Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, July 24, 1881, Page 2

RIGOR. Yesterday’s Alarming News from the White House Sick-Room. A Sudden Stoppage of the Flow from the Presi- dent’s Wound. Three Chills, One of Which Proves to Have Been Very Severe. Immediate Bound of the Pulse to 130, with a Maximum of Fever. The Consulting Physicians Again Hur- ried to Wasbiagton on Special Trains. farther Insertion of the Drainage-Tube Opens the Wound and Amelior- ates the Symptoms. Early This Morning the Pulse Had Dropped Below 100, with a Peaceiul Sleep.- . THE FIGURES! 10 A. M. EXECUTIVE Mansion, WAsntncToy, D. C., July 3—10 a. m.—The President was more restless last night, but this morning at 7 o’clock while preparations were made to dress bis wound his temperature was tound to be normal; pulse, 92; temperature, 94.45 respiration, 19. At 7:3) he had a slight rigor, in consequence of which the dressing of his wound was postponed. Reaction followed promptly, and the dressing has now just been completed. At present his pulse is 110; tem- yerature, 101; respiration, 24. D. W. Briss, J. K. Barnes, J.J. Woopwanp, Ronert Reypery. Executive Mayston, July 8-7 p. m.— After the bulletin of 10a. m. the President’s fever continued. At 11:30 a.m. he had again a slight rigor, and his temperature subse- quently rose until, at p.in., if was 1045 pulse, 125; respiration, 26. Betwern th time and 1 p. mn. perspiration madeits appear- ance, and the temperature began to- fal) gradually. 1t is now 10L7; pulse, 118; respira- tion, 23. There has been a free discharge of ‘aus from the wound during the day, D. W. Bu J. K Bar y ‘J. J. Woopwarn, Robert Reyaurn, HOW IS HE NOW? 5a. M. SATURDAY. ESxecurIve Mansion, July 3—5 a. m.— There has been no material change in the President's condition during the night. He has had another quiet night. Sa. M. The slight fever which made its appear- ance between S$ and 10 last evening, but which subsided during the night, is not no- ticeable this morning. This febrilriz was due to local and temporary cause, rather than to any general untavorable change in the Pres- ident’s condition. Ie is as well now as af the same hour yesterday morning, and this, taken into consideration with the fact that he did not sleep so well as on the previous night, seems to indicate a gain in his favor. 11:50 a. M. Dr. Boynton, who has just come from the President’s chamber, attributes the sudden rise in the President's pulse and temperature to some obstruction in the way of a free dis- charge of pus from the wound. Symptoms of granuletion were noticed along the track of the ball yesterday, and it is possible that this healing process going on at some point comparatively near to the external surface of the body has aummed up a quantity of pusin the deeper part of the wound, end thet the chill and increased fever are to be thus accounted for, The discharge this morning, although perfectly normal and healthy in its character, was unusually scanty, which would seem to indicate that its flow has been in some way impeded or interrupted. The chill mentioned in the official bulletin commenced about § o’clock and lasted until 9, being quite severe, the pulse running up at one time to 130. At this hour the fever is said to be gradually dis- appearing, and the patient's condition is con- sidered better than when the bulletin was issued. Ti5 A. Me The attending surgeons have just tele- graphed Doctors Hamilton and Agnew to come to Washington at once for consulta- tion. 12M. At 7 o’clock this morning the President showed the usual morning symptoms of re- covery, but about § o'clock he was attacked with something like a chill. THe shook all over, and his inuseles. all became rigid with what the surgeons call a ‘trigur.” This chilly, shaky sensation lasted until about 9 o’clock, when the fever set in and rose rap- idly. His pulse went up to 130, and his tem- perature above 10L.. In an hour or so the fever declined some. The doctors are-not yet able to define the cause of the change. ‘The flow of pus from the wound stopped this qnorning, and the surgeons say this may have caused the change-in the President's condi- tion. A longer drainage tude was subs' tuted, and the doctors pressed on the stom: and bowels, but very little pus exude Whether this means that the wound is hea ing between where the ball is and the mouth of the wound, or that an abscess is forming, isnotyet known, Dr. Bliss said just now he could not tell the cause of the change. 1 rm Me ‘The surgeons made a ‘partial examination of the President, but he seemed inclined to rest, and they did net want to fisturb him much, ‘Lhe result of this examination, as given by the surgeons, is, that his condition is not any more favorable than it was sev- eral hours ago. In order not to disturb the. President no other examination will be made until7o’clock this evening. The ductors are very reticent, only saying that the change is probably caused by the stoppage of the discharge from the wound. They will not give any positive opinions, but say they hope for the best. 1PM There was a sudden change in the Presi- dent’s condition this morning about 7 o’clock. The wound ceased discharging and was found closed, and a severe chill was followed by a rapid rise in temperature. ‘The physi- cians were quite alarined, and could not ac count for the change. After the chill ceased, the doctors thought there would be a reac- hon, and the President would rapidly im- prove. The reaction came, but did not last lung. At 12o'cluck the symptoms looked so Serious that the physicians decided to tele- graph for Surgeons Hamilton and Agnew, and this was done. Atl p. m. the pulse had risen to 120, and the temperature to 102, and at 1:90 the pulse was 195. 3:15 P.M At this hour the President is no better than at 7 o’clock, and his condition is can- didly- stated. by the physicians as very seri- ous. The Cabinet has been gathered at th White House all the morning. . 1:20 Pp. M. ‘The President's symptoms at this hour are a little more favorable than at the date of the last unofficial bulletin, but his condition iias not materially changed. 1:50 p. Me The physicians fear an abscess. Dr. Rey- burn says the bullet is the present irritating cause. AM5 rem. w perspiring quite the physicians have The President freely, and is resting. not.made an examination for some time, as they fear to disturb him. ‘There is evidently considerable alarm among the doctors. ar. Me The absence of any morning bulletin this morning was the first indication the pudlic had of an unfavorable change in the Presi dent's condition. - Inquirers were told that it was due to the fact that he passed a restless night and was sleeping, and that therefore the physicians did not think it wise to break his rest, The public were reassured by these statements, but the publication at 10 o’elock of the morning’s facts brought back in a stronger form the apprehensions felt earlier in the day. The new symptoms there noted indicated an interruption to the healing processes of an ominous character. Up to noon, however, no decided anxiety was ex- pressed by those in charge, though it is now known that che action of the wound all this morning was unsatisfactory. 220 P.M. Seeretarles James, Kirkwood, and Hunt, who have this moment come from consulta- tion with the attending surgeons, request the statement to ade upon their authority that the President’s pulse and temperature are falling, and that his general condition is improving. Dr. Bliss authorizes a denial of the truth of the reported interview with him to-day in which he is said to have stated that an abscess had formed, and that a second chill had oceurred. He has ade na such statements. 2:5 pM. Dr. Woodward says: “ Don’thestampeded. His pulse and temperature are both falling. There is a slight reacuon in his favor. The pulse is still 110. it at one time this morning ‘was above 125.7 2:30 P.M. The President’s symptoms are a little more favorable. His pulse fs not quite so high, and the temperature has not increased any. ‘The physicians do not look for any decided improvement before late to-night, and will be quite satisfied if he gets no worse. 230 PM. Dr. Bliss says the pulse and temperature are falling, and that the President is sleepine. He been caused by a stop- page in the discharge. 3330 PM. Dr. Bliss reports that the condition of the President has much improved since noon. His pulse is now below 100, and his general syinptoms show.an improvement. There is not the slightest indication of pyemia, which is the danger most to be feared. 8x0 P.M, The surgeons are recovering from their alarm. They feared blood-poisoning. The pulse has fallen to below 100, and they are now confident that the trouble was due to re- tention of pus only, and not to bloud-poison- ing. 4pm Dr. Bliss says that at this hotr he is of opinion that the irritation was cansed by a stoppage in the wound and an oostacle to the discharge of pus, and that that stoppage has now relieved itself. No examination of the wound, however, has heen made, as the President is sleeping under the influence of morphine. Pulse, 100; no pyemia. $25 Pom. There has been no recurrence as yet of the ; untavorable symptoms which manifested ; themselves inthe earlier partof the day. The President is now asleep, and his pulse remainsat about 100. It is the opinion ot the attending swrgeons that the chill and the subsequent fever this morning was caused by the formation of a pus cavity at some point along the track of the bullet, but this cannot be positively ascertained uniil after the evening examination. Dr. Bliss says he has, in his practice, had cases where the for- nation of a pus cavity ina wound was fol- lowed py amuch severer chill and higher fever than the President has had to-day, and that it is not necessarily an alarming feature in a case of this kind. 4:50 pM. Secretary Blaine has just sent the follow- ing telegram: To Lowel, American Minister, Londo: About noon to-day tne President's condition became very suddenly worse. fe bad cbills, ulternatin with fever, Increased pulse, and very “bigh temperature. His symptoins, at 4:59, are better, and be is much easier in every respect. The consulting surgeons—Dr. Hamilton, of New York, and Dr. Agnew, of Philadetpbia—nuve becn summoned. and are how en route to Wash- ington by speciat train. Buatsg, Secretary. 5:30 P.M. : The special train conveying Dr. Hamilton, one of the consulting surgeons, left Jersey City at 2:54 p. m., and arrived at Philadel- phia at D.in., Where a second special train with Dr. Agnew on board awaited the arrival of Dr. Hamilton, The train left Philadelphia after half-past 4, and is expect- ed to arrive in Washington about hal: tT. Ss P.M Drs. Agnew and Hamilton . reached the Executive Mansion at 3 p.m, and are now in consultation with the attending sur- geons in the latter’s room. It has not | been decided whether another examination | of the patient shall be made this evening or not, Lie is resting quietly nuw, and, in view of his improved condition, it may be thought best notte disturb him at present by allow- ing Drs. Hamiltun and Agnew to see him. 820 P.M. In reply to a telegraphic inquiry Attorney- General MacVeagh seut the following dis- pateh at s:20 p.m. ‘The President's condition has slowly improved for several hours past. but is still a cause of anxiety. The consulting physicians have ar- rived. orm Drs. Hamilton, of New York, and Agnew, of Philadelphia, arrived at Sp.m. lt was intended to hold a consultation at 9 p. in, butithas been decided not to disturb the President to-night, and probably no further Teport will be made. 10 P.M. At this hour the President is sleeping quietly. Pulse, 106. There is a manifest subsidence of the disquieting symptoms of the day. Blaine has sent the following: To Lowell, Minister, London: At 10 oelock to-night the President's symptoms are better. Pulse, temperature, and respira- tion improved, The distressing nau: left, and there is no appearance of chil. Buatne, Secretary. Lp st. The President’s pulse has fallen to 100, and he is now sleeping without any manifesta- tions of restlesn and without disquiet- ing symptoms. Drs. Agnew and Hanmilion did not think it best to disturb him by making an examination to-night, and did not even see him, but had a consultation of an hour and three-quarters with the attending surgeons. They express gratificatiun at find his symptoms much more favorable than anticipated. All the surgeons have now left the Mansion except Drs. Bliss and Woodward, wno are on duty. 12:50 A. M. SUNDAY. At this hour the President is sleeping quietly. Tis pulse stands at 100, an abate- ment of 18 since 7 o’clock, and, although Dr. Woodward, who is watching, did not at- tempt to take the respiration or temperature, he said that the condinon of the patient indi- cated that both had subsided ina degree to THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: SUNDAY 1881—SIXTEEN PAGES. correspond with the abatement of the pulse. ‘The evening dose of morphia was increased by one-sixteenth of a grain, and, under its influence, the President remained very quiet. Dr. Woodward remained on guard, and Siew- ard Crump and Col. Rockwell are also ou duty, Private Secretary Brown said that the nausea had entirely disappeared. He alse remarked that Mrs. Garfield felt much more cheerful and hopeful. All the Cabinet of- ficers left the White House at midnight, and soon after that hour the attendants who wer noton duty for the night retired, satisfi that no unfavorable change in the President’ condition was to be teared during the next few hours, : 1:30 A.M. Nothing has oceurred sinco 11 p. m. to indi- eate any unfavorable chanze in the Presi- dent’s condition. At this hour he is resting comfortably and the two attending physi- cians on duty ut the Executive Mansion, as well as the members of the President's house, areasleep. . 2am Nothing has happened since the last bul- letin to indicate unfavorable conditions, The President, the two attending physicians, and the household are sleeping. Special Dispatch to The Chicago. Tribune. .Wastuxcrtos, D. C., July23.—“t Lt has been the worst day since he was wounded,” said Dr. Reyburn.to-day at noon, and there was 2 pallor in his voice as he said it, “ ‘Phe situ he added. “The e may be a serious complication, We have sent for Drs. Agnew and Hamilton, and we hope that all will be well.” But the language was the language of hope, and not that of confident expectation. The change in the symptoms had been sudden, and it was as alarming as. it was sudden, ‘The oflicials at’ the White House had ‘not been informed of the gravity of the situation. The bulletin of Private Seeretary Brown, for instance, which was sent to the Cabinet at S a. m., spoke of a fever which had subsided last night between Sand 10, due to LOCAL AND TEMPORARY CAUSES, rather than to any generally unfavorable change in the President's condition, and said? “He is as well now as at the same hour y terday mormne, and this, taken in conside! ation with the fact that he did not sleep so well asin the previous tight, seems to indi- eate.a gain in his favor? The attending surgeons had not informed — Private Seeretary Brown, at half-vast 7 o’clock, that there had been achill, whieh the attending surgeons in their bulletin issued later, at 10 o'clock, characterized as “a slight rigor,” but which isnow known to have been a severe anu strongly marked chill. It was a chill, unannounced, unexpected, that was of the character of the chills which at this period in a gunshot wound which often precede the setting in of THE DREADED PY-EMTA, the fatal blood-pol: g- ‘The pudlic was not informed of this, and for two how until 10 o’clock, were at peace. The attend- ing surgeons had thought it wise to walt be- fore they issued an official bulletin, until they could ascertain the character of the dis- charge, and they were obliged to postpune the dressing of the wound because, at the usual time for that ceremony. the President was in convulsions with the “ slight rlgor.”” What it meant they did not know. What it might. mean they knew. That it did not mean what they feared they could only fer- yently hope, and, pending that period of doubt and TERRIBLE: ALARM, it seems to have been deemed wise to keep even the Presidential household in iznorance of the very alarming condition of the Pre: dent in the early morning, but, at 10 o’cloe a bulletin was issued which showed that from 7 o'clock this morning the pulse had increased from 92 to 110, the temperature from 98.4 to 101, and the respiration froin 19 to M4. THE MANY SKILLED MEN who read that bulletin knew what it meant. The popular mind in Washington has be- come educated to the current and expected symptoms in the President’s. case, and, with a shiver, there came involun- tarily to the lips of almost the whole town the word: “ Pyemia— Dlood-poisoning.” It was three weeks al- most toa moment from the time of the shot, and it was the time when the blvod-poison- ing, if it was to come atall, might be ex- pected. The people had not been prepared for it. The bulletins of the last two weeks, which had contained such constantly reas- suring signs of continued progress, had In- duced us all to think that the President was “OUT OF DA 1, that he was “convalescing,”—that he “going to pull through,’—that he “ont of the ‘woods,”—and — that “was 8 question, at most, it of ew weeks,” and of a“ certainly returning lity,” when the President would be per- mitted to take his greatly-desired trip upon the Tallapoo: nd look once more upon the people and the world that he loves so weil. So Washington was stricken down witha sorrow only less mtense than that which seized it when the awful shot was fired three weeks before. ANXIOUS CROWDS gathered at. the bulictin-boards; eager, ear- nest people assembled at the gates of the White House grounds to question the police and the sentry to know the trath, and their sincere sorrow was only intensified when they heard the President was very much worse. Mounted messengers were til dispatehed to the difvrent Cabinet offers, to inform them of the alarming change in the conditions, and the carriages of the Cabinet, one after another, were speedily driven to the White House, as they were three weeks before, te learn the news which the crowds about the xrounds, the bulletin-boards, the telegravh-otfiees, were convinced was to be the fatal sequel of “THE TRAGEDY OF JULY 2 The opor e heat of a summer's day hung over Washington, but it 1 dd not to the anxious crowds. The nev s_ unfavora- ble, and the waiting peopie realized, once more, as they did through the first terrible week, that the President was fightin} fearful odds. ‘They pressed agi mites, and seemed to try to peer within the white walls where the suifering President lay. And they were right. THERE Was A CRISIS, more serious than the surgeons had told them,—more serious than the surgeons knew,—so serious that they dared not think what the truth might be. Men who had been hopeful shook their heads. The brave Mrs. Garfield, whose splendid cour- age has sustained her through this terrible ordeal, was reported to be quite cast down. Bluff, hearty, horeful Maj. Swaim, the Pres- ident’s coustancattendant, was as solemn. as the grave. Col. Corbin, a not less faithful nurse, said. The surgeons tell us that there is a stoppage of thewound. Thatis ouronly hope.” ‘The great spaces about the White Mouse were once more heavy with gloom. Hope, that had been nursed so long, seemed once more to have fled. SOON THE NEWS CAME OUT that the attending surgeons had telegraphed for the consulting surgeons, Drs. Agnew and Hamilton, and that they Were conning with the utmost possivle speed on a special train. ‘Then the crowd became convinced that all was over, for they said: “These Washing- ton surgeons, whe have so much at stake in this matter, would never have sent for these gentlemen if the crisis not frave. If hie was going to pull through, as they have always told us, we should have heard nothing of telegrams for Agnew and Hamilton. The Washington doctors would have been proud to have carried the President through an- other crisis. It was not only THEIR HIGH PUBLIC DUTY, but it was their greatest prufessiunal pride, and they have called these foreign doctors in because they fear that the end Is coming, and they wish, in this hour of last extremity, che counsel and approval ‘of these eminent National surgeons in* whatever may be lone.” : ie IT WAS A TERRIBLE MORNING. No accurate information could be obtained. {tseemed as if anew poignancy was to be idded tothe grief which had taken posses- sion of all of us three weeks ago, and that now, as We were about to hope that he was restored to life and health again, he was to be taken. from us. after wl. Everywhere there’ was a solemn and oppressive quiet. The bulletin of 10 o’clock did not remove the dreadful overshadowing anxiety and uncertainty. Meanwhile, in- side the White Mouse there was very much more bvoyancy than, at the gates. ‘There has always been a bright and cheerful feel- ng in the Exeentive offices. ‘Those who pre- sinle there never have been willing to admit that the fatal hour could come, and to-day. when elsewhere all was gloom, one could hear it stated there that “we do not appre- hend anything serious. The dociors s: there is no cause for alarm. It is a temporary fluctuation, such as must be ex- pected in the progress of such a disease. One cannot hope that a person so severely wound- ed as the President was can progress with- out interruption towards recovery.” BUT THE Worps WENT FoR NAUGHT. The anxious face of Dr. Bliss, who has grown many a year older in. these last three weeks, told no such story, although his voice was always the voice of hope. Dr. Reyburn’s honest Seotch face can deceive nobody, and ft did not this morning. ‘The truth was that the President was very much worse—how -much worse nobody knew, or, if he knew, did not dare to tell. Officially, it was stated that the slight in- crease was due to overexcitement, and that the return of fever was only temporary, and it was sald that the political news of yester- day, the election of Conkling’s successor, dd the death of Justice Clifford, had had an ting effeet upon the President. Here it may be well to state that THE STORY 1S NOT TRUE which has gained general cireulation that the President yesterday, upon hearing that Judge Lavham was elected as the successor of Conkling, said * Thank God!? A gentie- man who was in the sick-room, and who ‘heard the dispatch announcing the result read to the President, said that the President only said: “Well, Lain glad. it is over. 1 am sorry for Conkling. Islfuld like to give bim a foreign mission.”? ALL THAT COULD AT FIRST BE LEARNED as to the causes of the sudden catastrophe, was that the President. had passed a restless. night. It was soon discovered, however, that the wonnd had not been dressed at the usual tine, because, in the technical lan- guage of the doctors, the President had been seized with rigor. In layman's language that meantachill, The first chill occurred last night about 10 o'clock, but it was anite slight, and the restlesness of she President during the night, noted in the offi- cial bulletins, was due to that. Dur- ing the night the President had only fitfulsnatches of sleep. The fever towards midnizht subsided, but it left the patient weak and restless. This morning, when the physicians came at the usnal time to dress the wound, they were‘compelled to desist, because the President was seized with an- other rigor at half-past 7, which was A VERY MARKED ONE, and which caused a shiver throughout the entire frame. At that hour there was nocon- siderable increase in'femperature. It was not until 10 o’clock that the wound was dressed and the first bulletin of the morning issn ed. At 10 0’clock mention was made of a slight rigor whieh occurred at 7:50, In consequence of which the dressing of the wound had been postponed, and it was added that reaction had promptly followed, leaving the pulse then at 110; temperature 101; and respiration 24, The attending physicians were alarmed, however much they may have endeavored to conceal it, They knew that there was re- tained pus, inasmuch as there was but very slight discharge from the wound in the early morning, whereas there had been four ounces: on yesterday, a quantity, in the President's weak condition, TAT MUST GREATLY ENFEEELE TM. The physicians had learned uo more, and trom 10 o°lock until 1 o’clock the symptoms of the President continued to grow worse. At 1 o’clock he was reported to be in a heavy perspiration, which was not a healthful sign, as it was one of the certain svmptoins of ap- proaching pywmia. Soon after noon it was learned that the temperature had increased to 104, his pulse to 129, and his respiration to 26, and it was determined to send for Drs. Agnew and Hamilton. THE CONCLUSION WAS REACHED TOO LATE to enable Dr. Agnew to take the limited ex- press at noon, and he came on by special ear. The doctors nad different theories as to the | cause of the change. One of them said: “It may be an abscess. It might be that a pus- pocket has formed in the wound about the bullet. The wound is what is known asa twisted wound, and makes some turns. At oxe of these turnings it may have become ' closed, and the pus may be detained beyond | that point.” When the flexible eatheter w inserted in the wound, the other day, it in dicated a sharp twist in the wound, and then ran against a solid obstacle, which MAY TAVE NS THE BULLET, and the catheter was’ not further pressed. At hatf-past 12 o’clock the temperature had reached the highest point yet reached in the history of the case. The pulse had also bounded up with quiek leaps to 150, reealling | the beat of the first night, when death seemed to be a question not of days but of » hours, and almost of minutes. Neverthe- less, his condition was such that the surgeons thought it ad ble to leave the wound undisturbed. Every symptom was watched with critical attention, and, had these omin- ovs tendencies continued, and -ins greater degree, iinmediate and hereie measures would have been necessary. and would Lave been taken by the physicians to save his life, but, happily, the fever seemed to come to its climax about 1 o'clock, and from that hour until the afternoon builetin was pub- lished, at To’clock, the improvement was steady, though slow. THE RULLETIN AT 1 O’CLocK gave the temperature as 1044, pulse 125, and. respiration 26. At 7 the pulse had fallen to { 118, and the respiration to 2%. Best of all, the temperature had sunk to 101.7. Dr. Reyburn at 1 o’elock left the White House for the first time in’ all the anxious morning. He sald: ** The situati ous; more serious than it has bee: time.since the President v shot. We do; not know what grave complications may | arise?” “Does the Wound look natural?” was asked. F : “It looks well,” he said, “and there is no | glazed appearance, as there generally is when pyzemiu is to-be feared.” | “Tlas there béen a tree discharge of pus during the night?” * There has not,” he replied, “ Yesterday there was an unnsual amount di ced = four ounces, ‘Lbis morning, when the wound. was dressed, there was very little.” “Was the pus healthy?” “Weexamined it wich the greatest care. It had a normal-smell, and see wed rieht? | «To what do’ you attribute the change in the President’s condition?” “Tt undoubtedly is due to . A CHANGE Li THE CONDITION WOUND, There must be some new cause of irritation. ‘There {s evidently a retention of pus, a stop- page of some sort, A sac-depot or cavity may be forming in the track of the wound at a point where there may be adhesion between the bullet and * OF THE oy the mouth of the wound, or a sac of pus may be forming about the bullet itself, prelimin- ary to an abscess, At this time we caunot tell. We shail have to watch and wait.” “Js there any change in the President’s appearance or a "To tell the truth, there is, Ilis face has assumed a dusky color,” and Dr, Reyburn did not add a fact, which all physicians know, that a dusky color under such condi- tions is an extremely unfavorable symptom. Dr. Reyburn being asked again if the rigor or chill was severe, sald that it was A VERY MARKED ONE. There w: shiver throughout the Presi- dent’s entire frame, and the pulso inereased at one time to 125. Itfell in two hours to H0,.and the temperature fell nearly two de- grees, Other physicians—not Dr. Reyburn —say that this remarkable change in the pulse and temperature within so short a period is an exceedingly bad condition, and that it is one of the preliminary indications of blood poisoning, . High fever, sudden fluctuations, great weakness, followed by perspiration, are some of the more notable indications of this terrible change In the con- dition of the blood. Dr. Reyburn, being asked whether the President was strong enough to resist SUCH A silock AS TWO CITILLS, “The President is certainly not strong. He is very weak indeed. He is not as strong as he is generally supposrd to be. He has to be lifted on sheets, and, whenever we wish to give him a glass of water, we have to raise his head. Certainly, the Presi- dent is not strong.” Dr. Reyburn, of course, was not disposed to give any definit opinion as to the probable effect of this sudden relapse. Ie could only that he hoped for the best, and that we should have to wait and watch for the result. ANOTHER PHYSICIAN, who has been giving a close study to the case and who has been advised of all the symptoms or last night and to-day, expresses the ovinion that there is great danger from bleod-poisoning if the dreaded change has not already come, and if the President's re- {apse this morning is not due to purulent in- fection. “In the history of the wound,” he said, “it is time for this symptom to appear, if it is to appear at all, and many of the conditions indicate that itis to appear. The discharge of pus fs less free, the abdomen has become tender and irritable, and the President, to relieve him- self of pain caused by pressure upon those parts, is making use of his lungs alinos' tirely for breathing. Rixors or chills have set in, and between sundown last night and noon to-day, NE WAD HAD THREE, one of them at least very severe. The pulse rapidly increased to an abnormal State—125— and alinost as rapitily sank to 110. The ap- petite has been impaired—was almost entirely wanting during theday—and tne President has been sustained by gentle stimulants. ‘The nee on the face is another is bad. The violent chill has been succeeded by a not less violent reaction, followed by profuse sweats. The rigor re- turned more than once in twelve hours, with differing degrees of intensity. ‘There has been pain in the body and in the limbs, and the tongue has been parehed. ‘There has been a good deal of mental anxiety, and there has been excessive restlesness. There has been pain in the joints and limbs.” MEANWINILE, attempts have been made to foree the pus from the wound by pressure upon the body, and the dressing of the wountl had been changed in a manner that would tend to keep the channel open. ‘The drainage-tube was changed for a longer one, and the new tube was adjusted so that it penetrated the wound about three and a half inches from the opening. The physicians said the wound could not have healed internally between the bullet and its mouth, although there had been symptoms of granulation in its track, and that the most there could be was ad- hesion of the parts, 10 P.M. The physicians at their examination this evening inserted a flexible catheter into the wound and pressed it against what had been an obstruction and had prevented its further progress on the previous occasion. With a very slight pressure they were able to make a penetration and apparently opened a closed place there, whereupon there came quite a free discharge of pus of a greenish color, showing: by its character that it. had been gathering for some time. The.e were, how- ever, no evidences of pyemia, and the doctors do not apprehend that it exists. Im- mediately after this operation the President, who had heen very restless and in pain, was much relieved, and all the symptoms became more favorable, there being a lowerlng in all the figures. The physicians hope that they have reached and taken away the cause of the unfavorable spmptomis of last night and this morning. There. will not be a further formal exploration of the wound by the at- tending and consulting physicians to-night, unless strongly-imarked untavorable symp toms reappear, Which the Doctors do not au ticipate. TO-MORROW MORNING atS o'clock there will bean examination and dressing of the wound by the six physicians. Drs. Hamilton and Agnew arrived here about half-past 7 this evening, and were met at the depot by Dr. Bliss and driven to the White House, where they immediately went into consultation with the four doctors in attend- anee, and will probably be engaged with them until 11 o’clock or later this evening. DR. REYBURN, in an additional interview this evening, says: “ For the last two or three days there has been arising in the temperature, but we could not foresee such a sudden and serious development as that of | this morning. This morning we had examination at 750 and another at 1 wiih the temperature running up toa higher point than it has ever reached yet. Its high- an ‘est point was 104. Sinee that time the tem- perature has steadily fallen, however. The Presidenv’s condidon to-night is very much improved. Tle is very much -ea: of course there is room for apprehension, but we have e reason to hope that the danger sident vomited 2” she vomited three times this morn- ing. He is, ot course, taking very little food, but we increasing the quantity now. We have to feel our way along in order not to overload the stomach.” “Was not the vomiting considered a very dangerous symptom ?” : “Ti was only one of the fever symptoms, and was to be expected, ‘The temperature the most important symptom. That has now fallen from 10 to Wi. The pulse has gone down to 118 and respiration is 25. ‘The vomiting has stopped, The,condition of the patient WAS REALLY QUITE THREATENING in the middle of the day, The vischarge was not so copious, und it was thought that there was a pus cavity formed at the lower end of the wound.” z “ Did you think that it could be dealt with successfully 2” “O, yes. We think we can remedy that We were fearful at first that there was blood- poisoning—py mia. But this is pretty mach pastnow. Wehaveto attend io him very closely, ‘of course. This tuning has been coming on for a couple of davs,-ag you.have doubtless noticed by the bulletins, The President has comphained a guod ‘deat of fatigue, and although handled wiih Lire ten- derest care, yet his sense of fatigue has not abvated.’” . - 2 At this point Dr. Reyburn was called away tuattend a consultacion with Dr. Agnew, who had just arrived froin Philadelphia. Tue TRUUNE correspondent, on his way to the White Mouse, soon after 1 o’eluck, heard adozen rumors,—oue to the. effect that Dr. Bliss had declared that the President could not live, another that bis pulse. was .150, and another that he was rapidly sinking and the physicians had given up all hope of his re- covery. When the correspondent arrived at the White Eouse, a few minutes later, he found that, while there was no panic there, the feeling among those surrounding the President was one of : GREAT ANXIETY. “low Is it, Colonel?” he asked of Col. Corbin, who entered with an anxious face. “Well, it is pretty bad. The President’s temperature is very high, and so is his pulse. We hope tor the best.” Private-seeretary Brown said: “Of course we feel very anxious, but we must not give up. The President Is resting quietly now, and is perspiring. His pulse is slightly lower than it was. We do not know whut the tem- perature is now, because the doctors donot want to disturb him.” “Has the President taken any nourish- ment to-day ?”” “Yes, he has taken some milk and toast, _ with beef-jnice, but nothing solid fora day or two now.”? . “Have Drs. Hamilton and Agnew been sent for?” “Yes, but not in anticipation of a fatal re- sult. The attending surgeons naturally feel that, in justice to themselves as well as to the consulting surgeons, the latter should be called here, We expect them this evening.” aT 3 O'CLOCK, when the Government Departments poured forth their thousands of eimployés, the streets became more animated, and the scenes of three weeks ago to-day were repeated, ale though inasomewhat modified form, Dr. Bliss had spoken ina somewhat more reassur- ing tone respecting the President's condition, saying that he was no worse than should have been expected after two such rigors as he had experienced. But people generally seemed inclined and prepared to believe the worst, und stories that blood-poisoning had developed were circulated and by many be- lieved, Indeed, it is reported that dispatches were sent from here this afternoun to a num ber of newspapers saying that pywimia baa set in, RE WAS NO AUTHORITY WHATEVER for such statements, so far ds the physicians in attendance upon the President were con- cerned. THE TripuNe eorrespondent saw Col. Curbin again atthe White House at8 o’clock this even.ng. He appeared less anx- ious, and, in response to an inguiry regard ing the President’s condi.ion, he replied: “I think he is much better, and that is the opin- ion of Swain,who has been with him nearly allday. We still think be is gomg to pull through.” Private-Secretary Brown said: “There has been a free, copivus, and spontaneous dis- charge of pus from the wound, and the doc- turs appear to feel very mueh encouraged.”. MIDNIGHT. The consulting physicians, Agnew and Hamilton, had a two hours’ conference with the attending surgeons, but the President has not been personally examined by Agnew and Hamilton, Ue is resting quietly now, under the influence of opiates. His temperarure is about ll. Lis pulse is considerably reduced, and it is not deemed advisable to disturb him untilearly in the mornmg. Dr. Hamilton says that there is no cause for alarm; that the President’s condition is not as serious as he feared. Dr. Agnew said that he had supposed the discharge of pus had entirely stopped, and feared that the matter might be discharging into the ab- dominal cavity, in which event the case would have been very serious, He also gives a reassuring opinion. THE CONSULTING PHYSICIANS HAVE RE- TW to the house of Attorney-General MacVeagh for the night, subject to call, andjtwo of the attending physicians are on duty. The two others are sleeping in the ante-room. No more bulletins will be. issued tu-night. The pulse and temperature will not be taken until te morning ‘There is reason to think that, in the morning, the President will be reported yery much improved. DENTAL. At midnight Dr. Reyburn says that the rumor current in New York, and telegraphed thence to Washington, that the physicians had been probing for the bullet, and had thus brought on the fever and accompanying dangerous symptoms, was false. ‘The un- favorable symptoms are due to the forma- tion of a pus cavity. “We have.” he added, “given him three-sixteenths of a grain of morphia, and he has been sleeping since the wound was dressed.” Agnew and Hamilten._entirely approved the — treat- ment of the-attending physicians, and, while they agreed that the exigency was sufficient to warrant their being sent for, yet the threatening syinptoms had subsided, Drs. Agnew and Hamilton both disapproved of the diet uf the President and of his talking much. Dr. Agnew has tele- graphed to his wife since his arrival that the President’s condition was promising. Dr, Hamilton telegraphed to his wife that he found matters less serious than he feared. Secretary Blaine said this evening that THE VICE-PRESIDENT has not been sent for; that there had been no such emergency to require it. “He has been receiving al! the information about the Presi- dent,” said Mr. Blaine, “and I have just sent him a reassuring telegram.” Secretary Kirkwood, before leaving the White House, stated that the day had been one of great anxiety for all the Cabinet, but that they were.all feeling greatly reassured by the more favorable symptoms of the evening, and their hopes of final recovery were strong. Mrs. Kirkwood, in reply to an inquiry, said that Mrs. Garfield was manifesting less anx- iety this evening than at noun, and was quite evidently easier in her mind. THE BAD NEWS. IT SPREADS RAPIDLY. Wasttncros, D. C., July 23.—The news that the President was not doing so well spread | rapidly through the city, and, before long, unury footsteps were turned toward the White House. The same expressions of solicitude and anxiery whieh marked ‘all faces just after the President was shot were visible everywhere. Those coming from the dfirec- Uon of the White House were stopped fre- quently by Inquirers avout the President, Not much more than the fact that the doc- tors felt uneasy could be learned, ‘The con- vase seemed to be such that the ons did not care to venture Rumors of all kinds could be heard. ally regarded as the most unfavorable sign, was the telegraphing for the vousulting surgeons. ‘The public con- cluded that there was something critical in the case, or else this would not haye been dor Early in the afternoon the symptoms im- proved, the fever declined, and 5 TUE DOCTORS FELT ENCOURAGED. - Dr. Bliss said, ata quarter past 1 o’clock this | afternoon: “I have just left the President. He is sleeping now, and resting easier. There is no great complication in his “case. The 1 tise in the President’s temperature. and res- piration fs about the rise. that would be pro- duced by achill The cause of the chanze is the confinement of pus in sume cavity, If this were an ordinary case we would feel no bout it, but it is uot an ordinary case, and of course there is some anxiety.” At half-past 1 o’clock this afternoon. Dr. Bliss told she reporter of the Western Asso elated Pre: nothing in the Pres! se to cause alarin. Said he: “Ifthe President were an ordinary patient, Iwould have no anxiety atall, Eo have, how- ever, telegraphed for Drs. Agnew and Hamilton, because I belive that, in ecuse- quence of the change that has taken place, there souk be a consultation.” “WHAT IS THE CAUSE OF THE CHANGE, Doctor?” “Well, the wound did not discharge as freely this morning, and that may have caused the relapse.” i “Js there apy sign of malari No, I think not. At2 o'clock this afternoon Dr. Bliss only said that the President was no better, and Bliss plainly did not care to express any{ opinion veyond that. Soon after 2 o'clock the President’s pulse and temperature had gone down and he was perspiring alittle, His pulse and “temperatnre had gone down fromthe morning, which indicated an {ip- provement over his condition. This morn- ing the reports from the sick room were more encouraging. The physicians were not able to’ tell exactly this aftertioon the cause of the President’s changed condition. DR. REYRURN said it was something unexpected, and had not been anticipated. At 3° o'clock the fever had abated and the doctors were more hopeful. ‘fhe President took no food to-day. He only drank some milk dashed with rum. Itis learned to-day that there was a slight rise in the President’s pulse and temperature about $ o’cluck last night, indicating a slight fever, which was regarded by the physiclans as a temporary fluctuation, due to local causes. A MEMBER OF THE CABINET, who had made arrangements to leave to- morrow, has consulted with the President’s physicians, and they have advised hiin not to do su, but to await a change in the patient’s unexpected and very unfavorable conuition. ‘Khe Star, in an extra, says: “The Presi- dent’s fever last night was very sharp. He subsquently perspired very freely, and it parily went off that way, but this morning it took the shape of achill. The chill lasted for about fifteen minutes, and the President shook with it very much, “ At one thne IT WAS A SEVERE CHILL. ‘The pulse reached 150, a most unsatisfactory sign. It dropped back right away, however, ‘The chill’ Set in about 8, and it wasa little after 9 before the reaction took place. After it the patient rested pretty comfortaoly. The |. doctors do not assien any exact reason for the President’s unsatisfactory condition to- day. They say it is probably caused by the failure of the wound to discharge freely. When it was dressed this morning the wound did not give forth nearly sv much matter as during the past few days. By pressing the body a little was foreed out. It is possible, the doctors think, diat a new” formativn is being made near the bullet. The method of dressing the wound was changed alittle this morning. A dressing that will keep the wound more open was applied. THE DRAINAGE TUBE was also changed for one a little longer. The new tube was so adjusted that it pen- etrated the wound about three inches anda hatf from the opening. In dressing the wound this morning, when it was found the dis- charge was by no means free, the pressing upon the abdumem which has heretofore caused a flow of pus was tried, but ic did not work satisfactorily. This would indicate an accumulation of matter where the bullet is Jocated.” THE EXPLANATION GIVEN by the attending surzeons of. the unfavora- bie symptoms which. manifested themselves in the President’s .case to-day is. briefly a3 follows: Some time during the night, or early this morning, the patient’s wound, which had for several days been discharg-:ng freely, became obstructed ator near the inner end of the drainage-tube, while the process of suppuration in the deeper parts of the wound continued. A partial or complete pus cavity was thus formed, and the dis- charge from tie mouth of the wound nearly ceased. The natural result of this state of things wasa chill, followed by higher fever, the patient’s pulse rising to the maximum of about 130. and his temperature to 104 As rigor, fullowea by increased fever, is a symptom of pyceia, or formation of an ab- svess, and of other unfavorable complications, it caused at first a- good deal of anxiety. Careful examination, however, of the pus discharged by the wound showed thatis character was perfectly normal -and healthy, and, so far as appeared from the patien’s general condition, ALL INDICATIONS OF PYEMIA WERE AB- SENT. These facts relieved at once the fear of blood+ poisoning. External examination was then made of the abdominal and bepatic regions, with a view of ascertaining whether there were any signs of abscess at the supposed Jocation of the bullet. No unusual tender- ness'was found in that part of the body, or any other indication of a changed condition, From these facets, taken in connection with the seanty outflow of pus, the conclusion was drawn that an obstruction existed near the innerend of the drainage-tube, which pre- vented a free discharge. This imprisonment of pus, technically known as the formation ofa “ pus cavity,” is entirely adequate to ex- plain the chill and fever, since they are its natural and Inevitable consequences. It was at first thought the obstruction might be the result of the process of healing which bad wholly or in part el-sed the wound between the end of the drainage-tube aud the deeper suppurating surface. EARLY IN THE AFTEENOON, however, the obstruction wholly or partially gave way, the outflow of pus became freer, the nausea from which the patient had suf: fered subsided. and he obtained reliet. Tais proved that the obstruetion had not been of a permanent character. At the evening dressing of the wound the discharge of pus was quite as copious as usual. Since that time the patient's fever has steadily abated, and at the present hour (10 p.m.) his pulse has fallen to 106, and lie is sleeping quietly. The consultmg surgeons, Agnew and Ham- ton, do uot regard the situation as crave as they feared, and expressed renewed con- fidence. AT 8 O'CLOCK IN THE AFTERNOON. The President, about $ o’clock, was sleep- ing. His pulse had reduced somewhat. {t was thought by the doctors that by inserting - the drainage-tube in the wound to a greater depth the wound would again discharge. The trouble seemed to be that the wound was healing too fast from the exterior. The ding fur Drs. Agnew and Hamilton was not for the reason that te attending sur- geons do not have the fullest faich in their management of the case, but because unfavorable symptoms having appeared, the President’s physicians thought it due to thenselves to call in consulting sur geons. Then, in the event of an unfavorable termination, it could not be said that all the agencies at hand to preserve the Preside nt’s life had noc been employed. AT 4 O'CLOCK THIS AFTERNOON the President v a little better than at 3 o’clock. He was sleeping quietly under the influence of morphine. He perspired freely during the afternoon, His pulse was then 160, the lowest since this morning. Following are THE SYMPTOMS OF LILOOD-POISONING, according to “The Manual of Practice of Surgeons,”.by Farlie Clark, of the Charing Cross-Hospital, London, a standard author thority: When a person is about to be at tucked by pyemia, the wound usually be- cones dry and healthy. The pus which i secreted is seanty, and then, at the samme time, there is an increused frequency of the pulse and breathing. The temperature rises, end the patient hes a rigor, more or less distinct. This is soon followed by a copious per Spiration, and coincidentaliy, the temper- ature falls. When the disease 13. fully estavlished, the comptexion is sallow, or leaden, the eyes sunken, the features pinched, the tongue dry and brown, the pulse quick and weak, the respiration hur tied, ‘The breath has a faint sweetish odor, the skin is moist, and after a well-marked rigor, itis bathed in sweat. There are 0¢- casional shiverings and wandering pains are felt in various parts. With all tuls there Is great prosiration and rapid wasting, and & | ’