after this that the information came that during the
morning Mrs. McKinley had been in the room for a brief time, but the
fact that her husband was dying was not imparted to her, and every
effort was made to keep any suspicion of the true condition from her.
Colonel Alexander came from the house at 2:20 and declared the President
had just awakened from a sound sleep which lasted an hour and a half. It
was rumored, however, that the sleep was caused by the use of drugs and
that Mr. McKinley was really dying.
At 4:45 p. m. Secretary Hitchcock and Secretary Wilson arrived and
passed hurriedly into the house. They would answer no questions.
The anxiety of the watchers outside was abated somewhat immediately
after this, however, by the appearance from the house of Mrs. Abner
McKinley and her daughter, Mrs. Herman Baer. The women drove away, and,
it was argued that, were the President in any immediate danger, they
would not have left the house.
The President’s physicians issued a bulletin at 4:50 which stated that
there had been but a slight improvement since the last official bulletin
was issued. This notice said the pulse and temperature were practically
the same.
A few minutes after the posting of this bulletin Harry Hamlin came from
the house. He would not speak, and, summoning a carriage, he drove away
at full speed.
Though no statement was given out, the appearance of every one about the
Milburn house indicated that the President’s death was expected any
moment. Figures moved about swiftly but noiselessly within the house.
The end seemed at hand when the physicians announced at 5:25 that the
condition of the President was very bad—in fact, could not be worse.
The news was flashed to the White House from an official source at
Buffalo that at 5:45 the President’s condition was most grave. That his
heart was responding but poorly to stimulants. Secretary Root,
accompanied by Carlton Sprague, reached the Milburn residence a few
minutes after five o’clock. It was said that Secretary Long would arrive
at 11:40 o’clock.
To those who were so anxiously waiting for Vice-President Roosevelt or
knowledge of his whereabouts, word came from the train dispatcher at
Saratoga that at 7:30 p. m. Mr. Roosevelt had not been found, so far as
he knew, by the guides who were scouring the Adirondack woods for him.
The Vice-President had not reached North Creek, fifty-nine miles north
of Saratoga.
At eight o’clock word came that under the influence of oxygen the
President regained consciousness for a moment. Dr. McBurney arrived at
the house at eight o’clock, and a moment later a guard was placed around
the tent in which was located the direct wire to the White House.