(THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY'S FATAL ILLNESS)
"TREASURY DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON.
"HON. S. J. TILDEN.
"MY DEAR SIR,--Mr. Manning was, as you know, struck down a
few days ago. A small blood-vessel burst at the base of the brain.
It was impossible to tell at the time how serious the attack would
prove, but this morning his physicians say that the chances are
that he cannot recover, although the case is not entirely hopeless.
At best, they say it will be months before he can attend to any
business. The worst may be expected at any moment.
Y'rs truly,
"W. E. SMITH.
"_Mch. 26/86, 11 A.M._"