C UTT] TfSS 
CoNWNlN^ AN ACCOUNT OF W ILLNESS 
Q pr* 
President Ci^KELELB 
i W . NEW YORK HERALD, MONDAY, JULY 4, 1881.- 
THE SCENE OE THE SHOOTING. 
Detailed. Diagram of the Baltimore and. Potomac Bailroad Depot, with Positions of the 
President, Secretary Blaine and. the Assassin. 
Railroad Track. 
Railroad Track. 
Railroad Track. 
Raritan. 
Special Car for the 
President. 
Saggage Room. 
Pullman 
Palace Car 
Office. 
Smoking Room. 
T rain 
Despatched 
Room. 
W.C. 
FIFTH STREET. 
MAIN HALL- 
RESTAURANT. 
60 04 
Ticket Office. 
O 2 
Ladies' Retiring Room. 
B STREET, NORTH. 
1, Where Guitoau stood when first shot was fired. 
2. President, when first hit. 
3. Where Guitoau fired second shot. 
4. Where second shot took effect. 
5. Blaine. NEW YORK HERALD, 
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1S8L- 
bulletins from the white house. 
Among the bulletins sent out from time to time 
to-day were the following:- 
Executive Mansion, July 3-6 A. M. 
The President's rest has been refreshing during 
the niiht, and only broken at intervals o. about half 
hours by occasional pain in the feet and to take his 
nourishment of milk and lime water and bits of 
era ked ice, to relieve the thirst which has been 
const nt. He is cheerful and hopeful, and has from 
the first manifested the most remarkable courage 
and fortitude. 
Pulse, 116; respiration. 18; temperature, normal. 
The advisability of probing the President's wound 
for the bullet was carefully considered at the con- 
sultation of his attending physicians at throe o'clock 
yesterday afternoon, and it was then determined 
not to make any attempt to extract the bail owing 
to the fact that the reaction which should follow 
the shock of injury had not taken pl ice, 
and besides great tears were entertained at 
that hour that the President would not 
rally. Careful and delicate examinations m ide 
later in the evening revealed the tact that the ioca- 
tion of the ball, as determined, was such as to make 
any effort last night for its removal unwananted. 
this morning the physicians decide that no effort 
will be made at present to extract the ball, as its 
presence in the location determined <ioes not nee- s- 
sarily interfere with the ultimate recovery of the 
President. 
Executive Mansion, 1 
Washington. July 3-7:30 A. M. f 
Dr. Bliss states this morning that the examina- 
tions made yesterday afternoon and evening dis- 
closed the fact that the bullet entered the President's 
body between the tenth and eleventh ribs on the 
right si e or the spinal column, and, passing for- 
ward and downward into and through the lower 
end of the right lobe of the liver, finally lodged in 
the anterior portion of the abdomen. 
Executive Mansion, July 3-10 A. M. 
The President has rested quietlv and awakened re- 
freshed, and his improving condition gives addi- 
tional hope of his gradual recovery. Pulse 114, 
respiration 18, and temperature about normal. 
D. W. BLISS, M. D. - 
Executive Mansion, July 3-11 A. M. 
The President's condition is greatly improved. He 
secures sufficient refreshing sleeu, and during his 
waking hours is cheerful and is inclined to discuss 
pleasant topics. Pulse 106, with more full and soft 
expression; temperature and respiration normal. 
D. W. BLISS. 
Executive Mansion, July 3-12:45 P. M. 
Dr. Bliss reports the President's condition at this 
time as steadily improving. 
Executive Mansion, July 3-6 P. M. 
There is no appreci ble change since the last bul- 
letiu. The President sleeps well at intervals. Pulse 
lu8, temperature and respiration normal. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
(Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 3-9 P. M. 
The President's condition remains unchanged. 
All the symptoms are favorable. A rumor in cir •il- 
lation on the streets this evening to the effect that 
inflammation had set in in the President's wouna is 
denied by the attending physicians. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 3-10:30 P. M. 
The condition of the President is less favorable. 
Pulse, 120; temperature, 100; respiration, 20. He 
is more restless and again comp ains of the pain in 
his feeet. D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBDRN. 
Executive Mansion, July 4-12:30 A. M. 
The President's condition has changed very little 
I since the last bulletin. Pulse, 112; temperature 99.8; 
respiration, 20. Some tympanites is recognized. 
Does not complain so much of pain in the feet. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
S. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
A. DANGEROUS RELAPSE. 
[BI TELEGRAPH TO THE HEB 4LD. 1 
Washington, July 3, 1881. 
In the evening there were hundreds of visitors to 
the White House. Among them came the Vice 
President, who drove to the mansion with Marshall 
Jewell. Mr. Jewell did not go in, however. 
Mr. Arthur walked hastily through the portico 
and into the White House. Mr. Brown, the private 
secretary, met him and escorted him upstairs, and 
through the library and Cabinet chamber to the 
room where Mrs. Garfield, in com pany 
with Mrs. James and her oldest son, 
were sitting. He expressed his deep 
sympathy for her, and sat by her side at the win- 
dow, In the meantime the most alarming rumors 
were flying around the mansion, and reports that 
the unfavorable symptoms had set in were 
quoted on every side. A bulletin was 
issued at six o'clock that gave the sufferer's condi- 
tion as practically unchanged, but the wording of it 
was carefully scanned, and many thought they saw 
iu it something between the lines. The physicians, 
as they hastened to and fro through the rooms of 
the Secretary and the large ante-chamber 
of the Cabinet room, were eagerly questioned by the 
favored few people who had gained access there. 
To all questions they answered in the same terms 
of their bulletin, but no answer was made 
which could be tortured into giving encourage- 
ment. Meanwhile the crowd gathered outside 
the gates, in front of which a guard of soldiers were 
on duty. The favored few who held cards of admis- 
• sion to the grounds collected on the por- 
tico and in the entry hall, and waited 
for the next bulletin. W rd was sent out 
at nine o'clock that the President's wound 
had just been dressed, and that it had as a natural 
result made him more feverish. This, it was un- 
derstood, was to allay the apprehensions that would 
naturally be awakened by the bulletin. 
MORE DOCTORS CALLED. 
During the evening another surgeon appeared on 
the scene in the person of Dr. Homerine, of Millers- 
burg, Ohio, formerly surgeon in Garfield's old 
regiment, the Twenty-tourth Ohio volun- 
teers, and an authority on gunshot wounds. 
He had been summoned by the President's personal 
request shortly after the shooting. At the same 
time President Hinsdale, of Hiram College, arrived. 
He was taken at once to the family rooms in the 
White House, as was also Captain Henry 
Marshal, of the District. Both of these 
gentlemen had been sent for at the 
President's request. Earlier in the evening de- 
spatches had been sent to New York to Drs. 
Hammond and Agnew, and it was un- 
derstood that a change of treatment 
that was proposed would not be entered 
upon until their arrival, unless the changed 
condition of the President should make it necessary. 
This led up to a rumor that there has been a seri- 
ous disagreement between the attending physicians 
as to what should be done in some detail of the treat- 
ment. The attending physicians are now Drs. Bliss, 
Barnes, Lincoln, Norris, Raymond and Homerine. 
At eleven o'clock they were all with him, and it 
there had been an issue raised which threatened the 
harmony of their action it was not then ap- 
parent. 
The favorable symptoms in the con- 
dition of President Garfield which sent 
a thrill of hope through the country that 
he might recover irom the wounds 
inflicted by the miscreant, Guiteau, were 
maintained until ten o'clock last evening. 
Then a change for the worse caused his 
physicians the keenest anxiety. At half-past 
ten a bulletin was issued which showed a 
mounting of the pulse to 120, a temperature 
of 100 and a respiration of 20. The patient, 
who had been so brave, had become 
restless, and complained of pain in 
his feet. At half-past twelve his condition 
Was generally unchanged, but tympanites 
was discovered. Up to the hour of 
going to press the information was 
not reassuring, but no immediately 
mortal symptoms were reported. The bat- 
tle for life remains undecided. 
FIRST DAWN OF HOPE. 
At half-past two o'clock this morning the Presi- 
dent had taken a little food, consisting of fluid ex- 
tract of beef, and drank some water. His stomach 
retained this sustenance, and gave grounds for a 
hope that his physicians had not dared to entertain 
before, and it was whispered about the library, 
where at this time sat the memb rs of the Cabinet, 
that the President might recover. It was 
the first ray of light. Before that whatsoever 
favorable rumors had prevailed in the streets 
and hotel lobbies as to the prospects no 
indorsement was had of them by the Ministers from 
the attending physicians. 
DB. BLISS SANGUINE. 
A bulletin was issued from the White House at 
ten A. M. It represented that the President's condi- 
tion was very favorable and that his recovery was 
looked for. Dr. Bliss at noon said that General Gar- 
field was in remarkably fine condition. The physi- 
cians who are treating the President said that the 
greatest danger to the President would be from in- 
flamation of the wound, which might at any time 
set in. Everything was being done to 
guard against this, and the doctors hoped 
for the best. 
DR. SIMS' COUNSELS. 
[VIA FRENCH ATT,ANTIC CABLE TO THE HEBALD.l 
Paris, July 3, 1881. 
I interviewed Dr. Marion Sims this evening. 
He says:-"If the President has recovered from 
the shock and the surgeons think that the ball 
has perforated the abdominal cavity they should 
cut open the abdomen, as in ovariotomy, tie 
any bleeding vessel, sew up the intestine if 
wounded, clean out the peritoneal cavity 
and place a drainage tube to drain off poisonous 
exudations. This should be the treatment of 
all gunshot wounds of the abdomen." Dr. Sims 
says that he studied the subject at the battle of 
Sedan, and that lie made there many post-mor- 
tems proving that the patients might have been 
saved if they had not been in a dying state 
when brought to his ambulance. He saw the 
post-mortem of Fisk, and feels confident that 
his life could have been saved by the method 
he proposed. 
Where Is the Bullet I 
In one of our cable despatches from Paris 
Dr. Marion Sims gives some rather heroic 
advice as to how the President should be 
treated-advice which it fortunately seems 
unlikely there will be any occasion to fol- 
low. It will be noticed that the Doctor, 
who is a man of genius aud is conscious of 
all sides of a case, suggests a criticism 
upon his own plan. He says that the cases 
of this nature which came before him at 
Sedan could have been saved if the men 
were not already in a dying condition when 
he got them. That is likely to be always 
the difficulty. If a bullet has cut in the 
abdominal cavity an artery large enough to 
justify the opening of the cavity in order to 
tie the vessel, that artery will bleed <he 
man to death before the cavity can be cut 
open. There is now the best reason to be- 
lieve that no artery has been cut in this case, 
and there is pretty good negative evidence 
tending to establish the point that the in- 
testine is not cut. It is apparently the 
opinion of the surgeons that the bullet is 
lodged in or against the anterior wall 
of the abdomen, having traversed 
the cavity without doing other mis- 
chief than wounding the liver. This, 
if it prove true, is a marvellous 
chance. Nature will take good care of the 
ball if it is in this position, and will build 
a little wall around it to prevent it from 
becoming a source of irritation to the parts 
near it. That is her method of dealing 
with things she cannot get rid of. Perito- 
nitis from the perforations made by the 
bullet is now a greater source of anxiety 
than the bullet itself. NEW YORK HERALD, 
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1881 
sum When Dr. Bliss ar»?ved on the scene 
he tock possession of the case in 
a way with which he is identified in the minds ot 
his brother practitioners, and which by some at 
least is spoken of us arrogant and dictatorial, Ho 
was explaining to the other doctors that he had used 
the probe very carefully and han touched the pistol 
balL Surgeon General Wales had said, ••You 
should, I think, have inserted your little finger to 
discover the course of the bullet,*' Dr. Bliss mads 
no direct answer, and Dr. Wales carried out his own 
suggestion and brought to light some features that 
are understood to have an important bearing on tho 
case, and in the light of which thecourseof treatment 
was changed. On Sunday morning the physicians 
who had been called in consultation came with an 
expectation of seeing the patient, but were met by 
Dr. Bliss, who informed them that everything had 
been done, and he was now able to secure the Presi- 
dent that degree of quiet that fie so much needed 
by telling them all about it. Nothing was said, and 
the consultation went forward, and when it was 
finished Dr. Bliss said there would be another in 
the afternoon. All of them left then but Drs^Reys 
burn and Baxter. 
QUABBEL BETWEEN BLISS AND BAXTER. 
What ensued is thus described by an eye-wit- 
ness ;- 
Dr. Baxter said:-"I will now go in-wfth youand 
see the President." 
'•What for?" queried Dr. Bliss. 
"Why, 1 am the family physician,"replied Dr. Bax> 
ter, in apparent surprise. 
••And how did you find that out, pray ?" asked Dr. 
Bliss. 
"I don't understand what you mean,** replied Dr. 
Baxter, hotly. "Explain yourself." 
•T mean," was Dr. Bliss' answer, "that you are 
always sneaking around trying to prescribe to some 
official. Now, you want to steal this case from me- 
that's your game." 
••Siri" said Dr. Baxter, advancing toward him. 
"That is the exact fact," interrupted Dr. Bliss. 
"You are always seeking to prescribe for those in 
authority-any one who will help you lobby your 
schemes through Congress." 
"You lie when you say that," replied Dr. Baxter, 
"lam the family physician of Mr. Garfield." 
Dr. Bliss came forward as if he would strike Dr. 
Baxter, but Dr. Bliss' son intervened, and catching 
Dr. Baxter by the coat said in a high tone of voice:- 
"1 have got something to say about this. Thia is 
my affair, father." 
Dr. Baxter made reply that this was not the place 
for such a scene, and taking up his hat prudently 
retired from the .room and left the Executive Man- 
sion. In all probability nothing would have been 
hoard of this affair further except for the next step 
taken by Dr. Bliss. That afternoon be addressed a 
letter to Surgeon General Wales, of the navy, saying, 
in effect, he need not attend at the White House any 
more, and sent a letter containing practically the 
same thing to the Surgeon General of Marino Hos- 
pitals, Dr. Hamilton, and to Drs. Eincoln, Town- 
shend, Patterson, Morris, Gunnell and Purvis. As 
none of these gentlemen knew that the ordor was so 
general each kept quiet about it until to-day, when 
the facts leaked out, atid.now they are in high dudg- 
eon all around. 
DR. BAXTER'S STATEMENT. 
Dr. Baxter was not inclined to take the matter 
quietly at first; but, of course, be had no remedy. I 
called upon him at an early hour to-day and found 
him very angry. He said;-"I feel insulted and out- 
raged. 1 have been General Garfield's physician for 
five or six years. Since he entered the White House he 
sent for me and said he wished me to continue in 
my old professional relation. I found the gentle- 
men in consultation, and when they had closed and 
gone away, leaving Dr. Bliss, Dr. Reyburn and Dr. 
Bliss' sou in the room, I asked Dr. Bliss to take 
me to the President. He said that was not 
necessary. I told him that I had a right to go; 1 
was thnfamily physician. lie said I could not get bulletins and despatches. 
Washington, July 4, 1881. 
After the arrival of Dre. Hamilton and Agnew this 
morning there was deep anxiety to discover their 
views of the President's condition. A consultation 
of all the medical men was held. Soon it became 
known that Dr. Agnew (of Philadelphia) had em- 
bodied his ideas of the case in these words:- 
•'The President's condition I regard as extremely 
critical, but not without hope." 'Regarding the 
crisis Dr. Bliss is reported as saying:-"If the 
President passes through to-day without losing 
strength it will be exceedingly encouraging. The 
crisis, however, cannot be definitely fixed, as there 
may be a change at any time." Dr. Bliss further 
said mat the examinations which have MjVi made 
confirm the opinion that the ball is loca' jn the 
neighborhood of the liver. * 
BULLETINS. 
Bulletins were published at the White House as 
follows:- 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion. July 4-8:15 A. M. 
The condition ot the President is not materially 
different from that reported in the last bulletin 
(12:30 A.M.) He has dozed at intervals during the 
nigut and at times has^ complained of the pain in 
his feet. The tympanites has not sensibly increased. 
Pulse, 108; temperature, 99 4-10; lespiration, 19. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
ERANK H. HAMILTON. 
D. HAYES AGNEW. 
Executive Mansion, ) 
Washington, July 4-8:15 A. M. j 
We held a consultation with the physicians in 
chtrgo of the President's case at seven A. M. tc-uay 
and approve in every respect of the management 
and ot the course o' treatment which has been pur- 
sued. FRANK H. HAMILTON, of New York. 
D. HAYES AGNEW, of Philadelphia. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-12:30P. M. 
There has been but little change iu the Presi- 
dent's condition since the last bulletin. Complains 
much less of the pain in his feet, slight vomiting 
occasionally. Pulse 110, temperature 100, respira- 
tion 24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[URoffiela!.] 
Executive Mansion-2:25 P. M. 
The President awaked from sleep a few moments 
since ami said to Dr. Bliss, who stood by his bed- 
side:-"Doctor, I feel better than I have at any time 
since I was wounded." 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:30 P. M. 
Dr. Wood wal'd, in conversation with Secretary 
Hunt, about fifteen minutes ago, said that there was 
no perceptible change in the President, and that the 
symptoms continued favorable. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-5:15 P. M. 
The President partook of a quantity of chicken 
broth a short time ago and has retained it. He is 
resting about the same as when his condition was 
last reported. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7:35 P. M. 
The President this evening is not so comfortable. 
He does not suffer so much from pain in the feet. 
The tympanites is again more noticeable. Pulse, 
126; temperature, 101.9; respiration, 24. Another 
bulletin will be issued at ten P. M., after which, in 
order not to disturb the President unnecessarily, no 
turther bulletins will bo issued until to-morrow 
morning. D. W. BLISS. 
j. k. Barnes. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-9r20P. M. 
The President's condition to-mght is admitted by 
bis attending physicians to be more unfavorable 
than it las been during the day, but the change is 
not regarded as especially alarming for the reason 
that the increased pulse and temperature, which are 
its most marked features, wore observed about the 
same time Saturday evening and last evening 
and were anticipated to-night. The day, 
too, has been extremely warm and close 
and the President has been more or 
less restless fromgthat cause and from the pain due 
to the laceration of the nerves leading to the feet. 
The attending physicians are very reluctant to ex- 
press any positive opinion upon the facts stated in 
to-night's official builetin. but they are hopeful that 
the temperature will f ill and the pulse grow less 
rapid during the night, as was the case last night, and 
that the condition of the patient to-morrow morning 
will not be worse than it was this morning. Should 
these anticipations be realized the attending physi- 
cians say they will have very strong hopes of the 
President's final recovery. Since the date of the 
last official bulletin (7:45 P. M.) his temperature 
aud pulse have slightly decreased, which is taken 
as an indication that the views above expressed are 
not without foundation. At the present time all 
that can be positively said is that the situation of the 
President is critical, but that there are indications ef 
an abatement of the unfavorable symptoms. Pout- 
master General James and Secretary Hunt express 
themselves as confidently hopeful that the Presi- 
dent's condition will improve during the night as 
j it did last night, and that there will then ba very 
strong reasons tor expecting a final recovery. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-10 P. M. 
1 Slight amelioration ot symptoms during the past 
i two hours. No vomiting during that period. Pulse, 
I 124; temperature, 101; respiration, 24. In order not 
to disturb the President unnecessarily no further 
''-haHtih will be isvAed until to-morrow morning. 
the murderous assault upon the President of the 
United States, aud Hey desire to express to the 
family of the President their deep symy thy in the 
distressing calamity which has ®o sm .only over- 
whelmed them in thy deepes/ gloc and to 
join their prayers with thojie of .he whole 
community that our Heawnly , ather may 
bless with success the means used for 
his recovery, and may continue to our country and 
its institutions care and protection in the sad trials 
that may be impending. 
Resolved, that a copy of, the foregoing, certified 
by the president and secretary, bo transmitted by 
telegraph to tho Honorubl/ Secretary of State ot the 
United States. HAMILTON FISH, President. 
Jowr Schuyler, Secretary. 
Montgomery, Ala., July 2, 1881. 
James G. Blaise, Secretary ot State, Washington:-. 
Profound and universal sympathy here for the 
President. Telegraph hs his condition. 
R. W. COBB, Governor. 
Tho Secretary of State has also received, through 
the Spanish Minister/ a telegram from the Captain 
General of Cuba, expressing nis sorrow and indig- 
nation at the attempt upon the life of the Piesidont 
and his fervent hope for a speody recovery. 
Philadelphia, July 4, 1881. 
Twenty thousand p»ople present at the exercises 
of the Bi-Ceutennial Association of Pennsylvania to- 
day joined in the/solemn expression ot a prayerful 
hope that the encouraging symptoms reported from 
the bedside of the wounded patriot and statesman 
may speedily A>a followed by the assurance of a 
certain recovery. E. C. KNIGHT, President. 
REPLIES TO MESSAGES. 
Early to-day Mr. Blaine sent the following message 
to our Ministers at London and Paris:- 
An important consultation was held this morning, 
at which Dr: Agnew, or Philadelphia, and Dr. Ham- 
ilton, of New York, able and skilful surgeons, were 
present. The result is not reassuring, though the 
conclusion was that recovery is possible. We do not 
give up hope. BLAINE, Secretary. 
Mr. Blaine also sent tho following:- 
To Hon. Hamilton Fish, President ot tho Society of 
the Cincinnati, New York:- 
Accept, on behsif of the President, the sincerest 
thanks tor the sympathy of your illustrious and 
patriotic society. JAMES G. BLAINE, 
Secretary of State. 
THE PHYSICIANS' QUARREL. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. J 
Washington, July 4, 1881. 
The President's physicians have quarrelled at 
last, and the rumors furnished in these despatches 
yesterday in regard to their disagreement be- 
long to the record of fact to-day. It is, of 
course, well known that Dr. D. W. Bliss has con- 
trol of the case, but just how he come to 
have it is not known, but the manner in which he 
retains it is the subject of the quarrel of to-day, 
on whose early skirmishes the rumors of yesterday 
rested. To present tho situation as it exists it is 
necessary to refer to the early presence of Dr. 
Townshend, Health Officer of the District, whowae 
first on the ground when the shooting took place. 
DR. BLISS ASSUMES CONTROL. 
Physicians were summoned from every quarter, 
almost at random, and within half an hour the 
wounded President was surrounded by a full dozen 
of practitioners, all of them ot the old school, how- 
ever. It may be remarked just here that Dr. Susan 
Edson is a homceopathist, and she is Mrs„Garfield*H 
physician. Tho position of family physician seems 
scarcely determined, although it is claimed by, and 
by some accorded to, Colonel Jediah H. Baxter, 
M. D., United States Army, who holds the further 
position of the Chief Medical Purveyor of the 
United States Aimy. He has attended the 
President aud his sons, and on one occasion 
treated his daughter, and, since General Gar- 
field's accession to the high office, prescribed 
for him. He was, however, away at the time the 
shooting occurred, but heard of it through the press 
despatches early in the afternoon. He at once 
started for Washington, and travelled Saturday 
night from Williamsport, Pa., near which place he 
was staying. He drove at once to the house and 
entered the room where, at the very time, a con- 
sultation was being held. Present at it were Dr. D. 
W. Bliss, of accorded high reputation in the sur- 
gical branch of his profession; Burgeon 
General Wales, of tho navy; Dr. Town- 
shend; Dr. Pattison, coroner of the district; 
Dr. Hamilton, Surgeon General of the 
Marine Hospital Service; Dr. H. S. Lincoln; Dr. 
Woodward. United States Army; Dr. Norris, United 
States Army; Dr. Gunnell, United States Navy-; Dr. 
Purvis, Dr. Parker, Dr. Heyburn and one or two 
others. 
QUESTION OP PROBING FOK THE BULLET. 
The consultation had been based on.Dr. Bliss' re- 
ports of the condition of the patient. None of the 
others had seen him that morning, and Dr. Bliss 
had given in much detail the situation of affairs. 
Saturday night there had been a little tift between 
tho Surgeon General of the Navy and Dr. Bliss that 
had caused tho other doctors present to elevate their 
. i „T1!j ynoir for some further is- NEW YORK HERALD, 
all times to the sick chamber are General Swaim, 
who never leaves it. but sleeps a little sometimes on 
the sofa; William Crump, the steward of the White 
House, and Dr. Susan Edson, referred to above. Dr. 
Bliss spends nearly all his time in the White House, 
and so does Dr. Homerine, the surgeon of thePresi- 
; 
deni's old regiment. The latter, with President 
Hinsdale, of Hiram College, is domiciled in 
the house. The other physicians come and 
go at will, and there has been until recently 
so many of them that it was hard to keep trace 
cither of their number or their relation to the case 
Itself. Even in the White House the news of the 
President's exact state Is scarcely to be obtained 
with more foundation of fact than from the rumors 
that circulate in the street. The bulletins prepared 
by the physicians, after being read in the Cabinet 
chamber, are brought down stairs into the grand 
hall on the nrst floor, where they are read aloud by a 
messenger and copies given to the press. Visitors who 
come in at the front door are frequently escorted 
out when they leave through the grounds in order 
that they may escape running the gantlet of In- 
quiry tiiatawaitB them both in the grounds and at 
the closed iron gates against which the eager crowd 
presses and through which it peers with anxiety. 
SCWKR1XO OP TUB PRESIDENT. 
The President has suffered almost incessantly 
since Saturday noon. All of to-day his feet and the 
lower part of his leg:, have been swathed in 
rags soaked in paregoric. The pain that lias 
been referred to as a nervous twitching 
is, in fact, most excruciating. For a 
time he found some relief in having his feet 
squeezed and beaten by.slaps of the hand. This of- 
fice was performed by Mr. Crump, who held the 
President's feet in his powerful grasp and gave him 
much relief. But since Saturday night the feet have 
become so sore that he cannot stand the pain 
any longer, and hence the applications just 
spoken of. For a time relief was obtained 
by giving hypodermic injections of morphia. 
This operated to soothe his pain, but after 
a few minutes of restful sleep he vould be- 
come wide awake and vomiting would ensue. As 
this was the very thing of all others that it was de- 
sired to prevent the use of the drug was discon- 
tinued. All day he bore his paiu like a Spartan. 
Sometimes a spasm would earns over his face, and 
the nervous hands that are scarcely ever still would 
be waved in air for a few seconds, and then if the 
spasm passed by would fall lifeless by his side. But 
all the time he made no complaint. Onc^he asked 
tor more air. The room is in the southwestern cor- 
ner and has three large windows In it, two opening 
to the west and one to the south. It opens into an- 
other room, which has two largo windows facing 
south. Across the hall is another room of tho same 
dimensions and arrangements for ventilation. A 
current of air Is obtained by leaving the doors of 
these rooms and their windows open. But since 
yesterday morning a light northwest wind has 
blown, and the sick chamber has been very 
hot and close despite all efforts to keep it 
cool and pure. It was at one time proposed to move 
tho President across the hall to tho privale chamber 
on the north west, where the remains of President 
Lincoln were brought, aud where subsequently the 
post-mortem examination was held. This it was 
thought not wise to do, because of the fact by which 
the room is identified, and tor the further reason 
that it might result unfavorably to make such a re- 
moval at such a time. 
Dr. Boyton, the President's cousin, who was 
summoned on Sunday from Cleveland, arrived late 
tc-mght- 
The condition of President Garfield dur- 
ing Sunday' night and yesterday morning 
was not such us to strengthen materially 
the little hope held oat for his recov- 
ery. As the day advanced, however, 
the fact that the alarming symptoms of the 
night before had not increased, but were 
temporarily modified lor the better, gave 
renewed encouragement. The President 
kt one time stated that he felt better 
than at any time since he was shot. 
Toward nightfall the condition was not 
bo good. He was not s nd ering so 
much from the pain in his feet, 
but the unwelcome tympanites was 
still present- His pulse hud risen 
io 126, his temperature to 101.9 and his 
respiration to 24. At ten o'clock an 
amelioration of the symptoms was noticed; 
there had been no vomiting during that 
period. His pulse was 124, and tem- 
perature one hundred and one and res- 
piration twenty-four. No further detailed 
bulletins, it was announced, would bo is- 
sued until morning, but at midnight it was 
announced that pulse and temperature were 
lower and the brave patient was sleeping. 
It is the opinion of the doctors that 
the crisis will be reached some time to-day. 
They decline to give positive prediction of 
the chances of the President, but do not 
shut out hope. 
The doctors have quarrelled, it appears, 
but, so far as can be learned, it is not on 
thr» Question of treatment. 
Condition of lire President. 
At the date of the last bulletin issued in 
the night, sixty hours from the time the 
President was shot, no discouraging symp- 
tom had appeared in the case, and every 
hour that passes in that way naturally adds 
weight to hopeful anticipations. There has 
not occurred a single pathological incident 
that was not a rigorously necessary result of 
such an injury to a sound man, nor 
one that shows the slightest depart- 
ure from such regular operations of 
nature in the circumstances as are 
| to be expected and as must and do 
1 occur even where men recover. This 
is the general summary of the case to 
the last moment in the night, and it seems 
to ns to affird abundant justific ition for 
that sanguine view of the chances which is 
most indulged by those who best know the 
patient's vitality. But a surgical case of 
this gravity is to be judged on the facts as 
actually observed, and an hour or two at 
any time now might give rise to complica- 
tions that would change all. In the ab- 
sence of such new facts the people may feel 
assured that things are going on remarkably 
well. 
If a man grievously hurt by a gunshot is 
not killed instantly by the overwhelming 
effect of the injury upon his nervous sys- 
tem, or does not die within a few hours 
from the loss of blood, he has to pass 
through a period of peril variable in length, 
in which all the symptoms are the expres- 
sion of Nature's attempt to get ov<r the 
trouble and accommodate herself to new 
conditions. In any simple injury on the 
surface of the body-in a cut, burn or 
bruise-we are conscious of Nature's way of 
doing this. We know how the part red- 
dens, swells and gets hot and painful, and 
how this provokes iriit ition and fever. 
All these are the plain consequences of an 
increased flow of blood to an injured part, 
and this little group of morbid facts is 
I called inflammation. With this condition 
produced in the scalp by a blow on the 
head, or on the foot or hand by a cut or 
burn, we are uncomfortable enough, but 
we are not commonly in great danger; but 
with the same condition produced in any 
great vital organ within the body -where 
we cannot get at it with soothing and cool- 
ing applications-the danger to 1 fe is 
necessarily very great. 
People will thus understand that some 
degree of imflammation is an inevitible 
consequence of such a hurt as the President 
has rec ived, and need not imagine that be- 
cause there is inflammation and because 
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1881 
LONG MEDICAL CONSULTATION. 
The arrival of Dr. Agnew, of Philadelphia, and 
Dr. Hamilton, of New York, shortly after throe 
o'clock this morning, appeared to infuse new life 
into the inmates of the White Bouse. The phy- 
sicians at once went to the President's side and re- 
mained there for some time. At seven o'clock Bra. 
diss, Barnes, Woodward, Keyburn, Hamilton and 
Agnew held a consultation. They remained to- 
gether tor a long time, and agreed that the President 
was in a most critical condition; at the same timer 
there was a chance of his recovery. Dr. Agnew said 
that he would not like to say that the President's 
case was hopeless, although he admitted that the 
symptoms were not very favorable. During this 
consultation Mrs. Blaine, Secretary Windom and 
wife. Postmaster General James and Attorney Gen- 
eral McVeagh were in the White House. They ap- 
peared to think that the President was not in such a 
bad condition as on the previous night. The patient 
passed tho morning quietly resting. 
FACTS VKOM DB. BUSS. 
Dr. D. W. Bliss, in conversation in the main cor- 
ridor of the White House, addressing his remarks 
to Ainsworth K. SpoHard, Librarian of Congress, 
spoke as follows:-"Wo now think there is less 
likelihood of tympanites increasing as tho patient 
advances. We have avoided expressing an opinion 
as to how the matter will culminate, and have 
simply stated the condition of his pulse, 
temperature and respiration. Of course he is 
in a very precarious condition, and this everybody 
knows. He has certainly up to last evening got along 
us well as could be expected. His wonderful strength 
is greatly in his favor. In fact, he is as strong a man 
as I ever saw. He bears up remarkably well, and 
his conversations are interspersed with pieasing in- 
cidents. Ho is allowed nothing but milk and lime 
water, and even this he does not always retain on his 
stomach. He vomited once this morning, but there 
is nothing alarming in that. He has not had a pas- 
sage from the bowels since he was shot, and we 
have designed to prevent It. There is a protective in- 
flammation around the wound, which nature pro- 
vides, but there is no excessive inflammation. There 
is, of course, a liability ot pus lormiug, but this, as 
well as similar matter, wo cam clean out as it ap- 
pears. The sensatory and motive nerves of the in- 
ferior extremities have not been injured, but the 
sympathetic nerves have, thereby causing reflex 
pains in his lower extremities. After consultation 
with Drs. Hamilton and Agnew we have determined 
that the conduct of the case be made a matter of I 
record, as it will be a matter that will be criticised 
- throughout the world." Upon being questioned as 
to the size of the ball he replied thatit\vas about 
forty calibre, and that he could put the top of his 
finger in the wound. 
MOUE NEWS FBOM THE SICK CHAMBEB. 
While Postmaster General James and Secretaries 
Lincoln and Kirkwood were at the Arlington Hotel 
a messenger came from the Executive Mansion to 
report that a marked ehange for the worse had taken 
place in the President's condition. They at once 
hurried to the White House where they received 
more encouraging reports. But the rumors thus 
set afloat ware not so-easily contradicted, and the 
most serious apprehensions prevailed in t-he 
Executive Mansion for a time. Dr. Susan A. 
Edson, who attended Mrs. Garfield during her recent 
attack of malarial fever, in whom she hat the 
greatest confidence, came out into the room where 
the Cabinet Ministers ware gathered and said:- 
"Gentlemen, the President's danger is not immi- 
nent-rest assured of that. He cannot die to-day." 
This lady physician serves as nurso to the President, 
and her presence in the sick chamber and tho confi- 
dence which is reposed in her by Mrs-Garfield is 
thought to intensify tho ill-feeling that exists 
among tho physicians. The President's chamber 
was held sacred to-day. No one except Mrs. 
Garfield herself entered tho room dur- 
ing the forenoon and afternoon, and she 
only came once and remained but a 
little while. The only parsons who havo access at they have heard within forty-eight hours of ' 
the symptoms due to that inflammation that 
the case has taken a peculiarly bad turn. 
Some inflammation is a necessary part of 
the progress of the case, but the points of 
importance in regard to it are the extent to 
which it may go and how the patient stands 
it. There are indications that it will not 
go very far and that his system will 
stand it very well. Mr. Garfield is 
evidently not a man of the irritable typo. 
Irritability is the attribute ot unstable or- 
ganizations. People with hereditary dis- 
eases or with systems broken down by over- 
labor or exhausted by debauchery are 
fretted to death by any little hurt that does 
not reach the sensibilities of a robust sys- 
tem. The President's hard, simple life as a 
conn try boy; bis enforced liborand sobriety; 
his equal exertions that made mind and 
body keep pace with one another in growth 
have laid up for him in the old days a fund 
of constitutional capital that he can now 
draw upon, as shown in the readiness of the 
reaction from the first effect of the wound 
and in the way he supports the inflamma- 
tion. 
It appears to be the opinion of the sur- 
geons who went from this city and from 
Philadelphia that no part of the intestine 
was cut by the bullet. This does not ex- 
clude the possibility that a portion of 
intestine was bruised so badly that it may 
slough away and thus yet make an opening 
into the peritoneal cavity. But if this 
danger also may be excluded it must be 
supposed that the bullet did not go so far 
as was stated in the early diagnosis of the 
Washington burgeons, for the bullet c.-u d 
hardly have ploughed its way downward 
and forward from the liver to the ante- 
rior wall of the abdomen without doing 
such harm. It is indeed probable 
that the ball is not very far from the 
point at which it penetrated the 
abdominal wall. It may be reflected 
that the force of a pistol bullet projected by 
the ordinary revolver cartridge is not very 
great. The average penetrating power of 
the revolver is so low that these pistols are 
ridiculous weapons for any but short dis- 
tances. Although the pistol was held close 
to the President, when tired the ball hit the 
body at about the hardest possible point to 
get through it. Near to the spinal column, 
on either side, there is in a heavily 
built, muscular man an enormous 
thickness of muscle and fascia to get 
through, end the resistance is of course 
greatly increased if the ball hits a rib, as 
this one did. Perhaps, also, the ball carried 
with it some pieces of clothing, which 
would additionally impede its progress. 
No statement as to this point has been 
made public. It is probable'that there was 
some downward deflection of the bullet, as 
otherwise it is not clear how the injury to 
the large nerve branches could have oc- ' 
curred without being more severe than it ■ 
appears to be. 
Our despatches to-day report an unseemly 
difference over the case between the medi- 
cal men. One of these, who regards him- 
self, and, we suppose, with good reason, ; 
as Mr. Garfield's regular medical attendant, 
accuses the surgeon who has somehow ob- 
tained charge of the case with unprofes- 
sional conduct, and the language that has 
passed between them is given in the de- 
spatch. It is such as will suggest a hope 
that Dr. Bliss' surgical skill may be superior 
o his sense of what is becoming in the cir- 
mstonces. There is reason to regret that 
all was not immediately made on 
rday for the best surgical skill 
some of the great cities of 
•ountry. Great surgeons are a 
t of great centres of population, 
s hardly in the nature of things that 
xould be a surgeon of the first order 
' the city of Washington. With all 
due and proper respect for the great re- 
quirements of gentlemen who have made 
their way to high places in the medical ser- 
vice of the army and navy it may be said 
that the talent they have shown, and that 
is called for in their places, is administra- 
tive rather than strictly professional.- If 
Gross Van Buren, Carnochan, Parker or 
Sands were in that room we should at least 
feel sure that no small man w'as using a 
public calamity to push his private in- 
terests. NEW YORK HERALD, 
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6. 1881. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 5,1881. 
Dr. Duhamel, on leaving the White House at half- 
past eleven o'clock this morning, said the condition 
or the President had greatly improved. He expressed 
a desire tor food, which was considered an excellent 
sign, if he can pull through the next forty-eight 
hours he will recover. The ball is between the walls 
of the liver and cannot be extracted. Dr. Duhamel, 
who attended the President at the depot and who all 
along despaired of his recovery, says that for the 
first time he sees grounds for hope. 
Colonel Rockwell, who watched at the President's 
bedside the greater part of the night, says that the 
President slept considerably. At one interval he 
enjoyed nearly two hours of undisturbed slumber. 
At times, when awake, the President showed a dis- 
position to talk, but this was discouraged by the 
watchers. Colonel Rockwell, who has been at the 
President's bedside more or less every night since 
he received his injury, thinks the sleep last night 
was less fitful and more beneficial than his slumbers 
during the past three nights. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 5-8:30 A. M. 
The President has passed a comfortable night and 
his condition this morning is decidedly more favor- 
able. There has been no vomiting since last even- 
ing at eight o'clock, and he has been able to retain 
the liquid nourishment administered. There is less 
tympanites and no abdominal tenderness except in 
the wounded region. Pulse, 114; temperature, 100.5; 
respiration, 24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
The following despatch was sent by the surgeons 
in chargdto\Drs. Agnew and Hamilton} the two con- 
sulting physicians:- 
Executive Mansion-9:30 A. M. 
After you left the urgent symptom continued; 
there was much restlessness, constant slight vomit- 
ing, and by eight o'clock P. M. the President's con- 
dition seemed even more serious than when you saw 
him. Since then tin* symptonp haA gradually be- 
come more favorable. There has been no vom- 
iting or regurgitation of fluid from the 
stomach since eight o'clock last evening. 
The President has slept a good deal during the 
night, and this morning expresses himself as com- 
paratively comfortable. The spasmodic pains in 
the lower extremities have entirely disappeared, 
leaving behind, however, much muscular soreness 
and tenderness to the touch. There is less tympau- 
ites and no abdominal tenderness whatever except 
in the hepatic region. Since eight o'clock 
P. M. he has taken an ounce and a half 
of chicken broth every two hours, and has 
retained all. The wound was again dressed 
nntiseptically this morning. Altogether but one- 
half a grain of morphia has been administered 
hypodermically during the last twenty-four hours, 
and it has been found quite sufficient. His pulse, 
however, still keeps up. At half-past eight A. M. it 
was 114; temperature, 100.5; respiration, 24. 
Beventy-two hours have now elapsed since the 
wound was received. We cannot but feel encour- 
aged this morning, although, of course, we do not 
overlook any of the perils that still beset the path 
toward recovery. The course ot treatment agreed 
ipon will be steadily pursued. 
D. W. BLISS, 
, J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
• ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-10:40 A. M. 
The anticipations of the President's attending 
physicians last night with regard to the probably 
transient character ot the unfavorable symptoms 
which then manifested themselves have been 1 ully 
justified by the result. Colonel Rockwell, who spent 
a large part ot the night in the President's room, 
says that the latter slept more quietly and tranquilly 
than at any time since he was wounded. He took 
nourishment in the shape of chicken broth, milk 
and lime water and beef 'tea repeatedly, 
and retained it. His restlessness abated. The ner- 
vous contractions of his fingers ceased and he slept 
quietly for as much as an hour and a half at a time. 
The improvement shown by this morning's official 
bulletin is still maintained, and the physicians re- 
gard the case with feelings of encouragement. The 
hours from six to nine P. M. seem, for the patient, to 
be the most unfavorable part of the day, and it is pos- 
sible that there may be a reaction again to-night as 
there was last night, but if so it is believed that it 
will be transient, since the symptoms this morning 
Indicate a decided change for the better. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive mansion-11:50 A. M. 
The President's symptoms continue to he favor- 
able. Ail reports to the contrary are unfounded. 
lOfficial.] 
Executive Mansion-12:30 P. M. 
The favorable condition of the symptoms re- 
ported in the last bulletin continues. There has 
been no recurrence of the vomiting. Pulse, 110; 
temperature, 101; respiration, 24. The President 
lies at present in a natural sleep. No further bul- 
letin will be issued till half-past eight P. M., unless 
ju case of an unfavorable change. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
s [Unofficial.] 
. Executive Mansion-1:45 P. M. 
The President's symptoms are as favorable as at 
the date of the last official bulletin. He has just 
had a natural and perfectly normal movement of the 
bowels, which was not accompanied by any unfavor- 
able indications. He has taken no anodynes since 
ten o clock last night, and his condition is regarded 
by the attending physicians as very encouraging. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-3:55 P. M. 
Ihe condition of the President has uot materially 
Changed since the date of the last bulletin. His 
physicians continue to regard his symptoms as very 
favorable. He has suffered to some extent yesterday 
and to-day from the great heat of the weather, and 
the physicians have this afternoon invited Profes- 
sor J. E. Hilga.-d, of the United States Coast and 
Geometric Survey, to consult with them with a 
view to the adoption, if practicable, of some plan 
for the artificial refrigeration of the President's 
room. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:15 P. M. 
The President's pulse has fallen to 104 and he is 
resting quietly. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-5:35 P. M. 
The President is now sleeping. The attendants 
and watchers are taking advantage of his quietness 
and are mostly all dozing in different parts of the 
hallway and adjoining rooms. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-7:30 P. M. 
The President's pulse remains at 104 and there are 
no unfavorable symptoms. He is resting quietly. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 P. M. 
The condition of the President continues as favor- 
aole as at the last bulletin. Puise, 106; temperature, 
100.9; respiration, 24. No further bulletin will be 
issued till to-morrow morning unless in case of an 
unfavorable change. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] ' 
Executive Mansion-11 P. M. 
The condition of the President throughout the day 
has been such as to give great encouragement to his 
physicians. The nourishment which he has taken 
at intervals has been assimilated perfectly 
and has noticeably increased his strength; he has 
slept frequently and with apparent refreshment, 
and the decrease in temperature and pulse has 
relieved all present apprehension of serious inflam- 
mation. The transient unfavorable reaction which 
caused so much uneasiness last night between six 
o'clock and nine, and which, it was thought, might 
occur again to-night, has not thus iar taken place. 
The favorable symptoms of the day have continued 
throughout the hours ot the evening which have 
hitherto seemed most critical, and this fact 
is thought by ths attending physicians 
to indicate a substantial gain. At the 
present hour-eleven P. M.-the President is quiet 
and comfortable, and his symptoms are'as favorable 
as at the date of the last official bulletin. The Sec- 
retary of State has just sent the following telegram 
to Minister Lowell, m London: - 
To Lowell, Minisier, London:- 
The President's condition at eleven P. M. is still 
hopeful and favorable. BLAINE. 
OPINIONS OF .THE DOCTOHS. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) 
Washington, July 5, 1881. 
The publication of the facts in the case of the 
quarrel of the doctors and the scene between Medi- 
cal Purveyor Baxter a:: d Dr. Bliss created a sensa- 
tion. On the arrival of the Herald this morning the 
papers were at a high premium, and the story with 
its details were gone over and over again as a 
topic second only in interest to the condition of 
the President. Various comments were made upon 
the behavior of the two physicians and the issues 
that are now intensified between the civil and mili- 
tary branches of the medical profession. I 
called upon Dr. Baxter at his house on H street 
this evening. He was contemplating with severe 
satisfaction the gambols-of a trio of pug puppies 
that lay in a basket at his feet, but rising to meet 
me said, "I am sincerely sorry that the story of the 
trouble between myself, and Dr. Bliss has become 
public property. I am almost «s sorry for 
that as I am that it occurred in 
the first instance. If it had to be told, 
however, I am glad that it was told just as it hap- 
pened. There is no keeping the Herald from the 
facts that its readers want to learn, and they always 
get them just as they really are." 
"Has anything come of the affair as yet!" I asked. 
"No, nothing. 
"And do you expect anything?" 
"I really do not. Certainly nothing at this time, 
when Dr. Bliss has got more on his hands than he 
can attend to." 
"Then yon do look for some results?" 
"No, I can't say that I do. Physicians can,usually 
settle such matters themselves and in a peaceful 
way." 
"There will be no duel, then?" 
£A*No; I should say by no means." 
"Will you not make this matter a subject of in- 
quiry by the medical association?" 
"I think I shall let itrest. I hope it Will be al- 
lowed to end just here and that nothing be said; 
about it." 
de. Townshend's views. 
Dr. Townshend, Health Officer of the District, 
speaking of the squabble between Dr. Bliss and Dr. 
Baxter, says that the former is clearly in the wrong; 
that Dr. Bliss has acted in a very dic- 
tatorial and cranky manner, and the physicians who 
have been associated with him in the conduct of 
the President's case feel quite indignant at his 
behavior. He says it was Sunday morning last, at 
eight o'clock, that Dr. Baxter arrived direct fron 
the depot, having been absent from the city on i 
summer vacation. At this time the doctors wcri 
just concluding a consultation in the room adjoining 
that occupied by the President. Dr. Baxter remained 
in the corridor, and at the close of the consultatior 
walked in. The compliments of the day wert 
passed, and all the physicians, except Drs. Bliss anc 
Reyburn, who repaired to the President's rcom tc 
administer a hypodermic injection, |as directed al 
the consulting meeting, started for their homes. 
Dr. Baxter, however, went in the direction oi 
the President's room for the purpose ol 
seeing the patient, for whose safety he felt greal 
anxiety, but was stopped at the door by Dr. Bliss, 
who forbade him to enter. The coljpquy then en- 
sued which has already appeared in the Herald. 
Dr. Townshend states also that this curt and offen- 
sive manner of Dr. Bliss has not been c n- 
fined to Dr. Baxter alone, but has been 
visited upon nearly every physician that has 
been called to the President's bedside. In 
fact the general impression among those familiar 
with the facts is this-that Dr. Bliss has assumed 
entire control without any authority save his own. 
"So far as I am concerned," continued Dr. Town- 
shend, "I care very little about the question of pro- 
' fessional etiquette now being agitated. No thought 
of glory or reputation entered my mind at the 
time when I was doing what I could to minister 
to the wants ot the wounded President. 
| My only desire was to render all possible 
Bssistanco in my power to tide over a crisis. I was 
much relieved when assistance came in the peftons 
of physicians and surgeons eminent in the profes- 
sion in this District. I felt no grievance when 1 re- 
ceived the letter on Sunday evening notifying 
me that further consultations were not 
considered necessary for the time being, 
because as it stated «that this act 
was taken at the request of the President, whose 
authority I, of course, had no right to question. I 
thought the gentlemen then in immediate charge 
of the President were doing what they thought was 
for the best. I could not think otherwise. Doctors 
Baxter and Bliss are both personal friends of 
mine, and I do not care to discuss any 
differences between them. If there has been a breach 
of professional etiquette, a violation of the rules or 
ethics of the medical association of this District, the 
association itself can settle that. It is sincerely to 
be regretted that such a scene as is reported should 
have occurred at such a time and place, and I think 
it wiU be found that the facts in regard thereto have 
been much exaggerated." 
"Then you think Dr. Bliss should have yielded 
to Dr. Baxter upon his appearance at the White 
House ?" 
"If Dr. Baxter was the President's family physi- 
cian, or rather the President's physician, the case is 
covered by the rule which you have already 
published. I was under the impression that Dr. 
Baxter was the President's physician, and, 
acting under that impression, the first thing 
I did upon arriving at the President's side 
was to send Chief Engineer Cronin, of the 
Fire Department, with his fast horse after Dr. 
Baxter. He, failing to find Dr. Baxter, was informed 
that Dr. Lincoln was attending his (Dr. Baxter's) 
patients during his absence, and he thereupon went 
for Dr. Lincoln and brought him to the depot, get- 
ting there shortly after the arrival of Drs. Purvis 
and Bliss." 
extent of the president's injury. 
"Doctor, what do you think of the President's 
chances now?". 
"Well, his condition is yet very critical. W'e can 
only hope for the best. He may pull through. God 
grant that he may. This," said the Doctor, "was my 
first close contact with James A. Garfield, and I 
think it the whole American people could haVe seen 
his bearing under the circumstances they would 
come to revere him doubly. He is indeed the 
'noblest Roman of them all.' Cool, calm, clear, I 
resolute and enduring, cheerful under great suffer- 
ing, grateful for every attention or assistance-I 
think his the grandest type of manhood I have yet 
witnessed." 
Referring to the nature of the President's wound 
Dr. Townshend says that his judgment of the 
course the ball took, from the examination he 
made of the wound at the depot, is that the ball 
entered two inches to the right of the fourth lum- 
bar vertebrae, passed through the intercostal 
muscle, between the tenth and eleventh ribs, 
fracturing the upper edge of the eleventh rib' 
then into and through the liver (the latter not 
affording resistance enough to stay it) into the ab- 
dominal cavity, where it came in contact 
with some hard substance on the opposite side, 
which could have been nothing else but the ribs 
and possibly directed to the spinal column. He says that the very fact of the President's having a partial 
paralysis of the extremities shows that the spinal 
column has been injured. The Doctor added that 
he considered the President in as much danger now 
as at any period since he was shot, and that he came 
near dying the first night from internal hemorrhage 
and had It kept up much longer he certainly would 
have passed away; that he yet has the danger of 
peritonitis to pass through, and symptoms of its ad- 
vent in a more or less degree have shown themselves 
right along. Yet he might escape peritonitis en- 
tirely, for if it did once set in it might carry him 
off, although his strong physique might 
probably carry him through safely. The 
doctor sjys that he received at the 
battle ot Shiloh a shot in some respects similar to 
that of the President's, only the ball that struck him 
was a Minie ball of one and a quarter ounces, ora 
a little larger than that shot from Gulteau's pistol. 
* "It was a glancing shot, which passed through my 
sword belt over the crest of the ilium, passed down 
over the pelvis and came out over the groin. 
I could not walk for four months, as 
the fracture of the bone of the pelvis 
was considerable. Of course I was not struck in 
any of the vital organs, as the shot came from a 
prominence and took a downward course. Quite 
the contrary is the case with the President, as the 
ball was sent straight at him. A singular feature 
of my wound was that eleven years after it had 
healed up it became inflamed and troublesome, and 
I had a physician, a friend of mine in this 
city, to open aud probe it. This resulted iu bringing 
out a small piece of my leather belt that had been 
carried in by the ball." The Doctor concluded by 
saying he could in candor state that in all his expe- 
rience he had never known of a shot similar in its 
, character to that received by the President where 
the victim had recovered, although he trusted that 
this would be an exception. 
DR. BLISS EXPLAINS. 
On the other hand, Dr. Bliss defends his course by 
saying that his position has been greatly exaggerated; 
that he did not go ngar the President until he was 
called upon by Secretary Lincoln, who 
requested him to repair to the depot 
at once; that up to this time no 
other physicians had been called in by either the 
President or hisXJabinet; and that when the Presi- 
dent had been removed to the White House he saw 
that there were too many medical advisers. He told 
the President this the next day. The Presi- 
dent told him that he had given charge of 
the case to him and -wanted him to con- 
tinue in charge. He could retain such of the 
physicians as he deemed best. Mrs. Garfield said 
the same thing. Dr. Bliss then said that he 
would like to retain Surgecn General Barnes, because 
of his great experience and knowledge of gunshot 
wounds; Dr. Woodward, because he was one of the 
most eminent pathologists in the country, and Dr. 
Beyburn as his own special assistant. The Presi- 
dent and Mrs. Garfield were perfectly satisfied that 
there should be counsel. Dr. Bliss asked if they 
had any one else to suggest, saying that he 
would be glad to retain any one they wanted. They 
said no and told him to do as he thought best. Tho 
Cabinet also coincided in this view. That was the 
reason why Dr. Bliss wrote discontinuing the ser- 
vices ot the other doctors. On the morning after 
the shooting, Dr. Baxter, who claims to bo 
family physician at the White House, -went up there 
and said he had come to take charge of the case, 
and he refused to allow him to go into 
the President's room. Then ensued tho hot 
words attributed to him. Out of this 
grew the telegraphing for Drs. Hamilton 
and Agnew. Dr. Gross was also telegraphed for. 
Drs. Hamilton and Agnew arrived together, and 
their approval of the President's treatment, as it 
had been inaugurated and carried on, had reassured 
him. Dr. Gross came a^erward, but not being 
known did not get into the house, and left without 
expressing an opinion. 
Dr. Bliss further stated that at the proper time he 
would answer the accusations made against him. 
At present he had too grave a responsibilty to con- 
tend with to pay attention to petty jealousies 
and bickerings. He knew his rights and intended to 
maintain them notwithstanding the statements made 
against him by persons who have no means of 
knowing the status of his position. During the 
conversation the Doctor manifested considerable 
feeling in regard to the publications made con- 
cerning the rupture, and said, with empha- 
sis, "I am fully able to hold my own 
against young and inexperienced surgeons." I 
am an old physician and do not lack experience. 
I intend to remain and there should be no occasion 
for thi^wholesaie display of jealousy that has come 
to light, as my letter was couched in gentlemanly 
language, not a word appearing therein that should 
give offence. The Doctor expressed himself as being 
very hopeful for the recovery of the President. 
DR. GROSS, OF PHILADELPHIA. 
The medical profession is considerably exercised 
over the treatment of Dr. Samuel Gross, of Phila- 
delphia, who was telegraphed for, but who on his 
arrival was refused admittance to the sick room. 
It appears that Dr. Gross, on receiving the invita- 
tion to come to this city responded immediately, 
and'on his arrival here proceeded almost direct to 
the Executive Mansion, where he presented his 
card, which was sent to the President's private sec- 
retary and very soon after returned. The excuse 
given for the treatment of the Doctor was 
that the surgeons were in consultation. Dr. 
Gross, after this cool reception, left tho White 
House. A short time after it became known that 
the Doctor had been refused admittance to the 
presence of the physicians attending the President 
an effort was made to find him. It was thought the 
Doctor had left tho city, as nothing more 
was heard of him. This seeming dis- 
courtesy to the most prominent surgeon in 
tho country caused Inquiry to be made as to the 
causes. Mr. Brown, it is thought, not knowing the 
prominence of Dr. Gross, gave no attention to the 
card, while, on the other hand, it is claimed Dr. 
Bliss manifested a spirit of jealousy and was en- 
tirely responsible for the indignity offered. 
DR. HARTIGAN. 
Dr. J. French Hartigan, who has practised for 
many years in this city, and has had considerable 
experience in inquests where he has had op- 
portunities to become familiar with gunshot 
wounds, said this evening that it was very 
easy for people to form wrong impres- 
sions ot surgeons* abilities. He felt satisfied 
that this was the case in the present instance, and 
that men had been bolstered up as experts when 
they had but limited experience. He spoke freely 
relative to the unpleasantness between the physi- 
cians attending the President, and said:-"If Dr. 
Bliss' statement about the matter is true, he should 
not be condemned. But it is doubted. Mrs. Garfield 
is yet to be heard from, but at this time it is too 
painful a subject to be agitated. If she expressed a 
I desire that Dr. Bliss should take charge of her hus- 
band, that ends the controversy. It is customary for 
the first physician edo arrive at a sick bed to 
give way for the family physician to take 
charge. Dr. Baxter, under the circumstances, was 
recognized as the President's physician and was en- 
titled to be called the family physician. Dr. Bliss is 
skilful, but he is a rash man. It is easy enough to 
amputate a limb, but the treatment afterward is the 
most important. Bight here let me say," continued 
the Doctor, "that the manner in which the Presi- 
dent was brought to the White House was wrong. 
। He should have been carried on a stretcher, the run- 
ning of the horses and jolting of the ambulance con- 
veying him may have aggravated his injuries." 
In the event that the President should die the 
Doctor expressed his opinion that there would 
be no effort made to prevent an inquest, and that 
the usual coronef's investigation would follow, 
which means cutting the body as the,law requires. 
He did not think the President is entirely out of 
danger and expressed the belief that if he gets 
over the inflammation he may linger for some 
time and other complications arise such as pyaimia 
or blood poison. He gave as his opinion that tho 
government would assume charge of an inquest if 
one become necessary and that Dr. Woodward, of the 
Medical Museum, would be placed in control. 
The Coroner for the District of Colum- 
bia would exercise his jurisdiction in the 
matter and have witnesses summoned who 
had knowledge of the facts of the shooting and also 
the surgeons who attended the President as to the 
nature uf the wound and as to cause of death. The 
Coroner, he thought, would willingly yield to any 
steps taken by the government. 
PECULIAR JOURNALISM. 
A paragraph was published to-day in an afternoon 
paper to the effect that Surgeon General Barnes 
was preparing a statement In regard to the 
imbroglio between the physicians attending 
the President. General Barnes this evening stated 
^o a representative of the Herald that there was no 
truth in the publication. I have no statement to 
make, said the General, and therefore cannot be pre- 
paring one. I have nothing further to do with 
the matter than to see that the President 
is pulled through. I was not present 
at the time referred to, and therefore 
know nothing of personal knowledge about 
the affair. Personal squabbles," he continued, "do 
not come in my line of duty. The paragraph is like 
an interview that was published yesterday in a New 
York paper credited to me, which although it did me 
no harm yet it was not an interview with me. The 
person who wrote it came to see me and asked that 
he be furnished a copy of the medical report on the 
war. I provided him with one, and he made ab- 
stracts from it, put them together and made it read 
as though I had been talking to him and that he had 
received his information from my lips." 
DR. AGNEW'S OPINION. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Philadelphia, July 5, 1881. 
Dr. A. Hayes Agnew was found at his country 
seat, at Haverford station, on the Pennsylvania 
Railroad, this evening, and courteously received 
your correspondent. The bulletin sent him during 
the day by the four physicians in attendance at 
tho White House was read over by Dr. Agnew with 
great care, aud he pronounced the symptoms as 
hourly more favorable. Tho official bulletins 
printed in the evening papers up to five o'clock, he 
I said, confirmed the hopes expressed in the earlier 
I message to him. 
"The absence of any further distension of the ab- 
domen, the disappearance of tho paius in the legs, 
the many other signs that the President's strong 
system is reasserting itself are all too 
gratifying to be passed over without com- 
ment," said the humane physician. "I am averse to 
hinting at the new dangers that threaten tho patient 
because the newspapers find their way into that sick 
chamber with alarming case. Everybody reads the 
newspapers about tho White House. I found them, 
actually, in the sick room. Therefore, I think it 
wise not to talk about tho dangerous way 
marks that stand at intervals along the 
road to recovery. Consideration for tho pa- 
tient stands before everything. It is by 
striving to foresee the effects of the future stages of 
the wound (all ot which are natural and likely to 
arise) that the progress of the patient can be con- 
stantly assisted. For instance, the favorable bodily 
condition of tho President proves far more clearly 
than the natural action of tho bowels that the intes- 
tines have not been severed, because had tho 
stomach or an intestine been cut death from b|Xbd 
poisoning would have occurred ere this. I do not 
regard the search for the ball as wise at this stage, 
aud do not think for a moment that it will be at- 
tempted. Dr. Degrass, of Georgia, Was the first to 
propose tho heroic treatment suggested by Dr. Simms 
iu the Herald;, but I doubt very much if the 
London surgeon would have pursued that course 
under all the circumstances. Nobody knows or can 
know exactly where that ball is lodged. I inserted 
my finger to its full length into the wound, far 
past the broken rib; still I cannot say 
where it is. I can surmise; but who would 
da e to cut a patient open on a mere 
guess? Wherever tho ball is there exists 
a clot of blood which nature or science must 
eliminate. I had a great number of cases during 
tho war quite similar to President Garfield's, some 
ot whom recovered. Therefore his case is not 
hopeless, although in tho great majority of in- 
stances a fatal result follows. The tingling in the 
legs is not a serious symptom as might be inferred, 
especially since Mr. Garfield moves his legs readily. 
He turned over on his face readily to permit us to 
examine his wound." 
"What is the exact location of the wound?" was 
asked. 
"It is on tho right side, four inches from 
the spine," replied Dr. Agnew. "The missile 
entered between the tenth and eleventh 
ribs, the latter being broken. From the 
exterior appearance ot the wound the pre- 
sumption certainly would be that the liver has been 
traversed and that the ball is somewhere in the 
lower part of the abdomen. Either case would be 
equally dangerous." 
"What are the great symptoms in his favor?" 
"First of all, the evidences that are conclusive to 
a physician's mind that none of tho small intestines 
are cut and that the blander is uninjured. The 
growing desire of tho patient for more nourishing 
food (which he has evinced especially to-day, I 
am informed) indicates the return of a normal 
action on the part of tho stomach. When I saw him 
Mr. Garfield gave many evidences of a herculean 
constitution and groat strength of mind under 
a trying ordeal. He had no advice or 
suggestions to give, but was, • in short, a 
model patient. I have already and officially 
expressed my approval of the treatment prior 
to my visit to the White House. If no acute symp- 
toms of peritonitis appear by to-morrow (Wednes- 
day) night the chances of the President's recovery 
will perhaps be quite even." 
The guarded manner in which the famous physi- 
cian spoke showed clearly that he still had grave 
doubts as to the recovery of the wounded Presi- 
dent. 
DR. HAMILTON HOPEFUL. 
Dr. Hamilton, who was summoned to Washington 
for a consultation with the physicians in attendance 
on General Garfield, arrived home early yesterday 
morning and seemed yesterday, when questioned 
by a Hebald reporter, to be greatly encouraged in 
regard to the case. While he would not express an 
opinion as to the probabilities of the patient's re- 
covery, he said in reference to the news he had 
received during the forenoon, "It is almost too 
good to be true." Being asked when, in his opinion, 
the crisis in the President's condition would be 
reached, he said that he would call the crisis reached 
and passed when the patient got entirely well. 
"Wherever the bullet is," said he, "its presence 
will be known by the abscess that will form. When 
that trouble is over we shall know that the danger is 
past." 
Tho news he referred to as having received from 
Washington was tho bulletin of half-past nine A. 
M., which is published elsewhere. In speaking of 
this he said:-"I see that he is sleeping at times 
aud gets much needed rest. That is encouraging. and the condition of his pulse is a favorable symp- 
tom. The patient had been given one-quarter grain 
hypodermic injections of morphine, but before I 
left the quantity was diminished by one-half, and 
yet with this reduction sleep is had and the pulse 
growing bettor. This is important and gratifying. 
The fact that natural rest has been possible under 
this treatment shows that nature is asserting her- 
self to some extent. Even if nothing is gained it Is 
evidence that nothing is lost, and that much is very 
pleasant to know." 
"Is reaction possible?"he was asked. 
"Yes," he replied, "but the physicians are battling 
with the present. We cannot count upon the future 
in such cases. There is another good sign. The 
President on Sunday vomited a green substance. 
The quantity of morphine administered may have 
had something to do with that. Now that a dimin- 
ished quantity of the drug is found sufficient for 
the purpose required the vomiting has ceased. 
Then sustenance, which we thought it best to with- 
hold, is again given and retained. It is a victory, 
too, to drive away the pain in the legs and feet." 
When asked about the exact location ot the bullet 
he said that it seemed to have penetrated the liver, 
although this was not certain, and that it remained 
within the cavity of the belly, out of reach of detec- 
tion. 
DR. CAKNOCHAN'S VIEWS. 
Dr. Carnbchan, when asked by a Heuald reporter 
whether he had an accurate knowledge of the char- 
acter of President Garfield's wound, replied that he 
had not obtained complete data, but that in addi- 
tion to having read newspaper accounts he had had 
some conversation with other members of the 
medical profession, from which he had obtained an 
idea of its nature. 
The reporter then showed him the bulletin of ; 
ten minutes to one P. M. yesterday, and Dr. Carno- 
clian declared that the symptoms there described ' 
were not desperate, and that he should not consider 
the case a hopeless one from the data he had. 
"What is the probable prognosis of the case?" 
asked the reporter. 
"I should say," replied the Doctor, "that in mauy 
surgical cases as well as medical we have to judge 
from negative symptoms. The position of the ball 
not having been, so far as I can learn, definitively 
ascertained by exact examination we may judge by 
the absence of certain symptoms that most of the 
important organs of the abdomen have escaped 
from being wounded in this case." 
"For example," he continued, explaining his posi- 
tion with great care, "as a general rule, if the in- 
testinal tube is wounded by a bullet most probably 
there would enshe what is called extravasation of 
its contents. Such an occurrence in all probability 
would be followed by speedy peritonitis, a continua- 
tion of the collapse and death within two or three days 
or less. If any of the large arterial or veuous trunks 
were wounded, so as to induce copious internal 
hemorrhage, reaction would not take place, but death 
would occur within twenty-four pours. If the 
kidney or ureter were wounded, the symptoms of 
this injury would also be attended by extravasation 
into the cavity of the peritoneum, or urinal extrava- 
sation and of bloody discoloration of the contents 
of the bladder. This lesion would also be attended 
with serious collapse, ending, most probably, in 
early dissolution. If the gall bladder had been 
wounded extravasation of bile into the cavity of the 
peritoneum would be speedily followed by collapse 
and death. Gunshot wounds of the stomach may be 
recovered from, but are as a general rule fatal, and 
are associated with unmistakable symptoms of a 
very grave character. Extensive wounds ot the liver 
are followed generally by internal hemorrhage into 
the cavity of the peritoneum, which is almost in- . 
variably (if the hemorrhage be profuse) followed by 
extravasation, collapse and speedy death. 
"As tjie condition of the President up to the pres- 
ent time has not been signalized by the grave symp- 
toms I have enumerated it might be reasonably 
hoped that, if the liver be the organ reached by the 
ball, the part of that, organ struck has been but 
slightly impinsed upon, and that it is outside the 
cavity of the peritoneum and that a s lutary reac- 
tion may take place." 
"Suppose the injury to the liver to be but slight- 
the tissues of the liver to be only slightly lacerated- 
do you suppose the danger to be over?" asked the 
reporter. 
"No. Even after reaction has taken place sup- 
puration in such a wound as the one we are speak- 
ing of is certain to take place to a greater or less ex- 
tent, and purulent absorption or septicaemia may 
take place and produce a fatal result." 
"Is this a possible or a probable danger?" 
"I should say it might be a possible intercurrent 
complication in this case. The reports , are that 
General Garfield has a fine physique, and it would 
not be so probable in the case of a healthy constitu- 
tion as in a person of antecedent broken down 
physique." 
"When would such secondary symptoms be likely 
to show themselves?" 
"From the fifth to the twelfth day." 
"Then would he be out of danger in two weeks 11 
the symptoms all remained favorable?" 
''Not even then, for a prolonged suppuration 
might be attended by purulent absorption at any 
time during the progress of a suppurative wound." 
"When will he be out of danger, then?" 
"With the presence of a foreign body in the sys- 
tem until suppuration had entirely ceased it could 
scarcely bo said that all danger was over; but in 
gunshot wounds it the abdominal organs resume 
their normal functions the prognosis then becomes 
almost absolutely favorable." 
''Is it possible that the bullet wounded none of 
the organs you have mentioned?" 
"By a bare possibility, the mesentery or the omen- 
tum might be pierced without very dangerous 
symptoms occurring, but such a thing would bi 
almost like that which I saw in the oase of Poole, 
the pugilist, who received a bullet in the heart, 
which was not followed by hemorrhage simply be- 
cause the bullet slipped incidentally under the cor- 
onary artery." 
"What course is the most proper to be pursued in 
regard to the extraction of the bullet in President 
Garfie'.d's case?" 
"After twenty-four or thirty-six hours inflamma- 
tion sets in along the track of a gunshot wound, and 
generally renders search for the bullet futile at that 
time. A suggestion of Dr. Wales to search for the 
buhet by the gentle insinuation of the finger soon 
attet the wound was received was most judicious, 
and, if properly followed up, might have, at that 
time, discovered the seat of the ball. Until inflam- 
mation has subsided along the track of the wound 
and suppuration shall have freely ^set in interfer- 
ence in regard to the search tor the ball would be 
contrary to established rule." 
"Might the ball remain in the system and be 
harmless?" 
"Yes. Bullets remain encysted among the 
tissues and at times remain harmless, as occurred in 
the case of Poole to which I just referred. He lived 
eleven days after he was shot, and the ball was found 
to be entirely enveloped in a cyst without the 
slightest degree of suppuration." 
"Then what killed Poole?" 
"Poole died of inflammation of the pericardium* 
with effusion of serum into the cavity of the peri- 
cardium." 
"Well, Doctor," said the reporter, "if you balance 
the chances, is it more likely that General Garfield 
will live or die?" 
"I should say to that," replied Dr. Carnochau, 
"that having escaped so far the grave symptoms 
which I have just enumerated the chances in favor 
of his recovery have greatly increased." NEW YORK HERALD, 
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1881 
or of extravasation of any of the contents of the im- 
portant secretive organs or of the intestinal tube 
not having been signalized with any degree of 
severity, the first serious symptoms to be dreaded 
seem to have been bridged over-all of which un- 
doubtedly tends toward forming a favorable prog- 
nosis.** 
••What are now the dangers to be anticipated?" 
••Suppuration may occur, and in broken down con 
stitutions purulent absorption, producing poisoning 
of the blood, or pytemia, might take place and prove 
destructive of life. Or, if the bullet has passed near 
a large vessel so as to produce a slough ot the coats 
of that vessel, profuse secondary hemorrhage might 
take place to such an extent as to threaten life, or 
the formation of an abcess might serve as an un- 
favorable intercurrent complication." 
"Do you think these unfavorable symptoms may 
occur?" 
••in a physical organization and temperament so 
perfect as is that ot President Garfield such com- 
plications, while possible, are much loss probable 
man in a man possessing a physical constitution of 
an indifferent or a cachectic character." 
"Do you suppose that he may be crippled? 
••So tar, although faint symptoms of injury to 
some of the nerves have been evident, yet no signs 
of injury to the spinal marrow has been enum- 
erated among his other symptoms, and conse- 
quently paralysis need not be dreaded 
or anticipated. During the next ten days 
several complications may occur; and if it prove 
that the cavity of the peritoneum has not been en- 
croached upon, and if the symptoms do not show 
themselves of purulent absorption or of diffusive 
inflammation of the peritoneum, there is great reason 
to believe that the recuperative powers of the sys- 
tem will lead to a favorable termination of tho 
President's case." 
DR. HAMILTON'S VIEWS. 
Dr. F. H. Hamilton, of No. 43 West Thirty-second 
street, who was also visited by the reporter, gave 
substantially the same answers to the questions put 
to Drs. Sayre and Carnochan. Dr. Hamilton had re- 
ceived during the day a lengthy telegraphic de- 
spatch, signed by all the physicians attending the 
President. The telegram detailed at considerable 
length the patient's condition and repeated the re- 
sumption of work by tho stomach and bowels. 
dr. hammond's opinion. 
"The bulletins are not so favorable to-day as they 
have been," said Dr. Hammond to a H mt alp re- 
porter last night. "I see the last announces that 
the President is no better and no worse. That is not 
good news. If he passes to-day in good con- 
dition he will have much in his favor. 
It is not a hopeless cese, but I think 
the President cannot live. He has much to go 
through after this-suppuration, exhaustion, 
secondary symptoms and other phases. His mag- 
nificent physique and good habits are standing well 
by him now, and I hope most sincerely they will 
save him. I am informed from Washington that 
Dr. Wales was the only one who examined the 
wound. He says the ball is a very large one. It en- 
tered between the tenth and eleventh ribs, three and 
a half inches to the right of the spine, splintering 
the edges of both ribs, and then passing inward and 
downward. It went through tho liver and into the 
cavity of the abdomen. Ho thinks the ball is lodged 
between the under surface of the liver and th# 
colon." 
DB. SAYRE HOPEFUL. 
Dr. L. A. Sayre, referring to the favorab'e symp- 
toms reported by the various bulletins, said that if 
they continued they would make the nation's hear* 
bound with joy. "There is still danger," said the 
physician, "of secondary hemorrhage until after the 
fourteenth day. There may also arise some danger 
from suppuration. But from the improved methods 
of treatment by antiseptics, or, more properly speak- 
ing, Listerlsm, the danger is reduced to a minimum. 
Tho stomach, gall and bladder mnst have been 
saved from any great hurt or tho symptoms denoting 
such injury would have manifested themselves ere 
now. The best symptom that has come to my 
knowledge is the report that the President had asked 
Dr. Bliss to give him a beefsteak. Judgma from the 
reports, I consider the probabilities are greatly in 
favor of his recovery. I have confidence in the med- 
ical men who are at ending the President and in 
their treatment. It is proper to let him alone, so 
that he may have a chance to get well. His is just 
one of those cases where the exercise of great judg- 
ment is necessary not to do too much. The time 
for surgical interferences has not yet arrived." 
parallel cases to the president's. 
Dr. Abraham Coles, of Newark, yesterday statcu 
that he had personal knowledge of two cases similar 
to President Garfield's, in both of which the victims 
had recovered and were now alive. One was that of 
Theodore Sauerbier, who, sixteen years ago, acci- 
dentally shot himself in the abdomen. The ball en- 
tered a little to the right of the stomach, over or 
near the liver, and was never recovered. For days 
Sauerbier's death was hourly expected. Nevertheless 
the patient recovered and is still alive. The other 
case is that of Augustus Dickerson, a colored police- 
man, who was shot by one of the Thie.horns in a 
manner somewhat similar to the President. He 
hung for weeks between life and death, but Anally 
recovered and is now a healthy man. 
A OARD FROM DB. GROSS. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] 
Philadelphia, July 6, 1881. 
I have just received the following caid from Dr, 
Gross:- 
To the Editor or the Herald:- 
A statement made in a Washington despatch to 
the Herald of this morning has just been shown 
to me to the eflect that 1 had been summoned to 
the capital to see the President, and that on pre- 
senting my card to Mr. Brown, the President's pri- 
vate secretary, 1 had been refused admission. Phis 
staiemeut is wholly incorrect. I have not been re- 
quested to visit President Garfield, and have not 
been in Washington for five yeais. This rumor is 
as unjust to Mr. Brown as it is unpleasant to me, 
and 1 shall be obliged to ycu if you will give this 
correction as much prominence in your columns as 
the erroneous statement in this morning's issue. 
Respectfully, D. GROSS. 
Prospect of Recovery. 
The President ea's, drinks and sleeps, 
and all the functions of his system are per- 
formed with but slight variation from the 
condition of health. His temperature is 
normal, and the small acceleration of the 
pulse and of respir ition are well nigh the 
only indications of his trouble. All these 
facts are full of encouragement and the 
people about him are encouraged accord- 
ingly, and their opinion gives tone to the 
general opinion outside, and the people 
who one day went to an extreme of de- 
spondency without good reason now go 
equally far in the other direction without 
consideiing what is yet before the patient. 
Of the several surgeons who have so cour- 
teously given their opinions to help en- 
lighten the public as to what is to happen 
none has said the President will get well. 
Dr. Parker and Dr. Hammond have ex- 
pressed most definitely the opinion that the 
hope of recovery is very slight. Dr. Frank 
Hamilton a id Dr. Agnew, of Philadelphia, 
who had the advantage of seeing the case, 
are perhaps a shade more sanguine, and 
give the impression, rightly cr wrongly, 
that, the indiscriminate use of morphine 
having been stopped, the President has a 
chance lor his life. Yet neither expresses 
an explicitly hopeful opinion. All of these 
gentlemen act thus out of regard to the con- 
trolling experience ot the mortality of an 
abdominal wound by which any large viscus 
is lacerated or by which any vessels may 
have been cut; and in this they accept as a 
fact the assumption that the peritoneum 
and the liver were both pierced by the 
bullet. If they were the surgeons are right 
in their reticence; if they were not the 
hopefulness of the people is justified. It 
will be observed that Dr. Carnochin- 
whose happy elucidation ofsomeot the diffi- 
cult points was printed yesterday-expresses 
a doubt whether the peritoneum was 
touched. In our opinion the same donbt 
might be thrown over much else that has 
been said as to the nature of the injuries. 
There is, for instance, no evidence whatever 
that the ball is in the liver or has ever 
touched the liver. Neither the direct evi- 
dence of topical examination nor the ra- 
tional signs have given any indie ition to 
that effect. Dr. Blisi was report.d at one 
time as saying that he had touched 
the ball with a probe; but at another 
lime he judged that it had passed through 
the liver and fallen to some undesignated 
point in the abdominal cavity. If this 
latter judgment was accurate it must have 
been a quaint sort of probe with which he 
touched the ball. There is no evidence 
that the ball touched the liver, and none 
that it touched the peritoneum, and there 
is no disturbance of the function of the 
liver and no peritonitis. It may be that the 
President's good progress toward recovery 
is not so much againd a terrible and des- 
perate wound as against an exaggerated 
and erroneous diagnosis. 
BUIjEETINS and despatches. 
Washington, July 6, 1881. 
The following bulletins of the President's con- 
dition have been issued during the day . 
[Official.] „ „ 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
Uroughout as favorable as when thelast bulletin ws 
isBued" The pulse is becoming less fr dueut and is 
now 98; temperature, 98.X, ^SS, 
J.' K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT HEYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-12:30 1. M. 
tion, 23. j K BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT KEYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-12:55 P. M. 
The slight rise in ZXen 
0®cl"l ^""^'"h/noing ot the'bed and the move- 
caused by the own » Jt ueceiSBitated. 
j^mpt^ as very favorable. 
[Official. | 
Executive Mansion-8:30 P. M. 
Ib.rre«a.»v. "X'dE 
«■»» 
pulse 104. 
&" wi. i.. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] „ 
Executive Mansion-10 P. M. 
o ,y..mu--ga-«S^SrJK 
provement. He is now resting quietly. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July «-1 A. M. 
The President is reeling quietly, as are also the 
nhvstians and attendants. Everybody about the 
Executive Mansion is a great deal encouraged. 
This despatch was sent by the surgeons in charge 
to the two consulting surgeons this afternoon: 
Executive Mansion, July o 1 P. M. 
4 » rcuin of vesicrday tile case lias coil- 
! tiuuTd* to'progress favorably. The President was 
। tinned to pi b , . lbe day, and needed no 
I h Xe"lJt nght. His mind was 
morphia u . obeyed our injunction to re- 
C^n from conversation. The afternoon «acer- 
> , ™ of symptoms heretoiore observed daily 
ba 1 "nt occu On the contrary, a slight 
dld • r™ m' the pulse took place. By 
diminution in P temperature 
half-past eight the afternoon he 
100.9. respiretion » evaCuations from 
the brstOlMme the accident. They oc- 
the bowel-. discomfort and conta.ned no 
ourred without pam or evening, from 
trace of blood. D b tI.oubled occasionally by 
Se7 m uemtmusi but on suspending the administra- 
tmn ofnourishment for a time the symptom disap- 
-a: ® 
our„ 'wMl durin<' the night and expressed 
himself as feeling "quite cotntortable, though weak, 
turn morning a1 half-past eight this morning his 
,„L w&"98 temperature 98.9, respiration 23. The 
tenderness of the lower extremities to the touch has 
■iu*ahiv diminished. Ms is taking* Willi relish, 
every two hours, some chicken broth, made more 
mitritious by the addition of raw egg albumen At 
h If past twelve P. M. to-day his pulse was 100, tem- 
perature 99.7, respiration 23. Will continue to keep 
|ou advised of the progress oMhe cas^. 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT KEYBURN. 
t owell. Minister, Bonbon. t 
Tlie President passed a very comfortable night 
and for the first time since he was wounded his 
i«« is below one hundred. His physicians feel 
fresh encouragement, but are intensely anxious tor 
the trying days yet to gecretary Qf state< 
Executive Mansion, July 6, 1881. 
The following tabular statement, prepared from 
the official budetins, by Dr. W. H. Hawkes, of the 
President's household, shows the variations of 
pulse, temperature and respiration since the rise 
of the surgical fever:- 
O 
Temper- 
Respi- 
Date. 
Time. 
Pulse. 
ature. 
ration. 
July 3- • 
. 10:30 P. M. 
120 
100.0 
20 
Julv 4.. 
.. 12:30 A. M. 
112 
99.8 
20 
July 4.. 
. 8:15 A.M. 
108 
99.4 
19 
J uiy 4.. 
. 12:30 P. M. 
110 
100.0 
24 
July 4.. 
. 7:45 P.M. 
126 
101.9 
24 
July 4.. 
. 10:00 P. M. 
124 
101.0 
24 
July 5.. 
. 8:30 A. M. 
114 
100.5 
24 
July 5.. 
. 12:30 P. M. 
110 
101.0 
24 
J uly 5.. 
. 8:30 P.M. 
106 
100.9 
24 
July 6.. 
. 8:30 A. M. 
98 
98.9 
23 
July 6.. 
. 12:30 P. M. 
100 
99.7 
23 
July 6.. 
.. 8:30 P.M. 
104 
100.6 
23 
OPINIONS OF THE DOCTORS. 
DE. CARNOCHAN SEES BEASON FOB DOPE. 
Dt. J. M. Carnochan, who was found at his resi- 
dence, No. 14 East Sixteenth street, evinced a cheer- 
ful willingness to give what information ho could 
concerning the President's chances of recovery. 
"Of course," he said, in answer to a question on 
that subject, "I can only form an opinion from what 
information has reached me through one channel or 
another. After the fourth day the grave symptoms 
of peritonitis, or of copious internal hemorrhage. NEW YORK HERALD, 
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1881 
OPINIONS OF THE DOCTORS. 
DE. HAMILTON HOPEFUL. 
Dr. Frank H. Hamilton said that he, like overyv 
body else, was at a loss what to say about the ab- 
sence of symptoms of peritonitis in General Gar- 
field's case. Ho believed that the peritoneum must 
have been injured, but thought from the symptoms 
that there was ground to hope that the bullet had 
done us little injury as a ball of that size could do in 
crashing through a man's ribs in among his vital 
organs. The longer that poritouitis and symptoms 
of jaundice tailed to appear the more ground fol 
hope he thought there was. Ho hud looked from 
the first for symptoms of jaundice, believing thal 
that would follow any serious injury to tho liver. 
The reports of Hrs. Wales and Bliss and tho ap- 
pearance of the wound itself seemed to indicate, h< 
said, that the liver and the peritoneum had beeu 
wounded, but in judging from General Garfic-ld'i 
condition and tho symptoms of his illness thus fai 
it was natural to suppose that this was not tho case. 
Ho believed that the patient had passed through the 
period of danger from shock and that of danger 
from hemorrhage, and was now passing through 
the inflammation period without serious symptoms 
The next stage-tho last one before complete recov 
ery-is that of suppuration. This, he said, wai 
highly critical, on account of the many dangers fol 
lowing profuse suppuration. Secondary hemor 
rhage may be induced by the injury of an artery, oi 
purulent absorption may be the means of death bj 
blood poisoning. In General Garfield's case, how* 
ever, he did not hesitate to say that there was now 
ground for hope, especially as he had such a superb 
constitution. Every hour increased his chances. 
HR. reaming's INFERENCES. 
Dr. James R. Learning said to a reporter yesterday 
that he was inclined to think that President Gar- 
field's injury from Guiteau's bullet was less serious 
than had been reportecL and that he had thought 
from tho first that he wmuid get well. He was in- 
clined to think that if any important organ had 
been seriously injured there would have been evi- 
dence of the fact before now which would place such 
injury beyond question. In President Garfield'a 
case, he said, the peritonitis and the tympanites had 
both been very slight and no more than would b« 
expected from the wound received; but if any im. 
portant organ had been impinged upon by the bullet 
these symptoms would have been more pronounced, 
since they are always so in the case of a powerful, 
healthy man of robust physique. 
He said that a jaundiced appearance of the skin 
would not necessarily follow a gunshot wound in 
the liver, but that it would depend greatly upon 
whether the liver was seriously injured and whal 
part of the organ it was that was injured. The 
jaundiced appearance would soon follow if any oi 
the large blood vessels of the liver were severed 
and the secretions of the liver thereby taken in^a 
the blood, but if tho lower part of the liver only 
was struck this symptom might not follow. A 
bullet of large calibre, propelled by a small charge 
of powder such as is reported to have struck General 
Garfield, would not have so great penetrating force 
as a smaller one, and he thought it probable that 
the bullet had glanced downward from a rib or 
from the muscular tissue, and that neither the liver 
nor the peritoneum had been severely injured. 
DR. WEIR'S DOUBTS. 
Dr. Robert F. Weir said that he lad not believed, 
| since ho read the newspapers on Sunday morning 
i last, that General Garfield's liver had been struck by 
the bullet which wounded him, and since that time 
ho had become perfectly convinced in his own mind 
that that organ had escaped injury. His first Im- 
pression was founded on the accounts which were 
published of the President's behavior when taken to 
the White House and his clearness and activity of 
mind. The indications were that he had 
escaped that peculiar form of shock which 
। is connected with wounds involving the kidneys, 
| intestines, liver and the abdominal cavity generally, 
f Dr. Weir was of the opinion that with the finger the 
f precise part of the liver into which a bullet had ea* 
' tered could not be told, although by inserting tha 
finger it could be determined that the liver was free 
I from injury, if such were the case. In the case of the 
wound received by General Garfield a man's finger 
might be inserted the whole length without passing 
through the mass of fatty aud muscular tissue thal 
lies just at the point where the bullet entered. 
Speaking of the paans felt in the legs and feet by 
the patient Dr. Weir said that if those pains were 
| felt now in the front part of the logs it would seem 
to indicate that the ball had passed toward the 
spine, as the nerves of the front part of the legs 
and feet come from the spine in this region, but it 
the pains were in the calf and soles of the feet the 
ball probably passed downward toward the rectum. 
If General Garfield's liver had been wounded he 
thought there would have been greater hemorrhage, 
a discharge of bile from the wound and more in- 
flammatory action. The absence of these symp- 
toms was convincing to him and the absence of 
jaundice was not convincing. That might come 
later, and might come it the liver was only slightly 
Injured. 
SIMPLY A BAD FLESH WOUND. 
Dr. N. R. Moseley, of this city, who was for more 
than twenty years a teacher of anatomy in Philadel- 
phia, with Dr. Agnew, and had experience as an army 
Burgeon all through the late w^r, said yesterday that 
he had been studying the President's case carefully 
ever since the first despatches were received, and that 
nothing that has been telegraphed concerning the 
President's symptoms has escaped him. The Doctor 
continued:-. 
"The ball must have been diverted from its inward 
course to adownward course, and I think it did not 
enter the peritoneal cavity. I think so for these 
Reasons:- 
"1. Five days and over have intervened, with no 
symptoms of peritonitis, such as should have 
shown themselves within the past seventy-two 
hours. 
"2. Because evidences are abundant that none of 
the hollow viscera of the abdomen have been in- 
jured, and there is abundant evidence also that the 
kidneys, the spleen and the pancreas have not been 
injured. There is, moreover, a strong probability 
that the liver has not been Injured, as the venous 
blood, which is the principal blood circulating in 
this organ, has not shown itself either through the 
external wound or in the peritoneal cavity. If the 
President had been wounded in the liver there 
must have been an dozing of venous blood, either 
externally or into the peritoneum, and in the latter 
Case there would long ere this time have been signs 
Of peritonitis. 
"For these reasons in forming a diagnosis of this 
wound 1 should exclude a wound of any of the ab- 
domina, organs; and the alternative is that the 
bullet must be in the deep seated muscles of the 
back outside the peritoneal cavity or in the muscles 
of the hip. The wound is, therefore, simply a bad 
flesh wound, of which the prognosis would be favor- 
able. 
"True, the President must contend with this hot 
Weather and with the abominableness of the Wh'ite 
House, an edifice that ought, after his recovery, to 
be demolished and then re-erected anywhere except 
near the malaria of the Potomac. He ought to have 
been taken to the Soldiers* Home.** 
THE PKESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
[by telegraph to the HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 7, 188L 
four correspondent found Dr. Susan Edson, who 
acts as nurse to the President, at her home on I 
street, this morning. She was about to leave for 
the White House, but when told that the story of 
her experience at the bedside of the President 
would be of interest to the readers of the Hehald, 
she said she would be glad to communicate what 
she knew of his heroic conduct during the period 
of Uis suffering. Mrs. Edson's house is 
opposite Franklin Park, and diagonally 
across from the residence, corner of Thir- 
teenth and I streets, owned and occupied 
by the President when he was a member of Con- 
gress. I arrived just as the letter carrier was un- 
binding his leather bag, and saw the budget of let- 
ters handed in for Mrs. Edson. 
"I suppose. Doctor, you get plenty of advice 
♦bout bow you shall proceed?" 
"What you see is a fair sample of what I am re- 
ceiving by every mail. I get letters and postals 
from all sections and from all kinds of people. 
Most of the communications-uro very interesting. 
Besides all these the little time 1 spare myself from 
the White House might be occupied in listening to all 
the verbal messages and gratuitous advice that peo 
pie feel the necessity at imparting. One of these 
letters is from a Western woman, an astrologist, 
who gives to me the grave information that by 
her observation of the planets the President has one 
chance in 500 to recover. After taking a couple of 
sheets of note paper to substantiate this fact she sup- 
plements it by assuring ino that while she is not a 
republican she entertains the kindest wishes for his 
recovery." 
"You have been almost constantly in attendance 
on the President, have you not, Docter?" 
"I have been up three out of the five nights. I did 
not remain at the White House last night because 
the President's condition was so hopeful and I 
needed rest myself." 
MES. GABF1KIJ>'B BKAVEKZ. 
"Do you not fear that the constant attendance of 
Mrs. Garfield will prove too much lor her?" 
"The wife of the President is the bravest woman 
in the universe. I feared greatly that she would 
Lose her self-control on her first meeting with tho 
President on Saturday evening. When we saw her 
BULLETINS AND DESPATCHES. 
VVASHINGTON. July 7, 1881. 
The following official and unofficial bulletins con- 
cerning the condition of the President wero issued 
to-day :- 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 7-9 A. M. 
The President's symptoms are probably less dan 
gerous this morning than at any previous time 
since the shooting. Dr. 141 iss, who is now looking 
over the morning's mail, looks very well satisfied 
with the course matters are taking. 
[Official.] 
Eixecutivu Mansion-9:15 A. M. 
The President has passed a most comfortable 
night and continues steadily to improve. He is 
cheerful and asks for additional food. Pulse, 94; 
temperature, 99.1; respiration,'23. 
There will be no further bulletin issued until one 
o'clock. D. W; BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBRRT HEYBURN. 
, [Unofficial.] 
• Executive Mansion-10:45 A. M. 
Attorney General MacVeagh says the President's 
condition is very favorable indeed. He does not 
consider that the President is out of danger yet, bin 
says be appears to be passing out of It as steadily 
and as rapidly as can be expected. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 p. M. 
The condition of the President continues as favor- 
able as this morning. Pulse 100, temperature 100.8, 
respiration 23. 
Unless some unfavorable change should occur no 
further bulletin will be issued until half-past ei^ht 
P. M. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT HEYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
During the past twenty-four hours the President 
has continued to improve slowly. As was antici- 
pated a slight rise of temperature and slight lucre se 
in the frequency of the pulse occurred during tho 
afternoon and evening. At 8:30 P. M.. the pulse was 
104, temperature 100.6, respiration 23, but in ac- 
coi dance with this diurnal movement both 
pulse and temperature were again diminished 
this morning and showed some improvement over 
yesterday at the same hour. At 9 A. M. the 
pulse was 94; temperature, 99.1; respiration, 23. 
We anticipate, of course., a similar movement for 
some days to come, and so to-day find, at one P. M., 
tho pulse 100; temperature, 100.8; respiration, 23. 
Last evening, at haif-past nine, a quarter of a gram 
of morphia sulphate was administered hypodermi- 
pally, and the President slept very well during the 
night. In addition to the chicken broth and albu- 
men he had yesterday afternoon a small quantity 
of scraped beef tenderloin, which, however, he 
did not relish very much. This morning 
he is taking oatmeal gruel and milk at 
intervals of two hours with relish. Yellow- 
ishuess of tlib skin, so common after wounds 
of the liver, developed to a slight degree during the 
day yesterday, but is not more marked this morn- 
ing. We do not attach a great deal of importance to 
this symptom, except so far as to confirm the^opin- 
ion already formed of the nature of the wound. Al- 
together we feel that the patient has done as well as 
could reasonably have been expected up to the pres- 
ent time, and our hopes for his ultimate recovery 
are strengthened by the events of the last two days. 
D. W. BLIS % 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT HEYBURN. 
The above despatch was addressed to Dr. Hamil- 
ton, of New York, and Dr. Agnew, of Philadelphia, 
the consulting physicians. 
[UnofficiaLJ 
Executive Mansion-7:30P. M. 
There has been iio change of consequence in the 
President's condition since the last unofficial bul- 
letin. Dr. Bliss rep arts his symptoms at this hour 
(half-past seven P. M.) as full of encouragement. 
The report that a proclamation calling an extraor- 
dinary session of Congress was yesteruay prepared 
and signed by the President, to be used in case his 
condition should become hopeless, is without 
foundation. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8 P. M. 
The favorable condition of the President con- 
tinues. Pulse, 106; temperature, 100.2; respiration. 
23. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT BEYBURN. 
Unless some unfavorable change occurs uo further 
bulletin will be issued until to-morrow morning. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, Washington-Midnight.^* 
There has been uo material change in the condi- 
tion of the President since the date of the last official 
bulletin. He is resting quietly. 
STATISTICS OF THE PRESIDENT'S CASE. 
The following tabular statement shows the varia- 
tions of the pulse, temperature and respiration since 
the rise of the surgical fever: - 
Temper- 
Respi- 
Date. 
'hme. 
Pulse. 
ature. 
ration. 
July 3,... 
10:30 P. M. 
120 
100.0 
20 
July 4.... 
12:30 A. M. 
112 
99.8 
20 
July 4.... 
8:15 A. M. 
108 
99.4 
19 
July 4.... 
12:30 P. M. 
110 
100,0 
24 
July 4.... 
7 :45 P. M. 
126 
101.9 
24 
July 4.... 
10:00P. M. 
124 
101.0 
24 
July 5.... 
8:30 A. M. 
114 
100.5 
24 
Ju>y 5.... 
12:30 P. 11. 
110 
101.0 
24 
July 5..., 
8:30 P. M. 
106 
100.9 
24 
Julv 6.... 
8:30 A. M. 
98 
98.9 
23 
July 6.... 
12:30P. M. 
100 
99.7 
23 
July 6.... 
8:30 P. 11. 
104 
100.6 
23 
July 7.... 
9:15 A. M. 
94 
99.1 
23 
July 7.... 
1:00 P. IL 
100 
100.8 
23 
July 7,... 
8:00 P, M, 
106 
100.2 
23 Swaim, we all left so as not to be witnesses of the sa- 
cred scene, but she bore up wonderfully andcheered 
the President and all around by her self-possession. 
The President himself feared the meeting and said 
that he would rather die than that she sbould suffer 
a relapse. The President's determined will is ap- 
parent in his children. Even Mollie Garfield, with 
all a child's horror, when she met me gasped out, 
'Doctor, will papa die?' and I answered, 'I fear so, 
dear,* yet kept back tho tears, and when admit- 
ted to her lather's room, bending down 
low to his face whispered, as she kissed 
him, 'Papa we are so glad to get home 
and be with you.' The President saw and 
felt the struggle the child was making, and with a 
genuine burst of feeling said, 'You are my brave, 
darling daughter.' So much had been told her 
about the necessity of controlling her feelings, even 
for her mother's sake, that she restrained her fear 
and sorrow until she reached her room, where we 
encouraged her to cry and ease the pent up excite- 
ment she had worked against all day." 
•'What are your functions in the sick room, Doc- 
tor?" 
"I superintend the preparation of the diet allowed 
tho President, administer as he needs nourishment 
and carry out t>e directons of the physicians to the 
letter." 
''Very much depends on the propel1 administra- 
tion of the nourishment?" 
''Yes, the attending physicians, fhile I do not in- 
terfere in their treatment of the case, are very glad 
to have some one who can professionally note the 
symptoms, favorable or otherwise, likely to occur 
in a case of this kind." 
HE NEVER ASKED FOR BEEFSTEAK. 
"There are some misgivings. Doctor, of the truth 
of the statement that the President asked for beef- 
steak yesterday morning. Is it true that it was re- 
fused him?" 
"He never asked for it. He is most of the time 
under the influence of opiates, and occasionally when 
he awakes from his short sleep his mind wanders. 
Yesterday morning when he awoke he said, 'Wonder 
how all the people in this house are going to get 
their breakfasts.' It is onoof his natural trails to 
think of those around him." 
"You were glad, I suppose, to hear him speaking 
of eating?" 
"Yes. I thought perhaps the remark was called 
forth by his own needs, and I asked him if he was 
hungry. He answered my question by asking an- 
other-'Have you any more beef tea?' I gave him 
some, and he said, 'That tastes good.' " 
\ 
"Do you still continue the beef tea?" 
"Yes, but more frequently chicken broth and the 
White of eggs." 
"Does he complain much or thirst?" 
"Yes, although he is not feverish. However, he 
only takes a drink when I think it best." 
"You regard him as a model patient, do you not?" 
"Yes. He watches his own symptoms so thor- 
oughly that he understands at once why anything 
is allowed or denied him. In fact his controlling 
idea in regard to every part of his treatment is, 'Is 
it best.' He suggests nothing, asks for nothing un- 
less an occasional drink, and will not partake of 
that if the slightest unfavorable symptoms manifest 
themselves." 
"Is there.still vomiting?" 
"No, not to any extent. But last night, after 
taking some nourishment, a slight spitting up fal- 
lowed. We feared this might lead to a return of the 
distressing vomiting, and when next he asked for a 
] drink I told him it would be best to wait for an 
hour or so before taking any more." 
"And did he?" 
"Yes. Several times he pointed to his lips-that 
he wanted a drink-but I reminded him of the bar- 
gain to wait. When his stomach was settled ho took 
a drink, with evident reliaii, and said he felt so 
much better after it." 
"Did the change-of bed affect him much?" 
"Yes; it tired him considerably_ The change was 
made to afford the physicians better opportunities 
to get nearer him, and besides, the bed is slightly 
more comfortable and stands higher." 
"How did he like his new quarters?" 
I "Not well at first, as he felt thoroughly at home in 
the old one, being accustomed to sleeping in it; and 
he bad a habit of stretching out his arms, 
and it Uf d to rest him. Ha can't do that 
in the new bed, as it is not wide enough. 
Besides, the smooth, even surface of the bed kind of 
straightened him out. Of course, when it is accom- 
modated to his form all that will disappear and ho 
will be as comfortable as it is possible to make him." 
"You believe in the necessity of using artificial 
means to cool the atmosphere of the room?" 
"Yes, but we do not propose to overdo it. We 
talked it over with the President last night. Dr. Bliss 
and I, and the very best system devised will be 
adopted. The present arrangement works verv 
well, though." 
SUFFERING INTENSE PAIN. 
"Does the President suffer much pain?" 
"Yes, intense pain. The pain in the feet con- 
tinues, and acute sensitiveness to the touch. When 
the feet are being bathed the slightest touch on the 
toes gives him great misery, indicating the injuries 
the bullet has made on. nerves leading thereto. The 
President lies on the wounded side without its 
hurting him." 
"What do you think of his chances for recovery?" 
"It is impossible to say, and useless for any ■ 
physician to commit himself one way or another. 
When we think of the splendid condition of the 
President before the occurrence, his naturally good 
constitution, and having the effects of no bad 
habits to counteract, we must be hopeful of his get- 
ting through all right. If everything goes along 
well, as soon as he is able to be removed he will be 
taken to a cooler place, probably|tbe Soldiers' Home. 
We think it better, though, that he run the chances 
of carrying the bullet than to make any attempt to 
remove it." 
"Perfect quiet is maintained about the President, 
1 suppose?" 
"Yes, all that you hear of the sayings and 
doings otherwise is untrue. The Cabinet Ministers 
are allowed in occasionally and their wives at 
greater intervals. It Is absolutely necessary that 
entire quiet sbould be had, and the President's 
friends are wise enough to know that, while their 
presence and sympathy are invaluable, a gathering 
in the sick room, accompanied by the excessive 
heat, would be disastrous to Iris welfare. Mrs. 
Blaine and Mrs. James have spent several nights I 
alternating the hours between the sick room and 
others adjoining it. Other than these no persons l 
are allowed in the sickroom. The physicians, at- 
tendants and the wife of the President are, of! 
course, constantly' present. The rest of the family 
all are allowed occasional visits." 
MRS. EDSON'S EXPEBIRNCE. 
Dr. Edson exhibits a great interest in talking of 
the condition of the President, but a womanly mod- 
esty and reserve about her own valuable and timely 
services in the case. It was not without a little 
urging that she would speak at all about her per- 
sonal affairs. 
"Doctor, in your hospital service during the war 
did you meet with any wounds similar to that of 
the President's?" 
"Yes, many of them. Some died and others re- 
eovered." 
"Well, as your position as physician and nurse to 
the President and Mrs. Garfield have given you 
great prominence would you tell me something of 
your personal life and medical career?" 
"I have not sought nor do I desire the notoriety 
that I have gained lately, but where accurate state- 
ments are called for I have no wish to withhold any- 
thing that may interest the public." 
"You came from Ohio 1" 
"1 am a native of the State of New York, but re- 
moved with my parents to Ohio when five or six 
years of age. I grew up there, studied medicine and 
graduated in Cleveland in 1854. X have been prac- 
ticing medicine of the homoeopathic school 
since 1866. During the war I nursed in 
the general hospitals whenever ordered. I was with 
McClellan's army through the campaign on the 
Peninsula, and then tell a victim to sunstroke, fol- 
lowed by along spell of nervous prostration. After 
that I nursed in the general hospital in this city at 
Armory square tor six months under Dr. Bliss. I 
have attended the Garfield family for the past six or 
seven years whenever they were in the city. The 
President's cousin. Dr. Boynton, attends tho family 
when they are home in Mentor. He returned to this 
city this morning, and will specially look after 
the health of Mrs. Garfield. Though there is no 
special danger to Mrs. Garfield's health it is well to 
look after her. A relapse, though not feared in her 
case, is among the possibHities, but not at all prob- 
able." 
"In your opinion, what would be the result of a 
relapse?" 
"I know Mrs. Garfield's condition well, and I 
think a relapse in her case would be attended with 
very dangerous results." 
The Doctor's carriage arriving to take her to the 
White House she excused herself from further talk 
and left to resume her duties at the President's bed- 
side. V St- But as yet 
there are few who assume to say the President will 
get well, although, at the same time, it is plain to 
see that most of the people here believe he will, and 
while lie is by no means out of danger it is probable 
tho critical period has passed and the weary 
period of convalescence has been entered i 
upon. Whether this bo true or not, and 1 
the way tho bulletins are worded seem to : 
point more nearly that way than ever, it may 
ba recorded of this day that President Garfield is 
better than ho has been before, and tho dawn of sub- | 
stautial hope is at hand. It is now 135 hours since 1 
he was shot, and in that time he has been very near I 
death's door at least twice. He was near it on Sat- ! 
urday when ho suffered from the shock. He was I 
near it again on Monday when for several hours 
during the afternoon ho hung between life and 
death, and tho physicians who waited by him were, as , 
they now confess themselves to have been, absolutely : 
with no hope. But at tho hour when it appeared ' 
as if he would emoark on the dark river be began ; 
to rally. Blessed sleep came with healing on its 
wings, and at tho time when ztho Fourth of July 
became the fifth he entered upon-a slumber from ; 
which he might have awakened only to die, but I 
from which he awoke wath new strength and better 
pro pects of life. These prospects have found a 
justification every moment since, and now 
the physicians who watch at his beside report that 
tho condition of their patient is not only favorable as 
compared with what it was, but it points toward re- 
covery. This is a great admission from them. 
Throughout their treatmeutot' the case the bulletins 
they issued were as non-committal as tho most prac- 
tised diplomat could frame, and in them was never 
found an answer to the two great questions that 
trembled on the nation's lips. Will bo die? Will he 
live? But even now they do not answer the last one 
affirmatively. 
CAUTIOUS MEDICAL EXPRESSIONS. 
In interview and written report they only 
say that the chances are in his favor. Then 
it may be remembered that when the 
future looked black with despair they said 
the same thing, and one of the chief surgeons 
in attendance tol.l me, as he shook his head gloom, 
ily, "It is useless to attempt to allay the public ap- 
prehension. The worst must be met. I fear there 
i-only the barest ehance for the X'resideut to live." 
In these words he conveyed to the mind of his 
hearer that the President was beyond the power of 
medical skill to save, but the strong constitution 
that has never been subjected to those influences 
that sai> its power and drain its healthful re- 
sources, the sturdy will and great effort by which 
it was exerted, have apparently turned the low 
drooped scale and the hopes and prayers of the 
nation are apparently answered. Therefore I may 
say that in Washington there are few, if any, who i 
believe that death will now or soon be the result of j 
the assassin's shot, but that the chances of his ; 
ultimate return to health are hourly increasing, i 
There are those, it is true, who have bseu so assured ' 
that death must soon result that they hesitate to ; 
give expression to their present beliefs, possi- i 
bly because of pride, but even with them : 
the situation hourly impresses itself, and their I 
croakitiga become weaker and less frequent as they I 
join with the hopeful thousands of the capital city. i 
While the patient thus steadily improves hour by I 
hour, the effect cf that improvement upon the city • 
itself is ver^ marked. The business of tho depart- , 
ments has been resumed, the Secretaries and heads ; 
of departments are now to be found in their ! 
respective offices, tho machinery of government ! 
is again in operation in. all except one great 
particular, and Washington settles down to 
the misery of its midsummer heat once more. 
The streets are no longer thronged with anxious 
people. The Executive mansion's doors are not 
besieged by the inquiries of the populace, and with 
the gleam of hope the hie of the city flows again in 
its natural currents. 
THE PRESIDENT FED WITH MEAT. 
At noon the reports being still favorable the Presi- 
dent's fancy turned toward beefsteak, but he was 
told by Dr. Bliss tnat his breakfast gruel was । 
enough just now. The President said, half laugh- i 
iugly, "Well, that's hard treatment for a hungry ! 
man," and, after a pause, asked still in a laughing ] 
! way:- 
"Whois President of the United.States, anyway?" 
"You are," replied Dr. Bliss, "but I am your 
doctor, so be quiet iu obedience to the man whose 
relation is so authoritative." 
The Chief Magistrate of the United States turned ! 
his bead on his pillow and went to sleep. When he j 
woke up, as he did a little later, tho beefsteak was I 
ready for him, and ho ate small pieces fed to him by 
his wile with great relish. While she was perform- 
ing this wifely duty ha looked up and said to her:- 
"1 have fed you often. I guess this is the first 
time I have been sick so as to be fed by you since 
oui; marriage." 
The wife replied by saying, "You must be silent," 
and then impulsively leaned over aud kissed him. 
His arms clasped her nock and Dr. Heyburn camo 
forward to say that such proceedings could not go 
ou, they would not do, and to lead Mrs. Guifiold 
away. At the door they were met by Mrs. Dr. Edson, 
who, seeing tears in Mrs. Garfield's eyes, asked the 
reason. 
"Ah! my friend," she replied, "they are tears of 
i joy. He will live, I know it. I am sure of it now." BDr. Boynton, President Garfield's cousiu, arrived 
on the morning train. Ho has been in Cleveland to 
care for the injuries of the President's uncle, 
and was expected to return to continue his 
treatment of Mrs. Garfield. He will here- 
after act in an advisory capacity with the 
I regular physician. To-day he was met at the train 
1 by Jimmie and Harry Garfield, aud driven to the 
l White House, where he was received by Mrs. Gar- 
field. "I will only be satisfied," she said, "when 
you have given your opinion." She herself led the 
way to the sick chamber. The President was awake 
aud saw the Doctor enter. 
"Hallo! Boynton," he said, cheeringly, "when did 
you get in?" 
"I don't think he ought to talk," said Dr. Bliss. 
Tue two men shook hands and Dr. Boynton looked 
him over-pulse, tongue, respiration, temperature 
aud color ot the skin. 
"Well, Boynton, what do you think of me?" asked 
the President. 
"Oh, you are all right, I guess," replied Dr. Boyn- 
ton. 
"I guess so, too," was the response. 
THE HEAT AGAINST HIM. 
The heat continued intense all day. At noon 
;lie thermometer seemed to have forgotten its 
relation to mundane affairs and went soaring 
cometward. The contrivance which Mr. Brown 
perfected to coq* the room worked pretty well, and 
kept the temperature 'a trifle below ninety-three, 
while outside, in the shade, 100 was the only figure 
In which the tube could enjoy its mercurial limit. 
Under the inflnencebf this weather the President's 
pulse began to rise again hr. hour after midday. It was 
six beats higher than it was in the morning. Later 
in the day great, heavy, black clouds began to come 
out of '.ho northwest, and rain, accompanied by 
heavy and loud thunder and sharp lightning, swept 
down over the city. The asphalt pavements were 
cooled and the hot air swept away, so that an hour 
later the temperature was considerably reduced; 
and, better under the circumstance, the President's 
pulse fell again. Then he became hungry again and 
jestingly wanted to know how far Griscom was 
ahead of him in the starvation race. All day long 
he remained iu a facetious mood, and made pleasant 
little jokes whenever he got a chance to talk. He 
has been very anxious aiiout his alma mater, and to 
Colonel Rockwell he said last night:- 
"Have you heard from Williamstown?" 
"Yes, hourly," was the answer. 
A pause, and then the wounded man said, softly 
and interrogatively:- 
"Tenderness?" 
Rockwell said, "Measureless." 
A TALK WITH DB. BLISS. 
Late in the afternoon Dr. Bliss came out of his 
shell of silence and gave some expression to his 
• opinions, and said in substance:-"The President's 
■ chances now are more than even. It his gone be- 
. yond the even line, and now he has the majority of 
i chances in his favor. The ball went in on a level, 
. struck a rib aud deflected. It than went 
i downward and struck the liver." "My opinion is," 
he continued, "that the ball went through the liver 
amfis now Lodged against the anterior wall of the 
stomach. It was a very fortunate deflection. It 
made a good wound ot it. There was very little dis- 
charge from the wound. We have no fear o? an 
abscess; even if one should form we would make it 
j feed itself. The only dangers aie from secondary 
hemorrhage and blood poisoning. The time for the 
first to show itself is now nearly over, and there is 
no sign of it. There is no sign of either. The Pres- 
ident is a most admirable patient. Everything wo 
tell him to do ha does without any trouble at ail. 
Even in the slightest detail he obeys all our instruc- 
tions. We gave him to-day a little Oatmeal gruel 
and some chicken broth. We did not want 
to give him the gruel, but ho was very 
anxious to have it. The reason we did 
j not like much to give him oatmeal was because at 
: this stage we did not care about putting any 
glucose matter in his stomach. Ha is in excellent 
condition-gains every hour. He wants to talk 
about official business, but we will not let him. He 
said once that certain District matters were con- 
stantly on his mind and he wanted to get 
rid of them, but wo told him they were 
matters of very little importance, aud to 
let them pass. His will power and vitality are won- 
derful." Dr. Bliss said in as many words, that if the 
President got through four days more the great 
danger was passed. 
~ ANOTHER CHAT WITH DB. BLI8 . 
Dr. D. W. Bliss left the White House this evening 
and proceeded to his office, where he remained sev- 
eral hours for the purpose of obtaiuiug some rest. 
But iu this ha was disappointed, as, almost 
from the moment he arrived, throngs of per- 
sons visited him and remained until he 
was ready to return to the President's bed- 
side. The Doctor looked haggard and his 
constant attendance of the President is beginning 
to tell seriously upon him. Among those who 
visited him was a Herald representative, aud in 
reply to the interrogatories the doctor said:-"I am 
glad to say the President's condition this evening is 
looking up, and I can almost say the most serious 
part is over." 
"Do you anticipate any complications will arise 
that might throw the President back?" asked your 
correspondent. 
"Well, there might be. Probably to-morrow there 
•will bo secondary hemorrhage aud again pyaemia, i 
The latter is liable to come at almost any time, ihis । 
evening everything was very encouraging. Before 
I left him I administered morphia. The General re- i 
quested it as he desired to goto sleep. You know 
he becomes very tired and restless by continued 
lying in bed, and sleep is a great relief to him. 
The Doctor next spoke of the rupture between 
himself and the other doctors who were attending 
i i the President and expressed himself very plainly on 
j the exaggerated stories that had been put in circu- 
lation. He expressed the opinion that many of the 
stories were circulated of personal aggrandizement, 
and that those who were busying themselves in that 
direction appeared to endeavor to keep away as far 
s possible from the truth. "Why," continued the 
Doctor, ''these men if they could .would make me 
one of the most desperate characters imaginable." 
"How is the ventilation of the sick room, Doo- 
tor?" I asked. ' 
■ "Perfect, and in a few days an apparatus will be 
i provided that will make the temperature such that 
will meet any contingencies. By the way, Professor 
: Newcomb has made a proposition to us that will 
probably settle the matter as to the location of the 
I ball. The Professor proposes to provide a mag- 
netic arrangement which will drive a delicate wire 
that will come to a halt when it strikes the ball. If 
this is successful then the ball will be removed. 
THE SECOND WOUND. 
"Right here let me tell you about the second shot. 
| You are aware that it was reported that the Presi- 
dent had received a serious injury on the left arm. 
All thero was to it was that the bull from that shot 
cut through the clothing of the left arm below the 
, elbow and mane a slight scratch on the flesh, 
i It amounted to nothing. I wonder what be- 
came of the ball? Some people are disposed to 
say that that was the first shot. I don't believe it 
was. It is my opinion that he took dead aim when 
ho fired the first shot-and when he fired the second 
he was nervous, and that is the reason the ball did 
not strike any other portion of the body. It's 
very amusing to read the letters* wo receive. 
All of them are full of suggestions. Some 
recommend how to ventilate the room, 
some as to the kind of food to be given 
him, &c. We have received so many letters that it 
is impossible to read them. While I am talking to 
you let me say something about the report that the 
President is to be removed irom the city. The idea 
of such a thing is simply nonsense, aS the President, 
should he rally sufficient to satisfy us that he is out 
of danger, will be for some time in a condition that 
it would be unsafe to attempt any such thing." 
"Do you encounter any difficulty in administering 
medicine to him?" 
"No; but on the contrary, he is ready and willing 
at all times. Ho is the most patient and brave man 
I ever had anything to do with. I wish there were 
some more men in the country like him." 
j "What do you think of the sallowness of the Presi- 
! dent's complexion that is referred to in the bulle- 
. tins?" 
"What whs expected. It is nothing serious, nor 
does it indicate anything serious. I expected it be- 
fore. These things must naturally follow after 
the trying time the President has had. It is remark- 
able the forbearance that man has, and when I left 
him to-night he was sleeping sweetly, aud his face 
! was as calm as a person's without pain. When I 
return to-night I expect to find him easy and have 
; favorable reports from those I left in charge of 
him." 
"Do you think the ball struck with lull force the 
. place where it has lodged?" 
"No; I think it had exhausted its force. The 
striking.of the rib stopped it greatly, and moreover 
there were only twelve grains of powder to force it." 
The Doctor closed by saying he looked anxiously 
for to-morrow. 
dr. Townshend's interview. 
Dr. Smith Townshend, Health Officer of the. Dis- 
trict of Columbia, has published a card in an even- 
ing paper of this city attempting to discredit the 
article in yesterday's Hxirald giving his opinion. 
The Doctor says in his card that he positively re- 
fused to speak to the Hebald reporter, so that the 
readers of the Hebald in this locality would infer 
that the column printed in yesterday morning's 
Hkbald of what Dr. Townshend thought and said 
was the fruit of a lively imagination. While Dr. 
Townshend attempts to create the impression that 
he did not speak "with the young man who called" 
It is in order to ask him how much of the article 
printed in yesterday's Hebald was contributed by 
himself in manuscript and how much was dictated 
to the Herald stenographer? NEW YORK HERALD, 
I We grow hourly more hopeful of ultimate re- 
covery. Weather more favorable to-day. BLAINE. 
No change of importance is announced in 
■ the condition of the President. The lapse of 
each hour in which this can be stated. nat- 
urally fortifies the hope of his physicians. 
The phase of suppuration of his wound 
has been reached, and the process goes on 
in the most natural manner. A somewhat 
higher pulse has resulted. He partakes of 
the nourishment afforded him without vomit- 
ing or eructation; his cheerfulness is phen- 
omenal. The coolness of the atmosphere 
yesterday assisted him, and to-day it is 
hoped that artificial means of keeping the 
temperature of the sick room at any re- 
quired point will be provided. The course 
of the bullet has not yet been traced, 
and the doctors differ greitly in their opin- 
ions as to its present lodgment. The 
yellowishness of the skin reported yesterday 
is-tsaid to have sensibly diminished. It is 
believed that the danger from peritonitis if 
not from secondary hemorrhage is now tided 
over. At eight o'clock the pulse was 108, 
temperature 101.3 and respiration 24. 
Morphia administered hypodermically in 
quarter gr.iin doses secures his night's 
sleep. He wasresting quietly at midnight. 
STATEMENT OF DR. BLISS. 
"I feci greatly encouraged to-night," said 
Dr. Bliss as lie strolled along the boule- 
vard in front ot the White House with 
a Herald representative, "and I might 
further say that the chances for the President's re- 
covery are stronger than they have been at any 
time since he was shot. AVhy, to-night when I left 
him he was extraordinarily comfortable." 
••How about the secondary hemorrhage that was 
expected?" asked the Herald reporter. 
"That did not come yet; it may do so. It gener- 
ally comes from the seventh to the tenth day. This 
is the seventh day, and the hemorrhage has 
not shown itself. I have no very serious expecta- 
tions that it will come now that the 
President's symptoms are so favorable. I con- 
tinue to give him a quarter of a grain 
of morphia every twenty-four hours and dross the 
wound twice a day while it is discharging. There 
is a good bit of soreness about it yet. With all these 
difficulties he rests easy." 
THE GREAT PROBING DIFFICULTY. 
Of course one ot the dangers attending the Presi- 
dent's condition lies in the inability to locate and 
extract the ball which is believed to be somewhere 
in the abdominal cavity. Just what to do about 
this matter has puzzled the physicians who have 
charge of the case. The practicability of the sug- 
gestion of Professor Newcombe, of tho United States 
Naval Observatory, to make use ot the electric or 
magnetic power to discover tho whereabouts of the 
ball has been doubted by eomo, although Dr. 
Bliss and others regard the plan as per- 
fectly feasible. For the purpose of ascer- 
taining definitely just what the Professor 
proposed to do a Herald correspondent visited him 
in his bffico here. Tho Professor, when the subject 
of the visit was brought to his attention, said:- 
"There is nothing at all in the plan which can be 
of any practicable use at present, and I am annoyed 
that it should be supposed that 1 held out any seri- 
ous hopes of its being so. The facts in the case are 
these:-a question occurred to me whether by any 
process the exact location of tho ball could 
be ascertained by some electrical or mag- 
netic effect. The first plan which sug- 
gested itself was to take advantage of its 
conducting properties, but this would involve bring- 
ing wires or some other conductor into the imme- 
diate neighborhood of the ball, a process that would 
be as difficult as probing. Only one other principle 
suggested itself. It is well known that a conduct- 
ing body exercises an action on a rapidly revolving 
magnet in its vicinity by retarding the magnet. 
This action is explained by ihe moving magnet caus- 
ing an electric current in the body, which reacts 
upon tho magnet so as to diminish its rotation. 
Certainly it is theoretically possible to locate the 
ball in this way, the practical question being. 
Can we make an apparatus of such delicacy as to in- 
dicate this action? Not desiring to excite false hopes 
in tho mind of anybody I merely suggested to one 
ot the surgeons in charge that this effect was theo- 
retically possible but not practicably probable, but 
that I intended to discuss the matter with P.rotcssor 
Bowland, of the Johns Hopkins University. Ho Is 
absent, and I have not yet heard from him. Grant- 
ing the possibility of making the proposed 
apparatus It will have to be so very deli- 
cate and so many precautions will have . 
to bo taken In its construction that weeks, I 
perhaps months, would be required. By that time 
wo hope the President will be again restored to 
health, so that I really see no prospect that my idea 
can be of much benefit to him. The great difficulty 
in the case arises from the small size of the ball and 
its probable distance from the surface. If it were a 
disc of brass 1 should anticipate no trouble. But 
load is somewhat a poor conductor, and the diam- 
eter of the bullet is only about one-half an inch. To 
invent a system which will make this act on a whirl- 
ing magnet is, I fear, out of the question at 
MRS. EDSON'S REPORT. 
Meeting Dr. Susan Edson, tho President's nurse, 
this morning on her return from the White House, 
your correspondent could not refrain, after inquir- 
ing the condition of the President, from asking a 
few questions of interest at this time:- 
"How did you leave tho President this morning. 
Doctor?" 
"Never more favorable sinco the shooting-" 
"Didhe spend a good day yesterday?" 
"Yes, I was there all day yesterday and remained 
all night. The symptoms during the day were eu- 
. tirely favorable, but coming on night he grew very 
restless." 
"Can yon account for this?" 
"I think it was because he was very tired. It took 
several hours*yesterday to fix up tho cooling ap- 
paratus, and that we think rather annoyed him. 
However, ho became quiet after the hypodermic 
injection and rested well during tho night." 
"Does the cooling apparatus sensibly decrease tho 
temperature?" 
"No; not enough to warrant its use; it might do 
well enough if one were to work it constantly, but j 
as all this would be in the sight of the President it 
would serve to excite hi'in greatly." 
"What do you think of the other plan?" 
"Well tho apparatus would bo entirely outside of 
the Bick room, its working being to pump cool air 
Into the room." 
"You do not allow the President to talk?" 
"No; not because it would excite him so much, 
but that talking agitates the wounded liver." 
"Do the members of tho family visit the sick 
room?" 
"No; none of tho family havo1 been in the room 
since the second day, except Mrs. Garfield." 
"Naturally he would want to talk to them?" 
"Yes; even when Mrs. Garfield is near the bedside 
he forgets the injunction not to speak and begins a 
conversation auout tamily matters with her." 
"Of course you cannot allow this?" 
"No; but it only takes a word of caution and he 
will at once signify that he tvill not transgress 
again." 
"Does bis mind wander at times?" 
"Yes, frequently; and then he talks a great deal. 
A little while after waking up last night he labored 
under the impression that the room was full of 
company, and, calling me, said:-'Do tell these 
people that I cannot rqgeive social callsnow. I am 
not able.' He arouses quickly, though, from this 
dreamy state on being asked not to talk, but in it he 
is the busy man of everyday life, and goes over all 
sorts of affairs." 
"Mrs. Garfield docs not remain up at night now, 
does sho. Doctor?" 
"No; sho is very anxious to do so, of 
course, but I do not allow her. I db not even allow 
her to fan the President during the day, as it tires 
her out unnecessarily, and sho is not strong 
enough. Besides, it is so very hard for the Presi- 
dent to keep from talking to her. She spends a 
great deal of time in tne room, coming and going 
constantly." 
"Who relieves you, Doctor, when you leave for 
home?" 
| "Crump, the house steward. Besides, General 
Swaim and Colonel Rockwell come in occasionally." 
"Is Mr. Crump a good nurse?" 
"1 have never met with a better man nurse in my 
life. He hag had lots of experience, knows just 
what to do and how to do it." 
"Are there any others allowed in the sick room?" 
'.'No; there are men placed along tho halls to keep 
any one from passing toward the west corner of 
the house at all. The ladies of the Cabinet come to 
tile house frequently, but do not enter the sick 
room. They spend the time in the library and par- 
lor on the upper floor." 
"You are standing this constant watching very 
well. Doctor?" 
"Yes, it surprises myself. I had already prepared 
to leave town on Tuesday of this week to take a 
long needed rest, but on hearing news of tho shoot- 
ing soon after it occurred on Saturday I started for 
the White House, and havo been busy there since." 
"You were not at the depot, then? ' 
"No; I started for there, but met the ambulance 
on way up, and got in the sick room as they 
were bringing out the stretcher, having placed the 
President bn his bed." 
"Do you not feel tired out?" 
"No, Indeed; this morning when I was preparing 
to leave, the President asked 'when would I be 
_back.' I laughed, and said, 'Oh, I guess about noon.' 
SATURDAY, .JULY 9, 1881. 
BULLETINS AND DESPATCHES. 
Washington, July 8, 1881. 
The bulletins concerning the President's condi- 
tion have been fewer to-day than at any time since 
the attempted assassination. The following were 
sent out:- 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 8-8:15 A. M. 
The condition of the President continues favor- 
able. He is more comfortable than on any previous 
morning. Pulse, 96; temperature, 9v.2; respiia- 
tion, 23. The wound is beginning to discharge pus 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. Barnes, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBUBN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-12:30 P. M. 
The progress of the President's case continues to 
bo favorable. Pulse, 108; temperature, 10L.4; res- 
piration, 24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. Barnes, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT BEYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
r Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The slight increase m the pulse and temperature 
of the President since morning is attributed by the 
attending surgeons to the heat of noon and to tne 
process of suppuration which is now going on in the 
wound near the surface of the body. This process, 
which is accompanied by a slight discharge of pus,' 
is entirely natural and is an expected and necessary 
result ot the injury at this stage of the case. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-^ P. M. 
The following telegram was sent by the attending 
surgeons to the consulting surgeons-Messrs. Agnew 
and Hamilton-th s afternoon;- 
"The President's condition has not changed ma- 
terially since our telegram to you yesterday. Dur- 
ing the afternoon and evening he was again troubled 
with acid eructation, and the administration of nu- 
triment was again suspended for several hours. 
One-quarter of a grain ot morphia was administered 
hypodermically at 8-30 P. M., and followed at once 
by tranquil sleep. Toward midnight, however, he 
became restless and complained a good deal of mus- 
cular soreness in the feet and of pain lif the 
ankle joints, so that we were on tne point of 
administering an additional anodyne when he 
tell asleep, and on awakening was so free 
from pain that it was not given. Alter 
one A. M. he passed the night tranquilly, 
sleeping composedly muth ot the time. At inter- 
vals since that hour he has* taken an ounce of the 
albumenized chicken broth, alternating with an 
ounce ot milk, to which a teaspoonful of very old 
aod excellent rum was added. 'All this has been re- 
tained, as well as live grains ot sulphate of 
quinia taneu this morning at eight o'clock. 
Tue yellowish tinge of the skin mentioned 
in our last telegram has sensibly diminished. 
When the antiseptic dressing was renewed this 
morning the wound was found to be discharging a 
small quantity ot healthy looking pus. The reac- 
tion accompanying the establishment ot sup- 
puration is, as might be expected, marked by 
a slight rise of temperature and pulse as com- 
pared with the corresponding hours of yesterday. 
This, however, we do not regard as unfavorable 
under the circumstances, and should not be sur- 
prised if it continued through this afternoon, and 
were repeated in the afternoon and evening for 
several days. The record since our last telegram is 
as follows: - 
Yesterday, at half-past eight P. M., pulse, 106; 
temperature' 100.2; respiration, 23. 
This morning, at hal:-pist eight o'clock, pulse, 96; 
temperature, 00.2; respiration, 23. 
At one P. M. it is, pulse, 108; temperature, 101.4; 
respiration, 24. D. W. BUSS, 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERI' BEYS URN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 8-8 P. M. 
The President s condition continues favorable. 
He has passed a very.comfortable afternoon and has 
taken more nutriment than on previous days. 
Pulse, 108; temperature, 101.3; respiration, 21. 
£ The conditions continue so favorable that there 
will be no further bulletin until to-morrow morn* 
i\>g- D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODAVARD, 
ROBERT KEYBUliN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:45 P. M. 
Although the puise and temperature of the Presi- 
dent have been rather higher to-day than yesterday, 
on account of the process of suppuration which is 
now going on in the wound, he has had a comfort- 
able day. There has been no return ot the acidity of 
the stomach caused yesterdav, it is thought, by the 
oatmeal gruel which he ate, and he has not 
suffered as he did at intervals last night from pain 
in his legs and ankles. He has taken nourishment 
at short intervals and in larger quantities ' than on 
any previous day, and has retained it without any 
uneasiness of the stomach. Ho complains of feeling 
rather tired to-night, but is otherwise comfortable. 
The suppuration which is going on in the wound 
will probably continue. Dr. Heyburn says, several 
days, together with tho slightly increased fever which 
it causes. It is, however, a perfectly natural pro- 
cess, and one which was anticipated at the present 
stage of recovery. There is a certain amount of 
injured tissue along the track of the ball, near the 
external opening of the wound, which must 
cume away in the shape of a discharge. 
The wound has been twice antiseptically 
dressed to-day, and the patient has been 
repeatedly spobged all over with a weak solution of 
carbolic acid in water, applied by means of a hand 
atomizer. These spray and sponge baths 
havo been a source of great refreshment 
and have added very materially to the 
President's comfort. The President at this hour 
is sleeping quietly and the attending physicians re- 
port that his symptoms are in every way favorable 
and satisfactory. It' his recovery were assured, they 
say, his symptoms would not probably be other 
than they are at tne present stage of the case. 
The following was sent this afternoon:- 
Lowell, Minister, London:- He said 'all right; be sure yon are.' I Intend to take 
a rest and get back as I promised. We hops in a few 
days to give very sure hopes of his recovery." 
Mrs. Edson returned at the appointed hour and 
remained at the President's bedside the rest of the 
day. 
TUB VENTILATING APPARATUS. 
An improvement has been made on Mr. Brown's 
air cooling apparatus. It was found that the wool- 
len cloth, whose use has already been explained in 
these despatches, when soaked with the ice cold 
water which it drew up from the trough below, soon 
got warm and the temperature then rose. There- 
fore to preserve the minimum temperature with 
this apparatus it was necessary to shift the 
cloth at intervals, making, of course, much 
disturbance. The new plan is to put the 
tin V-shaped trough in the air, fill it 
with ice and water, and hang tho cloth so 
that its upper edge and end just falls into the water, 
the rest of tho cloth dropping below, so that its 
lower end drains into another trough. The water is 
taken up as by a siphon, and tho temperature is 
thus kept several degrees lower than in the other 
rooms. Then, in addition to the apparatus already 
spoken of, one that seemed to have a recommenda- 
tion on its face was a spray cooler. The plan was 
to throw a very fine spray of cold water 
from a small reservoir at the top of 
the window to a receptacle at its foot 
but it was soon found that this would not work, and 
the experiments that were made in Colonel Corbin's 
room resulted in a disastrous failure. Another plan 
that was tried and failed was a series of small metal 
fans, operated by electricity at a tremendous num- 
ber of revolutions a minute. It was found that 
sufficient power could not be obtained, even 
with tho powerful batteries of the Western 
Union office attached, to reduce the tempera- 
ture one degree. Professor Dorsey, who 
ha» practical knowledge of all the methods em- 
ployed in the low levels of the Comstock mines for 
cooling the air, was introduced by Secretary Blaine 
to the doctors to-day. His method is compression 
and exhaustion of air, and ho said he could reduce 
the temperature to the freezing point, but is not 
assured that he can further regulate it than that. 
All the plans presented tor cooling the air will be 
experimented with in softie other room of the house. 
In this relation, however, the following letter of 
instructions addressed to Commodore Pattison, 
commanding the Washington Navy Yard, to-day by 
Secretary Hunt will be of interest:- 
You will place under the disposal of Mr. Dorsey 
every articie of machinery for which he may make 
application to you. You will also assign to duty 
under him a skilful and efficient engineer and ma- 
chinist, with such other assistants as he may re- 
quire from you. You will obtain all necessary 
transportation of the material and men Mr. Dorsey 
may require. They must be furnished without de- 
lay, as tuey are tor the use of the surgeons at the 
Executive Mansion and are deemed necessary to the 
health and comfort ot the Presideutduring his pres- 
ent critical illness. 
DR. BOYNTON AND THE PATIENT. 
Dr. Boynton, a first cousin of the President, was 
domiciled at the While House last night. To a 
Herald correspondent who called upon him Dr. 
Boynton said that General Garfield was by no means 
out of danger. "My relationship and close personal 
connection with him and his family," the Doctor 
said, "enables me to judge of the probability of hie 
recovery." 
"You think ho will recover?" 
"He, has an even chance, in my opinion." 
"Wliat is now to be feared in the President's 
case?" 
"There are several symptoms that may show 
themselves. First ot all, there is blood poisoning; 
and then he may die from exhaustion. The appear- 
ance ot these symptoms would be very alarming. 
The patient might recover from them, but in the 
President's case I would not want to see any signs 
of the trouble. I rely a.great deal on his strength 
and fine physical condition be'ore the as- 
sassination. As I said before, ho has an even chance. 
The symptoms, thus far known, are all favorable, 
and if this state of things continues a few days 
longer tho outlook will be brighter." 
OPINIONS OF THE DOCTORS. 
DR. WOOD HOPfiFUL. 
Professor James R. Wood was interviewed by ar# 
porter yesterday in reference to General Garfield's 
condition, and gave a decidedly hopeful opinion. 
"It was impossible," he said, "to tell positively 
whether the liver had been injured; but, judging 
from the official bulletins issued by the physicians 
in charge of the case, he was inclined to think that 
no vital organ had been injured. In the first place, 
he did not believe that anybody knew the exact 
course that had been taken by the bullet. It Entered 
on the right side, but may have lodged at some 
point a considerable distance from the point of en- 
trance. It might ba at present among the tissues on 
tho left sids of the body, as any resistance by a bone 
or oven a muscle would serve to deflect its course. 
The thick muscles in that part of the back where 
the bullet entered might have sent it either down- 
ward or toward the left side of tho body." 
He did not believe that tho liver had been struck 
in this case, as in his experience as a surgeon ho 
had seen and treated many cases of gunshot wounds 
in the liver, and had also seen several cases in which 
the liver had been lacerated by a fall or blow, but he 
had never known the patient to recover in auy of 
these cases. Death frequently followed in an hour 
and generally within twenty-four hours. It was pos- 
sible that General Garfield's liver might have been 
, injured, but if so it was probably in the lower part 
of the gland, which is very thin. 
Another reason for his believing that the liver was 
not seriously injured in General Garfield's case was 
the rapid improvement in the patient's condition; 
but this he attributed partly to the President's fine 
physique and groat will power. In cases where the 
nervous system is greatly shocked the result of the 
wound depends greatly on the patient's will power, 
and General Garfield had determined to get well, 
when a person of weak will power would probably 
have died of tho wound he received. 
In regard to the question of probing the wound, 
which has been so widely discussed. Dr. Wood said 
that he would be very loath to probe a vital organ, 
either with 'the finger or a probe, but if a bullet 
should pass directly Into the liver the only way to 
trace its course would be by the use of the probe. 
In referring to a proposal that has been made to 
make an incision into the abdomen and search for 
the bullet he said it would be an excellent plan if tin 
purpose was to kill the patient. 
General Garfield's prospects of recovery, ho said, 
were very good and were growing brighter as the 
time passed without the appearance of dangerous 
symptoms. He considered the treatment of the case 
judicious, and although'the danger was not all over 
he thought there was good ground to hope tor the 
President's recovery. 
WHAT DB. LOOMIS THINKS. 
Dr. A. L. Loomis, of No. 31 West Thirty-fourth 
streot, stated last evening to a Herald reporter that 
he had read with great care all tho official bulletins 
in tho case of President Garfleld and everything 
seemed to be very favorable for his recovery. 
"The only danger now," said the Doctor, "seems 
to bp suppuration and pymmia. I have found in the 
bulletins no evidence that the ball perforated the 
liver. The fact that the discharge, which is re- 
ported as having occurred yesterday and to-day, is a 
healthy pus makes the outlook more favorable. It is 
now very nearly a week since the President was shot 
and without any markedly unfavorable symptoms. 
His chances for recovery are certainly very much 
better than they wore a few days ago, and each day 
that elapses without the development of any gravi 
symptoms improves his chances of recovery. Un- 
der all the circumstances I regard the case as an ex- 
ceptional one, where apparently serious injury haa 
taken place attended by so few grave symptoms. 
The fact that the course of the ball is undetermined 
necessarily render all opinions as to the final future 
result problematical. No definite statement can 
be made in regard to it. The principal office of 
the physicians is to watch and wait. I attribute his 
present favorable condition to bis judicious medical 
care and to his vigorous and probably untainted 
constitution. It seems as though the injury camo 
to him when in the best possible condition to re- 
ceive such injury- He has passed the danger of 
peritonitis, unless it shall be established as the re- 
sult of blood poisoning. There is danger of ulcera- 
tion being set up at the seat of the ball, or of some 
foreign substance which may have accompanied the 
ball, and the ulceration involving some blood vessel 
or some of the'viscera, like the intestines or bladder. 
Under these circumstances he might die from sec- 
ondary hemorrhage or from secondary peritonitis 
from perforation of the intestines or bladder. It is 
too early in the case for this to be determined." 
"When would such indications manifest them- 
selves, if at all?" 
"Within the first two weeks. It is quite possibla 
the track of the ball may heal kindly and no sup- 
puration occur, and there may arise many complica- 
tions within a very short time." 
"Do you think it would be judicious to make an 
effort now to extract the ball?" 
"It would be a hazardous and unwarrantable pro- 
cedure at the present stage to attempt to find the 
course of the ball or to extract it. It seems to me 
that if ho has any serious complication there ought 
to be some indications of it, some development, by 
this time. His treatment appears to have been judi- 
DE. CABNOCHAN'S VIEWS UNCHANGED. 
A reporter called last evening on Hr. Carnochan to 
learn if he had reason to change the views he had 
expressed in a former interview regarding General 
Garfield's wound as to the possibility or probability 
of his recovery. 
"No," said Dr. Carnochan. "His recovery is now 
more or less probable, and every day that now 
passes with a continuance of favorable symptoms 
tends to give a favorable augury of the future." 
"One symptom has been spoken of lately," said 
the reporter, "that is, the jaundiced character ot the 
skin. Do you consider that a positive sign that the 
liver is wounded?" 
"No, I do not. A jaundiced condition, or yellow- 
hued character of the skin, is often the result of 
serious traumatic lesions, occurring from the 
changed character of the blood which takes place as 
a sequence to severe shock. This may occur trom 
severe wounds in any part of the system. It is, 
however, in conjunction with a yellow tinge of the 
white of the eye, a preliminary symptom of incip- 
ient pyaemia or septicemia. This discoloration of 
the skin and the tunica adnata, accompanied by in- 
creased temperature of the surface and increased 
frequency of the action of the heart and a slight 
wandering of the intelligence, are indications of 
great coming danger. As, however, this symptom 
in the President's case, according to the latest ac- 
counts, is disappearing, we might reasonably Infer 
that its appearance was only one of the sequences 
which followed the severe shock of the injury." 
"Tiiere have been different opinions among 
physicians as to the nature of the wound," said the 
reporter. "Some think it merely a flesh wound, 
and believe that no vital organ was penetrated, and 
Borne believing that the liver was pierced. What is 
your judgment?" 
"Ou that point the result of the president's in- 
jury mainly depends at the present juncture. So 
far, judging from the absence of diffusive inflamma- 
tion of the peritoneum; of signs of copious internal 
hemorrhage, and the immunity from the ordinary ! 
symptoms of extravasation of any of the contents of 
the abdominal organs into the abdominal cavity, 
and irom the mild character of the general con- 
stitution symptoms, it is quite reasonable to suppose 
that what is called the cavity of the peritoneum has 
not been at all or seriously perforated." 
"Have you ever known a severe wound of an im- 
portant internal organ to remain so long as this 
without marked symptoms of an organic charac- 
ter?" 
"Such cases are exceptional. I might mention 
that of Poole, the pugilist, that I cited the other 
flay. He received a pistol shot into the substance 
of the heart. It was thought that ho never would 
Borne out of the immediate collapse. He rallied, 
however, in five or six hours after receiving the 
wound, and the day after the functions of the sys- 
tem became almost natural. On the sixth day, how- 
ever, after the injury symptoms of difficult respira- 
tion took place, with discoloration of the skin, fre- 
quent pulse, increased temperature, restlessness and 
Blight wandering, and these symptoms continued to 
Increase until the eleventh day, when he died with 
symptoms of effusion intojthe chest and of septi- 
caeniia." 
"Then, do you consider that the President has 
passed through all danger, even if the bullet entered 
the cavity of the peritoneum?" 
"A reasonable inference may be drawn that the 
grave symptoms usually showing themselves before 
tho fifth day will not now occur." 
"But is there not still danger from the sloughing 
of the wound ?" 
"Secondary hemorrhage might occur from this 
cause at a longer period from the date of the injury, 
but I do not believe that danger from that cause is 
now imminent. As I have just said, I consider the 
result of the President's injury as mainly depending 
upon whether or pot the peritoneal or abdominal 
cavity is seriously lacerated or perforated, and the 
course of tho symptoms so far would indicate that 
the abdominal cavity, or any of the important 
organs there contained, have not been seriously in- 
jured." 
HAMMOND'S OPINION. 
"According to the bulletin issujd at nine o'clock 
P. M. the pulse is 108, the temperature 101 3-10 and 
the respiration 24," said Dr. Hammond last night to 
a reporter of the Herald. "That would indicate a 
Blight fever, but nothing more than would result, 
trom a flesh wound. It the President continues 
over Sunday as he is now I see no reason why he 
should not recover. If after seven days there is no 
fever, no inflammation, nor any of the symptoms 
that would indicate the presence of the bullet in tho 
abdomen the chances are a thousand to 
one it is not there. I don't believe it 
is. I think the diagnosis lias been wrong 
from tho beginning. I doa't believe the ball 
passed through the liver, and I don't believe it is in 
the abdomen. There has been no wound of the 
liver nor any of tho peritoneum. 1 think the bullet 
struck the ribs and probably the thick muscles in 
the side and then glanced off. It will be found in j 
the small of the back or may bo lower down. 
Judging by that report bulletined from the White 
House the President is not so well as ho has been 
since tho shootinst, still there is not much difference 
nor much cause for alarm in his condition. Up to 
this we have been going on the theory supplied us 
that the ball passed through the liver; now we are 
almost confident it did nothing of the kind." 
The President's Wocml-Where is the 
Bullet I 
Every day of satisfactory progress adds to 
the confidence with which we have regarded 
the hopefulness of the President's pros- 
pects, and six days have now gone by with- | 
^out a discouraging or alarming sign. As ! suppuration is now in progress we have 
reached the period of possible secondary 
hemorrhage, for it is the process of sup- 
puration and sloughing that opens the 
blood vessels, if any lie near to 
the line of tissue bruised and killed 
by the passage of the bullet. We 
shall soon know, therefore, the extent 
of this danger; but we do not believe it is 
very great, for we have no faith whatever in 
the theory that the bullet has gone in a 
direction where it could give much trouble 
in that way. We are astonished to hear one 
of the constant attendants at the President's 
bedside reported as saying that "he is most 
of the time under the influence of opiates." 
.What is that ior? We had supposed that 
the judicious advice of Drs. Hamilton and 
Agnew had stopped this foolish dosing with 
morphine, which has many a time done more 
harm than a wound. 
With infinite satisfaction the people of 
this country have seen the President pass 
through three stages of danger with far less 
implication of the great functions of life 
than was apprehended by everybody. The 
collapse thaP threatens immediately in all 
great injuries was of little moment with 
him; there was no grave internal hem- 
orrhage, and no such diffused inflammation 
of the peritoneum as was looked for. 
Beaders of the Hebald may have observed 
that we have interpreted all this as the 
evidence that the man was less seriously 
hurt than had been apprehended, for we 
were more disposed to believe that a sur- 
geon was at fault in his diagnosis than that 
the ordinary operations of nature were set 
aside for this occasion. Yet some surgeons 
persist in their gloomy prognostications 
that though the President has passed through 
grave crises graver ones are to come, and 
they mention suppuration, septicaemia, ex- 
haustion, secondary hemorrhage, and even 
argue that the peritonitis may be there, 
though you cannot find it. All this is possi- 
bly true.; yet if our view of the reasons why 
the symptons have been so slight hitherto 
is accurate these are nnre lugubrious fore- 
bodings without a basis in reason. If the 
ball has not gone where it was so hastily as- 
sumed it had gone, then there will not be 
such septicaemia, exhaustion, secondary 
hemorrhage and diffused inflammation as 
we are told to expect, nor any but a natural 
and healthy suppuration, and we may as 
well contemplate the case from one side as 
the other. 
Apparently the one fact which conclu- 
sively determined the first judgment that 
this ball was in the liver is that the liver is 
opposite that point at which the ball hit the 
body. It went in here-the liver is there, 
therefore the liver is hifi That was the 
ratiocination; and a hasty, incompetent 
examination satisfied men of the truth of 
what they already believed. This theory 
kept out of sight all the possibilities of re- 
sistance and deflection. If the ball had 
gone on in the direction noted at the 
mouth of the wound it might have hit 
the liver. But did it so go on? Some 
considerations of the obstacles encountered 
will help us to judge this, and considera- 
tions like this are the only help we have. 
Ambrose Pare h id a man's head brought 
from a prison and drove a splinter into his 
eye, that he might thereupon observe pre- 
cisely what injuries had been caused by the 
splinter that was at that moment in the eye 
of the King of France. But an experimental 
study of that sort is perhaps beyond the re- 
sources of our criminal jurisprudence, and 
we must conttnt ourselves with the logic of 
the case. 
An enumeration of the obstacles to a 
bullet which touches the body at the point 
involved will indicate at least the mere im- 
probabilities of penetration. First to be 
pierced were the garments worn-a coat, 
a Waistcoat, and perhaps the wais band of 
the pantaloons and the thickness of two 
shirts. It may be even that a button on 
the pantaloons had to be smashed. Next 
comes the skin, which derives the power of 
resistance due to elasticity from the adi- 
pose tissue immediately beneath it. All 
these pierced the bullet would come upon 
the wide aponeurotic expansion of the latis- 
। simus dorsi muscle. It must not be sup- 
। posed that the resistance here was merely 
i the resistance cf ordinarily recognized mus- 
! cular tissue. The missile did not touch 
i red meat, but rather a material like 
what in popular language would be called 
whitleather-a tough, dense, tendinous, 
fibrous tissue, capable of great resistance. 
Immediately beneath this lie the sacro-'um- 
balis, longissimus dorsi and ilio costalislum- 
borum muscles, and around each of these at 
this well protected part of the human body 
is a sheath of fascia far tougher than the 
muscle itself. Next come the two intercos- 
tal muscles, and the resistance here must 
be counted as much increased by contact 
with the eleventh rib, the edge of which was 
chipped. Inside the ribs the obstacles are 
the quadratus lumborum muscle, the psoas 
mngnus muscle and the pillar of the di- 
aphragm ; these or the aponeurotic attach- 
ments of one or the other, as well as the 
very tough lumbo.co^talis ligament-. 
Now, the total thicknessjef the abdominal 
wall at this point is much greater than it is 
at any other part of the body. In an ordi- 
nary man the thickness of the wall at this 
point in a straight line is about three 
inches; in a man of Mr. Garfield's structure 
it is at least four inches. But if the direc- 
tion of penetration is obliqued from the 
point of impact toward the spinal column- 
and there is evidence that in this case it 
i wils-the bullet must pass through from 
five to six inches cf a mass cf combined 
muscle and fascia before it could reach the 
liver, and then might only reach it by 
reflection or "carrom" from the lateral as- 
pect of the spinal column. It has been said 
' that a surgeon had passed a little finger 
into the wound to a point where it could 
touch the liver. We should, like to have the 
measurement of the little finger with which 
this was done; and a cast of it should cer- 
tainly be put in some surgical museum. 
Another point of very material interest 
as tr the resistance presented would turn 
upon the precise attitude in which the 
President was when he was hit. Since he 
was on bis way to the cars, and walking, it 
is poss:ble that his right foot was lifted at 
that very instant. If it was that fact alone 
would immedia ely double the chances in 
favor of the safety of his liver. This turns 
upon the circumstance that the psoas mngnus 
muscle is an extremely important part of 
the machinery for bringing the thigh for- 
ward and lifting it toward the abdomen. 
At any point in the act of walking that 
muscle is important in this connec- 
tion, for if the foot was down and 
behind that muscle was stretched 
and, like a leather band, held close 
behind it a'l the tissues in the 
way of the ball; but if the foot was lilted 
that muscle was in a contracted state, hard 
and firm and doubly impenetrable by its 
increased thickne. s. Moreover, as this 
muscle draws from the last dorsal vertebra 
to the thigh bone, and thus from behind 
forward across the abdominal cavity, the 
tendency of its contraction in this case was 
to move all the viscera in front of it out of 
the sphere of danger. That muscle was the 
first guarantee of the liver. Its action in 
contraction enlarged the field of safety, and 
when the ball got as far as that muscle its 
force was then nearly spent, and the tough 
fibrous posterior surface was sufficient to 
'turn the missile upon a new course. It 
probably folowed the downward direction 
of the fibres of that muscle to near the 
place of its inferior insertion at the tro- 
chanter minor, and now lies buried in the 
muscular fascicuke on that course, in direct 
relation with the sciatic nerve, which it has 
injured. It may some day be cut out cf the 
inside of the thigh, and until it is the Presi- 
dent may not have an entirely comfortable 
foot. 
Indeed, the whereabouts of a ball that 
has passed out of sight is to be judged with 
rational reference to any recognized dis- 
turbance the beginning of which is coinci- 
dent with the injury. If the kidneys did 
not operate we might sup: ose it was there ; 
if there were hepatic derangement we could 
imagine it in the liver ; if the stomach had 
failed that would te 1 the latest news of 
the bullet. But what function is deranged 
in the President's system? Only the func- 
tion of the great sciatic nerve. Mr. Gar- 
field's eloquent foot has been crying out for 
several days that the ball is on the sciatic 
nerve, and the dull surgeons are maunder- 
ing about his liver. NEW YORK HERALD, 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The President has beeu more comfortable to day 
than at any time since he was wounded. His chil- 
dren were permitted to see him this morning and the 
attending physicians report at tour P. M. that he is 
improving satisfactorily. None of the systems of ar- 
tificial refrigeration thus far tried have entirely met 
the sanguine anticipations of their inventors and 
suggestors, but as the weather continues reasonably 
cool the President has not suffered much from the 
heat since Thursday. Experiments are still being 
made with refrigerating apparatus In anticipation 
of hot weather, which Is predicted by General 
Hazen. 
[Official.] JO 
Executive Mansion-7:15 P. M. 
The President's condition has continued favorable 
during the day. The febrile reaction does not diffdr 
materially from that ot yesterday. Pulse, 108; tem- 
perature, 1014>; respiration, 24. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-9:50 P. M. 
The President's symptoms at this hour are favor- 
able and encouraging. Unless some change should 
occur for the worst no official buHetin will be issued 
until to-morrow morning. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:30 P. M. 
The attending physicians report that the symp- 
toms of the President at this hour are as satisfactory 
as could be expected. He lias taken nourishment fairly 
well to-day, although there was slight nausea this 
afternoon. The suppurating discharge from the 
wound continues, but has a perfectly normal and 
healthy appearance. The President awoke at a quar- 
ter past eleven P. M., atter sleeping continuously 
from eight o'clock, and said that he felt better than 
he had during the day. He is now resting quietly. 
medical analysis of the president's case. 
The following tabular statement shows the varia- 
tions ot the pulse, temperature and respiration since 
the rise of the surgical fever: - 
which he told a representative of the Herald 
that they had been comparing the results of 
certain examinations in order to substantiate 
a theory as to where the ball had lodged. Guiteau 
told the District Attorney that he was immediately 
behind the President when he fired the shot, but a 
number of witnesses testify just the reverse, and 
say that he was on one side of the President at the 
time. In order to enable witnesses to show their po- 
sitions at the time of the shooting, Mr. Corkhill to- 
day had the waiting room in the depot Dhotographed 
and every detail will be carefully looked after. It 
is difficult for some of those who were present to 
explain their positions on a chart, hence the neces- 
sity for an exact reproduction of the spot where the 
President was attacked. Being pressed for further 
news Colonel Corkhill said:-"Dr. Bliss' last remark 
to me when I left him a few minutes ago was that 
the President was going to get well." 
All the members of the Cabinet were in attendance 
at the Executive Mansion till eleven o'clock to-night, 
when they left in a group, apparently in the best of 
humor. Secretary Biaine whispered something to 
Dr. Bliss as he went out, and the reply must have 
been satisfactory, judging Irom the pleasant smile 
that succeeded the answer. Secretaries Hunt, 
Windom and Kirkwood were accompanied by their 
wives. 
THE DOCTORS AND THE HERALD. 
The editorial in to-day's Herald giving a diagnosis 
of the President's case and indicating that the doc- 
tors were probably mistaken as to the course taken 
by the ball,and that instead of its being in the liver it 
had lodged in the muscular faciculae was 
read by the attendant physicians, and gave rise to 
considerable discussion. In consultation to-night 
they all expressed the opinion that the location of 
, the ball was still in doubt. As soon as the editorial 
was referred to in the presence of Dr. Bliss he ex- 
claimed with considerable heat:- 
"Yes, I read that editorial, and I think it is 
damned nonsense. They are trying to make out 
that we have misrepresented the President's case 
and made it appear worse than it really is. All I 
have got to say is let sueh people wait and see the 
result, and then say whether the character of the 
wound has been exaggerated. What in heU does that 
man know of the case, anyway?" He has not seen the 
wound nor does he know where the President stood 
and in what direction the ball entered. I think that 
when people write articles they ought to have some 
facts to base them upon and not deal entirely in con- 
jectures." 
"What makes you think. Doctor, that the writer is 
wrong in his view of the direction taken by the ball 
and its situation?" 
The Doctor produced an anatomical chart, show- 
ing a rear view of the body. A place was marked 
under the eievenlh rib, showing where the ball had 
entered. 
"Here," said the doctor, "is where the ban en- 
tered. It must have entered the liver. It then 
may have been deflected by the liver and gone 
down, lodging between the liver and the muscular 
wall. The direction taken by the ball would be in 
harmony with either position which it is claimed 
the assassin took, either to the President's left or 
directly behind him." 
During the conversation with Dr. Bliss that gen- 
tleman said that one of tne evidences of the ball 
having penetrated the liver was the red venous blood 
which flowed from the wound and which came from 
the liver. 
To-day the President a:ked Colonel Rockwell, 
"Is it true that the Archbishop of Baltimore has 
directed that the clergy shall offer prayer during 
mass for the recovery of the President?" 
"It is," replied Rockwell. 
"How do you know?" 
"The Archbishop's letter to the clergy of this 
arch diocese has been printed, and it is official." 
"Bless the good will of the people!" said the 
President. 
THE NATURE OF THE WOUND. 
PROFESSOR B. D. WSISSB EXPERIMENTS UPON 
A DEAD BODY BY SHOOTING A BALL INTO IT 
TO ASCERTAIN THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE 
president's WOUND THE LIVER PROBABLY 
UNTOUCHED. 
Professor Faneuil D. Weisse, AI. D., of the Medical 
Department of the University of the City of New 
York, has been making experiments upon cadavers 
in order to determine by deductions from those ex- 
periments the course of the ball which struck 
President Garfield and to ascertain as far as 
possible the exact nature of the internal 
injuries sustained by the wounded man. A Herald 
reporter found the Professor yesterday in the dis- 
secting room of the college and desired to know 
what results he had achieved. Dr. Weisse said he 
was preparing a paper on the subject for a medical 
journal, but having mentioned the matter to Dr. 
Hamilton, who had been present at some of the 
demonstrations, the latter gentleman thought it 
would be better to communicate to the public the 
facts obtained through the secular press. Professor 
Weisse accordingly dictated the following:- 
To the Medical Profession and the Public:- 
In view of the fact that I have been reported as 
_having tor several days past been engaged in making 
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1881. 
Great reason for hope is found in the 
absence of any alarming symptoms ac- 
companying the suppuration of the Presi- 
dent's wound. The febrile reaction to be 
expected during this discharge is not 
acute. The patient's pulse at eight 
M. last evening was 108, tem- 
perature 101.9 and respiration 24. A man 
struck in the body by a bullet, taking but 
little food and suffering considerable 
pain, must at the end of a week in 
bed experience great prostration ; but 
it is safe to say that from 
no symptom which has yet presented itself 
is any grave consequence feared. The 
opinion grows among physicians that no 
hurt, or no hurt of any consequence, 
has been done to the liver by the 
ball. At midnight the President was 
resting. The opening of the second week, 
therefore, finds the hope of recovery 
strengthened by the nature of the wound, 
the favorable symptoms and the patient's 
constitution. 
dr. Boynton's present views of the case. 
Dr. Boynton, the family physician, next came out 
from the sick room. lu answer to au inquiry he 
•aid the President was weak, but doing very nicely. 
He then said:-"When I visited him this morning 
he took me by the hand and said, 'How do you do? 
I am glad to seo you.' 1 asked him how ha was feel- 
ing. He said, *1 think I am making some progress; 
for a week I have been engaged in a terrible wrestle 
with prostration.' 'You have conquered,' I re- 
marked. He looked me in the eye and said, 'Do you 
believe it?' He again referred to the utter prostra- 
tion with which he was struggling, but 
said, 'I am a little stronger; I begin to 
feel that it is I that am here.' Opening his eyes and 
looking at the clock he said, 'In fifteen minutes it 
will be a week (referring to the time he was shot). 
The striking of the rib was fortunate; if the dus 
can be well drained or a sac forms around the ball I 
may yet live.' I made a move to go, but he held my 
hand more firmly and said, 'Stay witii me.' I told 
him if he would not talk I would remain. He soon 
atter dropped off to sleep." 
"Does he enjoy a natural sleep?" 
"No, he is under the influence of opiates all the 
time, but he is getting along very nicely. The crisis 
of the case may not be reached for two weeks. The 
inflammation, which is now confined to the course 
of the wound, is liable at any time to become gen- 
eral." 
The Doctor, however, spoke very hopefully of the 
present condition of the President. 
SATURDAY'S SATISFACTORY BULLETINS. 
The following bulletins were issued to-day:- 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 9-8:30 A. M. 
The President has passed a tranquil night, aud 
this morning expresses himself as feeling quite com- 
fortable. We regard the general progress of his case 
as very satisfactory. Pulse this morning, 100; tem- 
perature, 99.4; respiration, 24. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The condition of the President continues to be 
favorable. Pulse, 101; temperature, 101.2; respira- 
tion, 22. The next buUetin will be issued at eight 
P. M. D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
To Drs. Frank H. Hamilton and'3^H. Agnew: - 
The President continues to improve slowly. The 
acid eructations have not recurred during tne jlast 
twenty-tour hours. An ounce of milk with a tea- 
apoontul of rum has been taken every two hours 
during the day and at longer intervals during the 
night without producing any gastric embarrass- 
ment. At nine A. M. he took ten grains ot sulphate 
ot quinia, which did not disturb the stomach. 
Yesterday, toward evening, he became restless, 
wearied ana anxious for the morphia. A quar- 
ter of a grain was given hypodermically at 
half-past eight P. M., atter which he passed a tran- 
quil night, sleeping most of the time. Yesterday 
afternoon he had a small, solid passage from the 
bowels, in which a notable deficiency ot biliary 
coloring matter was observed. The yellowish tinge 
of the skin continues about as at the last report. 
At eight P. M. his pulse was 108: temperature, 101.3; 
respiration, 24. This morning, at hall-past eight 
A. M., pulse, 100; temperature. 99.4; respiration, 24. 
At one P. M., pulse, 104; temperature, 101.2; respira- 
tion, 22. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
Temper- 
Respi- 
Date. 
Time. 
Pulse. 
ature. 
ration. 
July 3.. 
. 10:30 P. M. 
120 
100.0 
20 
July 4... 
. 12:30 A. AI. 
112 
99.8 
20 
July 4.. 
. 8:15 A. AL 
108 
99.4 
19 
July 4.. 
. 12:30 P. AI. 
110 
10J.0 
24 
July 4.. 
. 7 :45 P. AI. 
126 
101.9 
24 
July 4.. 
. 10:00 P. AI. 
124 
101.0 
24 
July 5... 
. 8 :30 A. M. 
114 
100.5 
24 
July 5.. 
. 12:30 P. M. 
110 
101.0 
24 
July 5.. 
. 8:30 P.M. 
106 
100.9 
24 
July 6.. 
. 8:30 A.M. 
98 
98.9 
23 
July 6.. 
. 12:30 P. AI. 
100 
99.7 
23 
July 6.. 
. 8:30P. AI. 
104 
100.6 
23 
July 7... 
. 9:15 A.M. 
94 
99.1 
23 
July 7... 
. 1:00 P. AI. 
100 
100.8 
23 
July 7... 
. 8:OOP. M. 
106 
100.2 
23 
J uly 8.. 
. 8:15 A. AI. 
96 
99.2 
23 
July 8... 
. 12:30 P. AI. 
108 
101.4 
24 
July 8... 
. 8:00 P. AI. 
108 
101.3 
24 
July 9... 
. 8:30 P. AI. 
100 
99.4 
24 
July 9... 
. 1:00 P. M. 
104 
101.2 
July 9.. 
. 7:15 P. M. 
108 
101.9 
24 
CHAT FROM THE SICK ROOM. 
The injunction not to talk is very irksome to the 
President. He tries hard to carry out the mandate 
of the physicians, but try as hard as he may he can 
hardly help speaking sometimes. He can very well 
retrain from talking to some of the doctors, but 
when an old friend enters his room he involun- 
tarily says something. If any encouragement 
whatever is given he will continue to talk about 
his condition and reference to his household. 
It particularly annoys him to have to remain quiet 
when his wife is in the room. Indeed he has never 
yet been able to overcome his inclination to say a 
few pleasant words of encouragement to her. He 
seems to want her to be always at his side, and is 
never so happy as when she is near him. Mrs. Garfield 
is so confident of the President's recovery that she 
inspires everybody else with hope. She has beeu so 
fatigued and worried over his condition that at the 
peremptory order of her doctor she goes out riding 
occasionally. To-day she rode out with Mrs. Blaine 
and Mrs. Hunt. When she leaves the White House, 
however, she is constantly worrying and is anxious 
to return. She looks careworn, and. as she has only 
just recovered from a very severe attack of sick- 
ness, the doctors are somewhat afraid of a relapse. 
Dr. Woodward said to-day that the President's con- 
dition is as favorable as could be expected, consider- 
ing the suppurative action now going on in the 
wound. Continued the Doctor:- 
"I am exceedingly overjoyed that he remains so 
well. He passed a very comfortable night, although 
once or twice his sleep was disturbed by slight 
pains in his lower extremities. These were easily 
allayed by some simple remedies. At six o'clock 
this morning his pulse was down to 106, and two 
hours and a half later it had fallen to 100. This is 
a very good sign." > 
Dr. Bliss was of opinion that the President had 
slightly improved during the night. The wound 
was dressed in the morning and the pus removed. 
The amount of the discharge was equal to about 
two ounces. These discharges in cases of gunshot 
wounds are followed by the heahng process. Dr. 
Reyburn was very happy to-day. After a visit to 
the President he came out and said that his con- 
dition was better than it was yesterday. 
the situation at eleven o'clock f. m. 
Dr. Robert Reyburn left the sick room at half-past 
ten o'clock to-night, just as the President awoke 
from a sleep ot two hours' duration. He said he 
lelt more comfortable than for several days, his only 
sensation being a heaviness in the legs, engendered 
by the pains leaving him. The pricking sensation 
in the feet had entirely subsided and he was as 
easy as could possibly be expected. District Attor- 
ney Corkhill had. au interview lasting several hours 
with Dr. Bliss this evening, at the conclusion of some investigations bearing upon the probable 
nature of the pistol shot wound inflicted upon the 
President, and because the published statements are 
disjointed and vague, I desire to make this public 
statement of my theory and observations relative to 
the case. On the second day utter the shooting of 
the President it seemed possible that the wound did 
not involve the peritoneum, digestive canal, or right 
kidney, and if so the track and lodgment of the ball 
were yet unsolved. Studying carefully the of- 
cial bulletins and the statement of the physicians in 
attendance it seemed to me that the weight of evi- 
dence pointed to an injury of the sacral plexus of 
nerves. I determined to investigate the subject, 
hoping to be able to contribute a possible clew to the 
unravelling of the case. I conceived the theory that 
by some fortuitous circumstance the ball had been 
deflected from its course by striking and fracturing 
the eleventh rib; that it had passed along the ante- 
rior surface or the transversalis muscle that forms 
the Interior muscle wall of the outer half of the loin, 
passing between the transversalis muscle poste- 
riorly and tne kidney and ascending portion of 
large intestine anteriorly; thence into the iliac tossa 
(which is the bed of the right groin), between the 
iliacus internus muscle posteriorly, and the ciecum 
or commencement ot the large intestine anteriorly; 
thence cominuing downward and inward through or 
behind the psoas magnus muscle to the right side of 
the pelvis (or lower cavity of abdomen), there in- 
flicting an injury io one of the nerve trunks of the 
sacral plexus itself, where the ball is now probably 
lodged. This being the supposed track of the ball it 
would plough through a mass of fat which exists 
between the muscle walls behind and the abdominal 
organs above mentioned in front. This 
layer of fat in President Garfield (judging from 
his physique as pictured and described) is prob- 
ably from an inch and a halt to two inches thick. 
Two nerves cross the supposed track of the ball, 
lying upon the anterior surface of tue transversalis 
muscle between it and the fat-namely, the ilio- 
hypogastric and ilio-inguinal branches ot the lum- 
bar plexus. These two nerves pass round the side 
between the muscle planes of the abdominal wall, 
reaching the groin, where they emerge at the side 
of the median line at the lowermost point ot the 
belly, distributing nerve films to the skin of that 
region and to the skin of the scrotum, which areas 
of skin they endow with sensibility. 
The symptoms which seemed to lead to this the- 
ory were, first, that the President fell on the receipt 
of the wound without losing consciousness; second, 
that he vomited almost immediately after falling; 
third, that upon being asked immediately after the 
receipt ot the wound it he had any pain he answered, 
"Yes, in my right leg and foot;" lourtb, the occur- 
rence of tingling and burning of the skin oi the 
legs and feet together with the excruciating pains 
and cramps of the same; fifth, that upon 
the cessation of these pains he was left with a feel- 
ing of soreness of the muscles and exaggerated sensi- 
bility of the feet and legs. To test the theory of the 
deflection of the ball and its course I investigated the 
qualities ot the weapon that inflicted the wound and 
made special dissections of the region involved. As 
regards the pistol used I hope to find some inherent 
defects in it which might tend to bear out the prob- 
ability that the ball fired from such a pis- 
tol could be deflected; I had even thought 
that if it did prove a reliable weapon; that the parti- 
cular cartridge fired might have been a poor one. I 
obtained a British bull aog pistol and a box of torty- 
four-calibre cartridges, and upon inquiry was in- 
formed that as a weapon it was defective in many 
particulars, both as to pistM and cartridge; first, 
the cartridge contains eighteen grains ot powder 
in a very shallow cup, the ball weighing 
200 grains; second, that the ball is cut 
off at the end and not pointed; third, 
that the shortness of the barrel causes a loss of the 
effectiveness of the powder at the muzzle in firing; 
fourth, that as a weapon of precision in firing it is 
detective in the feebie grip afforded by the small 
and awkward shape of the handle; also, that the 
shortness of the barrel tends to elevate the muzzle 
at the time of the explosion of the cartridge. Upon 
testing the etlectiveness of the weapon 1 found first 
upon firing at a one inch board ten feet 
off that the bail went through the board, 
but did not have force enough to 
penetrate a second board eight inches beyond and 
dropped to the ground; second, firing into the 
trunk of a suspended cadaver I found whenever the 
ball struck a flat bone it would lodge in the body; 
if it did not impinge upon a flat bone of the chest it 
would at times go straight through, but more often 
would lodge at an opposite point beneath the skin. 
Firing into the abdomen it would lodge in the body, 
owing, probably, to the mobility of the organ. Tne 
above observations would seem to show the possi- 
bility of a ready deflection in the ball. 
The ball that entered the President's body is de- 
scribed as having entered four inches to the right of 
the median line of the back, fracturing the eleventh 
rib. The eleventh is the most movable of all the 
ribs, being free at its anterior end and not steadied as 
is the twelfth rib by a muscle attached to its lower 
edge. The conditions favorable to deflection by im- 
pingement upon and fracture of this rib are-- 
first, the mobility of the rib makes it 
like a hitkory twig ' fixed at one end 
only, and its swaying upon impact would 
expend a good deal of the force of the ball; second, 
the fracture of the rib would contribute still fur- 
ther to break the force of the ball; third, the ex- 
ternal surface of the rib being convex tends to de- 
flect a ball (of all bones of the body the rib prob- 
ably deflects balls most often); fourth, it tixe 
eleventh rib is pushed inward from behind it 
rises anteriorly, and if a ball struck it 
it would tend to turn the ball on its axis 
and deflect it downward and inward; fifth, the 
clothing of the President must also be considered 
as an element contributing to diminishing the pene- 
trating power ot the ball before it reached the rib, 
but I have no data with reference to the clothing. 
The above conditions at the point of entrance of the 
ball as impinging upon and fracturing the movable 
eleventh rib seem to have afforded contributive ele- 
ments to facilitate deflection of the ball downward 
and forward. 
I obtained a cadaver six feet high, but the body 
not quite as stout as that of the President, sus- 
pended it so that the feet rested on the floor, mak- 
ing it assume as near as possible the position in 
wuich the President stoou when shot. A twelve 
inch trochar (a steetrod one-quarter inch in diame- 
ter, pointed at the end and fixed in a handle) was 
entered exactly at the point of the President's wound 
and made to pin all the tissues and organs 
together, so as to steady them during the 
progress of dissection. A careful disfection of the 
right loin was then made, layer by layer, from the 
skin to the internal organs, from an area extending 
from the tenth rib above to Hie crest of the ileum 
below,, and from the median line flaps of 
the layers were turned off to the side. In the 
track of the wound the skin, sub-cutaneous tissue,' 
the latissimus dorsi muscle nlane and that of the 
serratus posticus inferior muscle were removed, 
exposing the tenth, eleventh and twelfth ribs and 
their intervening muscles; also the exterior surface 
of the transversalis muscle for the external half of 
the loin and the erector spinae muscle for the inner 
' half of the loin. The external intercostal muscles 
were dissected out of the intercostal spaces and the 
intercostal vessels and nerves recognized, as also the 
costal layer of the pleura bridging the inner portion 
of the spaces to line the interior surfaces of the rib; 
in the external portion of the intercostal spaces, 
after the removal of the external intercostals, 
the posterior position of tue internal in- 
tercostal plane of muscle was presented. 
The costal layer of the pleura was separated from the 
eleventh rib and one inch of the rib corresponding 
to the probable point of fracture was cut out with 
bone forceps. The pleural cavity was opened, and. 
the finger being inserted, found a pocket extending 
down to the twelfth rib, as the pleural attach- 
ment rises posteriorly toward the spine <md anteri- 
orly toward the eleventh rib. Three planes of tissue 
covering the convexity of the liver were now brought 
into view and were presented in the following or- 
der:-First, the diaphragmatic layer of the pleura; 
second, dissecting this off exposed the muscle struc- 
ture of the diaphragm (the diaphragm being attached 
to the eleventh and twelfth ribs); third, the peri- 
toneal lining of the abdominal surface of the dia- 
phragm. Cutting through the peritoneum brought 
, into view the tuick lateral superior border of the 
I right lobe of the liver. Bemoving the diaphragm a 
little lower down there was exposed the 
external and upper border of the kid- 
ney, there being no peritoneum intervening. 
A large director was slipped in anterior to the 
tip of the twelfth rib in a direction downward on 
to the internal surface of the transversalis muscle. 
It passed readily downward and inward, following 
the course of the loin into the iliac fossa. The 
twelfth rib was then cut through and dissected out 
with the bone forceps, carrying away its diaphrag- 
matic attachment; the transversalis muscle was sec- 
tioned along the director, down to the crest of the 
ilion. The ilio-hypogastric and ilio-lnguinal nerves 
were dissected out and preserved in situ. The hand 
was inserted, crowding the fat behind the 
kidney, with the large intestine (the peritoneal sac 
being intact) forward; the finger passed with great 
facility downward and inward into the iliac tossa 
until the palmar surface of their tips rested on the 
iliacus internus muscle, the nails against the ex- 
ternal and inferior surface of the psoas maguus 
muscle (which is the back and internal part of the 
bed of the groin-this particular point is situated at 
the back and internal bed of the groin). The fingers 
when crowded a little passed to the surface of 
the anterior crural and obturator nerves 
of the lumbar plexus; crowding them still 
further the lumbo-sacral cord of the sacra 
plexus and even the sacra plexus itself 
could be felt. The peritoneum was now opened an- 
terior to the external convex border of the kidney, 
exposing the external lateral border of the right 
lobe of the liver. The fat from the kidnev was 
removed, and the organ was recognized as beaded in 
the tossa in the posterior and inferior surfaces of 
the right lobe of the liver. A ball to reach the ex- 
ternal border of the right lobe of the liver would 
have to enter the cavity of the peritoneum and 
then penetrate the liver. 
The dissection being now completed and the rela- 
tion of the organ involved in the region of the liver 
being rendered appreciable, a careful drawing by 
Mr. Max Cohn of the region was made, which, upon 
subsequent comparison, was found to accord ex- 
actly with the illustration of the region made by 
our standard authorities. The dissection of the 
region thus seemed to give additional possibility to 
the theory of the course of the ball and its pres- 
ent lodgment. 
On the morning of Thursday, July 7, I called 
upon Professor Frank H. Hamilton, M. D., and 
stated to him my theory of the probable deflection 
and course of the ball, giving him my reasons there- 
for and my investigations and the data I had obtained 
relative to the bullet and the pistol and the results 
of my dissections of the injured region. I then 
asked the doctor to give me a detailed statement 
of all the facts in the case that he had 
learned at the time of his visit to Wash- 
ington as one of the consulting surgeons. This 
he kindly gave me, and among other symptoms 
stated that, the President had called attention to a 
peculiar sensitiveness of the skin of the right side 
of the scrotum. An injury to the ilio-hypogastric 
and ilio-inguinal nerves, which lie in the supposed 
track of the ball, according to the theory advanced 
would account for this peculiar sensation. This, 
Indeed, seemed to be a most happy confirmation of 
the probable correctness of the theory. Encouraged 
by Professor Hamilton I repeated my dissections 
on July 7, and he made an appointment to 
be present at a demonstration of the 
same on the following day. On July 8 I 
obtained several cadavers resembling the physique 
of the President, and at two P. M., in the presence 
of Dr. Hamilton. Dr. George F. Shrady, editor of the 
New York Medical Record, and other professional gen- 
tlemen, I repeated the dissections, pistol firings, 
&c. I propose to continue these dissections, and 
carry them stiU further, in order, if possible, to 
determine the probabilities as to how eventually 
the ball will be dislodged and where it will most 
likely point, if, perchance, it is where I think it 
likely to be. FANEUIL D. WEISSE, 
Professor of Practical and Surgical Anatomy in the 
Medical Department of the University Medical 
College of New York. 
The Professor having telegraphed yesterday to the 
Union Metallic Cartridge Company, Bridgeport, 
Conn., for data, with reference to the 44 cartridge, 
received in answer the following telegram:- 
Union Metallic Cartridge Company, ) 
Bridgeport, Conn., July 9, 1881. ) 
In reference to the 44 central fire cartridge 
would say that the exact amount of powder con- 
tained in the cartridge is twenty grains; weight of 
bullet 200 grains. The crimping or turning in of the 
shell in the end makes the cartridge shoot stronger. 
C. L. HICHMOND. 
WHAT DB. OTTO FULLGRAFF SATS ABOUT THE 
BULLET IN THE LIVER. 
Dr. Otto Fiillgraff, who was the founder, and dur- 
ing more than twenty years was Medical Director of 
the Bond Street Dispensary, in commenting on the 
treatment of President Garfield, yesterday said:-"I 
was delighted with the common sense view ex- 
pressed in the leading article in the Herald of to- 
day. It hits the nail on the head. What evidence 
"have we that the assassin's ballet is in the liver, or 
that it has even touched the liver? Surely the 
symptoms as reported do not indicate any thine of 
the kind." 
"How about the opiates. Doctor?" 
"At this late day? Terrible. The fact is too many 
surgeons and doctors use opiates because they con- 
ceal facts. Look at Fisk, for instance. Stokes may 
thank opium tor the salvation of his neck. So tar 
as I can infer from what is sent here as an index of 
the President's condition he needs no opiate." 
"But the doctors are capable, are they not?" 
"There are too many of them. When there are 
three there are twd too many." 
"Then you agree with the Herald that the ballet 
is probably not in the liver?" 
"Where is the evidence?" 
"The probe of the finger." 
"Oh, that finger-well, well, I really would like to 
see that finger." 
"Where do you think the bullet is?" 
"Like the others, I can but guess. I find no indi- 
cation of injury to the liver, to the kidneys or the 
stomach. The Herald writer has given a hint that 
might be acted on to advantage in suggesting in- 
jury to the great sciatic nerve. Of that there has 
been continuous evidence." 
"Do you share the present hope for recovery?" 
"All honest men must 'hope' for recovery." 
"But do you think the President' is out of 
danger?" 
"On the contrary; nor will he be until he is en- 
tirely recovered. His constitution, his sturdy 
physique are of more service than a thousand phy- 
sicians. I don't understand what is become of the 
clothing that was pierced-I mean that part that 
ex necessitate was forced into the wound. In fact, 
my dear sir, we are told so few facts and are given 
so many 'hopes' it is next to impossible to form an 
intelligent opinion. Either the wound was not so 
dangerous as we were led to nelieve, or the develop- 
ments are unusual, or we are kept in the dark." 
Dr. Fullgraff's study is filled with apparata for 
the treatment of lung and throat diseases, with 
models of laryngoscopes and photographs of 
frozen subjects. With the aid of the last named 
he explained clearly to the writer the liver, 
its situation, the course of the bullet as 
described by the Washington doctors and the 
absurdity of supposing it to be located in the 
liver, stomach or kidneys, as suggested by some. 
In conclusion he said:-"The Herald has long been 
our authority in news and enterprise. If it can 
give us often such treatment as the leader of to-day 
medical science will have found an intelligent *Hy 
and exponent of which it may be proud." 
DB. CABNOCHAN's OPINION. 
Dr. Carnochan was found by a Herald reporter 
last evening just returned from a visit to the State 
Hospital. "You may have seen," said the reporter, 
"that the symptoms of the President still continue 
favorable?" 
"So I see," said Dr. Carnochan, "by the last re- 
ports, which go to confirm my opinion expressed 
yesterday, that from the absence of grave symp- 
toms usually accompanying wounds of the im- 
portant abdominal organs none of them have been 
severely injured, and that the peritoneal cavity has 
not been perforated by the bullet." 
"Supposing the dangers which were at first so 
much apprehended to have passed, are the dangers 
also of a purulent absorption not now also re- 
ceding?" asked the reporter. 
•Tn such a physical constitutioa as the President 
possesses I should say that this complication was 
not now likely to occur." 
"But does not purulent absorption or pysemia oc- 
cur later than after the lapse of eight days?" 
"It frequently does so in constitutions that are 
originally of an enfeebled character or which have 
become cachectic or vitiated by excesses or pro- 
longed privations. In a physique of good tempera- 
ment and well preserved the injured veins opening 
along the track of the wound become blocked up by 
the effusion of coagulable lymph, and in this manner 
an obstacle is presented to the entrance of pus into 
circulation. Whereas in a bad constitution, in a 
broken down system, this salutary lymph, called so 
by John Hunter, is not thrown out, and the injured 
vessels remain open or patulous. Moreover, in a 
vitiated constitution the pus that is secreted is of 
a character which poisons the blood and thus taints 
the different organs of the body to the extent of per- 
verting their functions and often ultimately de- 
stroying life." 
"So that you think a healthy constitution is al- 
most a preventive against purulent absorption?" 
"Yes, if the patient is not allowed to run down 
and made to become artificially enfeebled by mis- 
judged management." 
"Is there any remedial agent that is considered 
preventive or curative of purulent absorption?" 
"The administration of quinine is regarded as 
preventive of this complication, and even after the 
symptoms have presented themselves is often cura- 
tive. Other remedies are given, such as sulphide of 
soda, but quinine is the main prophylactic and cura- 
tive agent in this grave condition." 
"Is there any other danger besides pysemia to bo apprehended now in General Garfield's case?" 
"The presence of a foreign body among the tis* 
sues, although sometimes inert, such as a bullet, is 
often attended by prolonged suppuration, which, 
by producing prostration, may enfeeble the general 
health, but in an originally good constitution is not 
likely to prove fatal except some important organ is 
severely injured. But, in tact, it may be said in 
answer to that question that the possession of a 
good temperament and a well-preserved physique 
will greatly tend to ward off the intercurrent com- 
plications that would be certain to take place in a 
physical constitution of bad or tainted tempera* 
ment." 
db. Hamilton's views. 
Dr. Frank H. Hi milton was found in his study t* 
Thirty-second street last night. His desk wm 
heaped with letters from all parts of the country 
and from all sorts of persons and containing al] 
sorts of suggestions concerning the treatment 
of the Presidential patient. A numbei 
of hotel proprietors wrote to assure bin 
that their several localities possessed matchlee! 
attractions for the healing of the sick. One ot 
these gentlemen wrote that the air of his sectioi 
was "at once a tonic and sedative." It was only 
necessary to remove the President thither, and ha 
could pay his money and take his choice as to 
whether he would have that wonderful air lift him 
up or press him down. The proprietor of a 
widely advertised patented remedy for all 
the ills that flesh is heir to wrote al 
great length, calling upon Dr. Hamilton 
to be brave, to acknowledge to truth and to "coms 
to the front" as the champion of this marvellous 
healing agency. 
'Tm afraid that I'm a coward," said the Doctor 
laughing. "I won't 'go to the front' this time. I'd 
much rather stay in the rear." 
The latest bulletin from Washington lay upon th« 
desk by the side of the heap of letters referred to, 
and the writer asked for Dr. Hamilton's impression! 
of the case in the light of their latest information. 
••The bulletins sent to the consulting surgeons," 
he replied, "continue to be fayorable. There is only 
one new symptom alluded to and that is'that the 
evacuations have assumed a clayey color. This may 
be taken as furnishing some evidence that the live! 
has been to some extent injured; but in the absenc< 
of any other evidence than this that the liver hai 
suffered serious injury the testimony is not very 
conclusive. The functions of the liver may be im- 
paired or its ducts somewhat obstructed without 
assuming that it has suffered any serious lesion. 
Moreover, no evacuations have been obtained as ye! 
from the upper portion of the alimentary canal. I 
should feel more assured that this clayey color in- 
dicated the absence of bile if the evacuations had 
been more copious. You must remember that he 
has been feeding a good deal on milk and 
lime water, and possibly this may fur- 
nish a sufficient explanation. The gentlemen 
who are present and witness all the 
slightest shades of symptoms as they occur are 
much more competent to form a judgment as to 
what this apparent absence of the evidences of bile 
means than I am. They have not, however, offered 
to me or to the public, so far as I knew, anything 
but the fact unaccompanied with an explanation." 
••Do you expect any particular benefit from the 
experiments of Professor Weiss?" 
"The results obtained by firing at a body," re- 
plied Dr. Hamilton, "are iu one sense not worth 
much, because you cannot reproduce the conditions 
under which the ball that did the mischief was fired. 
The experiments are chiefly to determine how much 
power the weapon had and the character of the 
wound it would make." NEW YORK HERALD 
"How did the thermometer stand in the Presi- 
dent's room?" 
"We succeeded in getting it down to seventy-six 
by hanging it near the register, but the sensation 
produced by the introduction of the air was like 
that of a muggy, cloudy summer day, and you 
know what a miserable combination that makes." 
"Too bad these plans do not work better." 
"Yes, it is; but something may be due to the fact 
that the air coming through the register was slightly 
damp, and as it passes off it may do all right. Yes- 
terday it smelt like the chimney. The new appa- 
ratus is expected this morning, and, while I have no 
faith in any of the contrivances, it may effect the 
desired end." 
"Did the noise-of the pumping of the air annoy 
the President?" 
"I asked him if it did and he told me 'No, indeed, 
I do not mind it, but I might before long.' It 
Bounded something like the distant whirr of a wind- 
mill." 
"Is he much interested in any of these con- 
trivances?" 
"No, not much; but he appreciates the kindly 
efforts that direct them. He somewhat enjoys how ' 
they are experimenting in General Swaim's room, 
thinking with the rest of us that if the General can 
Stand it and like it, he will, too." 
"How did the Hon Kah Ians work ?" 
"Really well. The- fan is very large, and is moved 
by an easily worked-contrivance. It distributes the 
cooling air gently, much more so than an ordinary 
fan would do in the hand. We kept it going ail day 
yesterday, and it was very satisfactory." 
"Yet the President cannot feel the heat so much, 
for is not there always some one fanning him?" 
"Yes, he does not complain so much of the heat 
as the fanning. The bathing of the wound in cold 
water and tne bathing of the feet, too, refreshes him 
considerably." 
"How did he enjoy the visit of his children yes- 
terday ?" 
THE PRESIDENT AND HIS CHILDREN. 
"As much as you could expect since the only con. 
dition they were allowed in was that he would not 
talk. He wanted to know in the morning when he 
was going to be let see them, so it was thought best 
to let them in. The President did not talk to them 
at all." 
"Does he get long rests now?" 
"Last night he slept from seven until eleven 
o'clock without even awaking for a drink. He was 
very restless before that until after the hypodermic 
injection had been given him. When he woke up 
he noticed me preparing to leave and asked, 'How 
do you feel, doctor?' I answered, 'Very well; but 
how are you?' He seemed to consider a moment 
before he answered, 'I'm better.' I found that a 
very pleasant opinion to carry away with me, and 
left him looking rested and quiet." 
"That reflection about Guiteau must have set you 
to thinking. Doctor?" 
"It did. It made us all hopeful, seeing how be 
was looking forward to the time of his recovery." 
"Mrs. Garfield is keeping up well?" 
"Splendidly. We insisted on the daily drives and 
she is showing the benefit of them alreidy." 
"Well, we have every good reason to hope," said 
I, pointing to an anchqr of shaded pink roses on a 
side table in the Doctor's study, "and I suppose 
somebody wanted to encourage you when that was 
sent, Doctor?" 
"That came to the President without even the card 
of the sender, when I was leaving last night. Mrs. 
Garfield insisted on my taking it home with me. 
Loads of flowers in every shape and design come 
every day. Of course they cannot be allowed to 
remain in the sick room, but we sometimes give the 
President a glimpse of the very pretty ones or those 
from particular friends. Some were received from 
St. Louis yesterday, but, of course, they were dead 
and wilted. People forget the distances in their 
desire to send these agreeable tokens of sympathy. 
Yes, I think we can take the anchor for an inspira- 
tion and hope for the very best." 
Mrs. Edson, the doctress, said to-night, about half- 
past nine, when leaving the White House, that the 
President was getting along very well, but was more 
conscious of the pain to-day than heretofore. 
SUNDAY'S BULLETINS. 
The following were the bulletins posted at the 
White House to-day:- , 
. [Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 10-8 A. M. 
The President has passed the most comfortable 
night he has experienced since he was wounded, 
sleeping tranquilly and with few breaks. The gen- 
eral progress of his symptoms continues to be 
favorable. Pulse, 106; temperature, 100; respira- 
tion, 23. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The President's symptoms continue to be favor- 
able. Pulse, 102; temperature, 100.5; respiration, 22. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
To Dr. Frank H. Hamilton and Dr. D. H. Agnew:- 
Such slight changes as have taken place in the 
President's condition since our telegram of yester- 
day are of a favorable character. About seven P. M, 
his bowels were freely moved: shortly afterward he 
received a hypodermic injection of one quarter of a 
grain of morphia. He slept more naturally during the 
night than ho has done since he was hurt, and I his 
morning is comfortable; takes his nourishment well 
and appears on the whole better than hitherto. 
During the last twenty-four hours he has taken 
altogether fourteen ounces of milk and one ounce of 
rum. This morning at 10:30 he again received ten 
grains of bisulphate of quinine. Both yesterday 
and the day before the wound was dressed anti- 
septically twice during the twenty-four hours. 
This morning it is discharging rather less pus than 
yesterday, but its appearance is healthy 
Yesterday, at 7:15 P. AI., his pnlse was 108; 
temperature, 101.9; respiration, 24. To-day, at 
8 A. M., pulse, 106: temperature, 100; respiration, 
23. At 1 P. M. pulse 102; temperature, 100.5; 
respiration, 22. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President's symptoms continue to make fa- 
vorable progress. Pulse, 108; temperature, 1UL9; 
respiration, 24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
/ ' ROBERT REYBURN. •] 
No further bulletin will be issued until to-morrow 
morning. 
DR. GARNETT DISCUSSES THE WOUND. 
Dr. A. X P. Garnett was the surgeon on General 
Lee's staff during the rebellion and stands well at 
the head of the medical profession in the District of 
Columbia. He takes the side of the Herald in the 
controversy about the nature of the wound, and 
says:-"I have not been able to discover any 
satisfactory evidence that the ball of the assassin j 
penetrated the liver or the abdominal cavity of his j 
victim. The relative position of the parties when I 
the shot was fired would contradict such a con- I 
elusion. The line of incidence pursued by the ball ' 
to the point of impact against a fractured rib forms, 
with a line drawn from that point to the spine, an 
obtuse angle, while from the same point of impact 
on a line drawn along the rib-toward the front of 
the body would form, with the same Jine of inci- 
dence, an acute angle. Hence it is fair to infer, 
ceteris paribus, that the missile would be deflected in 
the direction of the spine, and not toward the 
abdomen, a circumstance, by the way. Dr. 
Bliss' opinion to the contrary notwithstanding, to 
which the President probably owes his life. This 
fact, together with the consecutive conditions, both 
positive and negative, confirms me in the opinion 
expressed on Wednesday last that no important or- 
gan had been wounded, and that the wound would 
in all probability prove to be one of comparative 
insignificance." Continuing, the Doctor remarked:- 
"The consulting surgeons have, in my opinion, 
manifested a too hasty if not unwise acquiescence 
in the first impressions of Dr. Bliss, who failed 
to avail himself of the opportunity afforded 
by his early presence upon the spot to make a suffi- 
ciently intelligent exploration to determine, so far 
as was then practicable to do, the direction which 
the ball had taken. The clinical history of the 
case so far," observed the Doctor, "is before the 
country. Let medical men judge for themselves ac- 
cording to their experience and knowledge. Noth- 
ing is more uncertain than the consequences, im- 
mediate or remote, of a gunshot wound of this 
class, and few things controlled by physical 
laws are more curious and eccentric than the 
direction of a ball after it penetrates the 
human body. It is impossible, in the light of my 
experience and knowledge of pathology, for me to 
concur in the opinion of Dr. Bliss that it was a for- 
tunate circumstance that the ball was deflected in a 
forward direction and that it had penetrated the ab- 
dominal cavity and was lodged against the interior 
wall of the stomach. There is not a single circum- 
stance in the clinical history of the case to warrant 
such an opinion. The fact that the pa- 
tient is now alive and doing well furnishes 
the best evidence of its fallacy. Without 
going into any discussion of the interesting subject, 
which would occupy too much time, I will simply 
add that I have never believed that the liver or any 
other of the abdominal viscera were wounded, but 
that the ball took a backward course and lies im- 
bedded in the muscles of the posterior part of the 
tiunk." 
"What are the chances of any early recovery. 
Doctor?" 
"Basing a prediction upon this view of the case, 
and my experience in similar ones, I shall ekpect to 
hear that the Eresident is able to ride out in less 
than three weeks. The treatment," further observed 
the Doctor, "so far as I have been able to learn, in 
my judgment has been very judicious." 
DB. LINCOLN OBJECTS. 
Dr. N. S. Lincoln, who was with the President for 
several days, is regarded as one of the most eminent 
surgeons in the South. Speaking of the editorial in 
yesterday's issue of the Herald-a copy of which 
he had on his desk-in reference to the President's 
wound, he said that the theories there advanced, as 
applied to the exact location of the shot re- 
ceived by the President, were based upon false 
premises and displayed a; lack of knowledge 
on the part of the writer relative to anatomy. The 
Doctor stated further that it was irrelevant to sup- 
pose that buttons might have been pierced or broken 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
proprietor. 
NEW YORK. MONDAY. JULY 11. 1881. 
No iteration can be more welcome to the 
American people than that Df the continu- 
ous improvement in the President's bodily 
state. However the doctors differ as to 
the course of the ball, the favorable prog- 
nosis of the case finds no dissentient. 
Let the wretch's missile be where it may, 
the fact that the patient seems destined to 
survive the effects of its passage through 
his tissues is the one fact of para- 
mount interest to the public. Yes- 
terday was passed without material 
change. At seven last evening the Presi- 
dent's pulse was 108, his temperature 101.9 
and respiration 24, which was exactly 
the record of the evening before 
at the same hour. The wound was dis- 
charging rather less than the day before. 
He was cheerful, and took his food with 
relish. At midnight he was resting. 
THE PRESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
[ET TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) 
Washington, July 10, 1881. 
Your correspondent invaded Mrs. Dr. Edson's 
cosey -office this morning as the bells from a dozen 
different church spires chimed in melodious succes- 
sion and heard from her how the sufferer at tho 
White House passed yesterday. 
"Well, Doctor, how is the President getting 
along?" 
"Splendidly when I left him last night about 
eleven-o'clock." 
"Last night was your night off, then?" 
"Yes; I,left him to Crump. Crump rested all day 
yesterday, going home for the first time since the 
shooting. He was beginning to get tired out." 
"Was the President in much pain yesterday ?" 
"He suffered intensely, and seemingly with a 
much keener -consciousness of it than at any time 
yet" 
"The pain in the feet and.Iimbs continues?" 
"Yes, but even-that was mot as great yesterday as 
the tired-out feeling, being so long in one position, 
gives him." 
"I suppose he is beginning to get wearied." 
"Yes. Compel any large, healthy man to take a 
week's confinement and you can imagine what it is 
to the President, who has great pain. The heat, 
added to a desire to talk-in which he-cannot be 
indulged-all tend to worry." 
"Hashe ever spakendo you of the-assassin, Gui- 
teau?" 
"Yes, early in the week. He seemed to have been 
thinking deeply for quite a time, and then said:- 
'Doctor, I wonder what will I do when that man's 
application is brought before me for a pardon ?' I 
Baid I don't think there willbe any question of a 
pardon at all, Mr. President. Such persons as he 
ought to be kept within the security of very strong 
walls, I think.' Then, after an interval of thought, 
he answered, 'I guess so. Doctor.' " 
"Does he make many inquiries as to hiscondi- 
iion ?" 
"Oh, yes; he frequently asks, 'What do you think 
af me?-am I getting any better?' " 
"How about the diet? Does he eat much?" 
"No, not a great deal." 
"Does he like the milk?" 
"When well he is very fond of milk and drinks it 
regularly. Now, while he likes it very well, it does 
not agree with him always, so we are obliged to 
limit the quantity and at times discontinue it alto- 
gether." 
"What else do you give him?" 
'•Chicken broth and beef juice are given him oc- 
casionally, but as frequently the milk sours on the 
stomach he cannot take anything at all until the 
stomach settles." 
INEFFECTUAL FREEZERS. 
"Did the cooling apparatus cool, Doctor?" 
"We came to the conclusion yesterday that if a 
few more schemes were tried to cool us we would 
get roasted to death. The atmosphere of the sick 
room was almost unbearable yesterday, though I 
am told in other houses it was quite a moderate 
heat, and not very unpleasant." when the fact is that they were not, and he says that 
the clothes offered but a trifling resistance to the 
penetration of the ball. He says that the ball en- 
tered the body four inches to the right of the spine, 
between the tenth and eleventh ribs, at a point 
where the muscular layers are thin, it 
being outside of the aggregation of muscles 
like the longissimus dorsi, which .ie close to the 
spine, outside of the line of the kidney and en- 
tirely above the upper extremity of the quadrates 
lumborum muscle and psoas magnus muscles, 
which the editor in the Hebald assumes have an in- 
definite upward extension. These two muscles ter- 
minate, one in the lower edge ot the twelfth rib and 
the other in the last dorsal vertebrae, where the 
liver lies with a broad surface directly against the 
wall of the abdomen. "The assertion," said the 
Doctor, "that the total thickness of the abdominal 
wall at the point where the ball entered is much 
thicker than elsewhere is entirely incorrect. The 
distance between the skin and outer surface of the 
liver in a man of the physique of the President at 
that point not being more than an inch, unless the 
anatomy is arranged to suit the peculiar views of 
the Herald editor. 
"I will ask you, doctor, it the direction of pene- 
tration is obliqued from the point of impact toward 
the spinal column-and there is evidence that in this 
case it was-must the bullet pass through from five 
to six inches of a mass of combined muscle and 
fascia before it could reach the liver, and would it 
not reach it by reflection or carrom from the 
lateral aspect of the spinal column? The only 
evidence the physicians had was that the ball passed 
in a different direction, or outward and downward 
and directly into the liver and not toward the spinal 
column." 
HE HAS NOT EXAMINED THE WOUND. 
He stated very frankly that he had not made a 
personal examination of the wound but that Dr. 
Wales, the Surgeon General of the Navy, had doneso 
and he had great confidence in his judgment, for he 
was an experienced and eminent surgeon. That 
when he was informed by Dr. Wales that he had 
passed hislittle finger through the wound directly 
into the liver and had clearly ascertained the course 
of the ball to be in the liver outward and downward 
and away from the direction of the spinal column, 
he had every reason to believe this to be the fact. 
In reference to the statement that such a little 
finger should be cast in plaster and placed in a 
museum, he would say that a body made up accord- 
ing to the ideas ot the distinguished writer in the 
Herald would be a much more interesting speci- 
men anatomically in any museum in the world. 
Speaking of the precise attitude of the President 
when hit affecting the resistance to the ball, he 
said that this amounted to nothing unless we admit 
the indefinite extension of the psoas magnus muscle 
upward, in accordance with the peculiar anatomical 
views of the writer. The psoas magnus muscle 
being entirely below the point of entrance and en- 
tirely within the perpendicular line of it, it was dif- 
ficult for him to perceive how it protected the liver 
and increased the distance of the liver from the sur- 
face. He thinks the editor's view of the course of 
the ball and its present location is a very s trange 
one. He cannot understand how the ball can lie-at the 
inferior insection of the psoas magnus muscle and 
be in direct relation with the sciatic nerve, one 
being on the inner surface of the thigh and the 
other as tar as possible on the outer surface of the 
thigh. In fact the writer's knowledge of anatomy 
seems to be on a par with our English cousins' idea 
of American geography, when they fancy that Mon- 
tevideo is asuburb of New York, and St. Louis, of 
Boston. 
"I will state at this point," said the Doctor, "that 
I had, some years ago, a case of a pistol shot which 
did follow the course ot the psoas muscle. It was in 
the case of a physician of this city who met with an 
accidental wound resulting from the discharge of a 
pistol as he was in the act of removing it from the 
hip pocket. The ball entered just above the crest of 
the ilium and below the origin of the psoas 
magnus muscle, which deflected it down, 
ward, carried it to the inner part of the 
thigh, which is the spot where the editorial 
writer on the Herald supposes this ball to be 
located. But it rested upon the femoral artery and 
not upon the sciatic nerve. The only objection to 
the hypothesis assumed by the Herald editorial is 
this, that the psoas muscle is too short in ordinary 
cases to answer the purpose to which he employs it. 
THE DOCTOR'S HYPOTHESIS. 
"The only knowledge we have is that the ball has 
penetrated the liver and has not injured any other 
important organ. In regard to the pain which the 
President has complained of in his feet, he assured 
me personally that it was entirely symmetrical and 
equally severe in both feet, which cannot be ac- 
counted for by the hypothesis that it injured the 
sciatic nerve of the right side. Where the ball is 
now is a mere matter of speculation, and what is the 
exact cause of the pain in the feet has not yet been 
ascerta'ned. It is quite possible that the ball may 
have in some manner reached the hypogastric plexus 
of nerves, but this is only guess work." 
CHANCES OF RECOVERY. 
Speaking of the President's chances of recovery 
the Doctor gave it as his opinion that his chances of 
recovery are much better than they have been gen- 
erally thought to be. Tne following table of liver 
shots, tafsen from Dr. Otis' wort, who is one of the 
most distinguished surgeons we have ever had, and 
whose compilation is universally received and 
classed as one of the grandest contributions to mili- 
tary surgery, will prove interesting in this connec- 
tion:-, 
Out of 173 cases, 59 of which were uncomplicated 
or real liver wounds, and 114 complicated cases, 34 
of the uncomplicated proved fatal and 25 recovered. 
Out of the 114 second class or uncertain liver shots 
74 proved tatal and 37 recovered. Of the 25 recover- 
ing of the first class 14 were undoubted liver shots 
and 11 were doubtful as to the nature of the injury. 
Of the 37 of the second class that recovered 18 were 
undoubted and 19 doubtful. 
These are all cases that reached the hospital for 
treatment, and the President's chances after the 
second day must be compared with them. When 
he was first shot his chances had to be reckoned 
with the hundreds of such shots received by sol- 
diers on the field, which of course were very 
slim, for many died from such wounds either im- 
mediately upon receiving tho shot or very soon af- 
terward, and did not reach the hospital for medical I 
treatment.. 
WEAK BUI COURAGEOUS. 
The report from the sick room continued en- 
couraging. The President remained very quiet and 
talked but little. General Swaim said he was still 
very weak, but doing as well as could ne 
expected. Dr. Bliss speaks in more hopeful 
terms to-day than he ever did before. He 
said that the chances of secondary hemorrhage 
were now very remote. The President had passed 
safely twelve o'clock last night, at which time he 
expected the appearance of some unfavorable 
symptoms. But tho President continued to 
hold his own. He said that the veins 
were filled with coagulated blood which if 
the President became weaker, would be discharged; 
but if he continued as strong as he had been this 
would be prevented. They were, however, pre- | 
pared for any emergency of this kind. Dr. Boynton ' 
said that no unfavorable symptoms had appeared 
and the President was doing well. In regard to the 
probability of the appearance of any unfavorable ' 
symptoms such as would indicate peritonitis, he 
said, "No symptom of peritonitis has appeared 
yet, but is liable to appear any time j 
within the next two weeks, but we hope 
not. He added, "The last bulletin issued ■ 
fur the day the one at seven P. M. showed that the j 
President's condition had remained unchanged.'' I 
The doctors, except three that were to remain for 1 
the night, retired, and the few outsiders imitated 
their example at an unusually early hour. The 
White House was then dosed for the night. 
The President's Wound. 
Dr. N. S. Lincoln, who is said to be a 
very distinguished surgeon in the South, 
has done us the honor to examine a theory 
set forth in the Herald in regard to what 
became of the bullet that was-shot into the 
President's body, and we are sorry to say 
that he disapproves of that theory, and 
even goes so far as to say that it indi- 
cates ignorance of anatomy. Dr. Lincoln 
is, therefore, we may assume, a great 
authority on anatomy, and from such an 
authority everybody ought to be ready to 
accept information. Perhaps we may there- 
fore request the Doctor to explain some 
points in his own knowledgeof anatomy 
that seem a little cloudy. He says, tor in- 
stance, that the ball which went between 
the tenth and eleventh ribs at tour inches 
from the spine, therefore entered the body 
at a point higher than the superior 
insertion of the psoas magnus mus- 
cle ; and yet he himself says that 
that muscle is inserted in the 
twelfth dorsal vertebra. How' can such 
things be? Is it possible that this distin- 
guished surgeon and great anatomist does 
not know that the space between the tenth 
and eleventh ribs, at four inches from the 
spine, is lower than the twelfth dorsal ver- 
tebra, and that therefore the place at which 
he says the bullet went in is lower than the 
place at which he says the muscle ends? 
Surely a distinguished surgeon ought to 
know so simple a fact as the direction in 
which the ribs leave the spinal column, and 
he ought to be loo logical to suppose that it 
is great learning in him and ignorance in 
another to state the insertion of a given 
muscle in precisely the same words. Upon 
another point also this learned man might 
enlighten us. If the place nt which the 
bullet hit the President's body is "entirely 
above the upper extremity of the quadratus 
lumborum muscle" how did it happen 
that in Dr. Weisse's experiments a bullet 
sent into a body just at the point where 
the President was hit pierced that very 
muscle? Since this is the way they know 
anatomy in Washington we are not aston- 
ished that they imagine that bullet to be in 
the liver. Our article does not need 
defence, and we notice these criticisms only 
because the man who makes them is spoken 
of as professionally distinguished. If we 
went through his whole interview we 
would make him more distinguished still. 
Dr. Bliss, who described our article in 
words of profane vulgarity, does not need 
to be answered. His language shows how 
repugnant all strictly professional reason- 
ing is to his calm, scholarly and lofty tone 
of mind. NEW YORK HERALD 
easily be reduced by quinine, but in his 
opinion malaria was not the cause. Dr. Lin- 
coln, in speaking of the last bulletin issued, 
said that he gave his opinions with great reserva- 
tion, for he was not ono of the physicians in attend- 
ance, and what might seem alarming to him might 
appear indifferent to those who have watched the 
symptoms in person. Ho said, however, that a rise in 
temperature might bo attributed to two causes- 
either to an increased inflammation in the wound or 
to malarial effects. If the temperature has in- 
creased uniformly every night that it resulted from 
the latter cause; but if such was not the 
ease then it was due to additional inflam- 
mation. He said that if ho were treating 
a patient for a wound similar to that of the 
President's, he would consider the rise in tempera- 
ture as a very alarming lyiuptoin. When tho bul- 
letin was submitted to Surgeon Genera! Wailes, of 
the navy, he expressed the opinion that it showed 
an unfavorable situation. The temperature, he 
said, will be lower in the morning, but will rise 
agaiu in the afternoon. 
MBS. EDSON ON THE PRESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
"How did your patient spend Sunday 7" the 
Herald correspondent inquired of Dr; Susan Edson 
this morning just before she resumed her duties at 
the President's bedside. 
"Pretty well for a man as sick as he is." 
"What is he thinking himself about it?" 
"AH along he has been so cheerful and hopeful 
that you could imagine he felt his recovery a sure 
thing. But yesterday he seemed to grow a little 
despondent for the first time." 
"Still he understands that his case is progressing 
favorably?" 
"Yes, he knows that, but he was very restless all 
day yesterday and seemed more than ever conscious 
of the struggle he was making between life and 
death." 
"Then he is con<cious of the chances?" 
"Perfectly. He became quite tired out yesterday 
and said to his wife, 'I wonder if all this fight 
against death is worth the little pinch of life I will 
get anyway.* Mrs. Garfield said to him,'Don't talk 
that way; of course it is worth While.* '* 
"Mrs. Garfield keeps hopeful?" 
"Just as cheerful as ever. The President wanted 
her near him a great deal yesterday, and she re- 
mained. We are trying, though, tor her to reserve 
her strength, for as the President convalesces he will 
want her more and more with him." 
"Did not all the work of putting up the cooling 
apparatus annoy you yesterday?" 
"Yes, it did, frequently. Once we had to have the 
work stopped altogether, as the President grew 
quite restless and excited about it. At night, after 
The hypodermic injection had been given him and 
he feli asleep, the work started agaiu and progressed 
' rapidly. It will probably be in operation to-day." 
. "Do you think the wound is healing?" 
"It is suppurating nicely. The President cannot 
see why he is not feeling better when the wound is 
getting along so well, but that, of course, was ex- 
pected." 
"Is he getting tired of the bed?" 
"Dreadfully so. Yesterday he seemed sick and 
tired of the whole affair. That exalted sense of hope 
which had overweighed all the suffering at first is 
fast deserting him, and you could see he was can- 
vassing his chances, this way or that, with soma 
misgivings cs to tne result. Besides, the muscles of 
his back are so sore and painful that for a heavy 
man it must induce severe pain and weariness. 
"Is ho anxious to know the purport of the bulle- . 
tins?" 
CALCULATING HIS CHANCES. 
"Though the physicians told him yesterday after 
the consultation how he was progressing, he did not 
seem entirely satisfied and asked to see t:ie bulletin. 
I procured the early morning and noon bulletins 
„ and read them to him. I told him once before that ■ 
the bulletins were anxiously looked for outside, and 
he said yesterday, 'The people must be sick and 
tired reading them. What is one life? What differ- 
ence dees it make anyway?' " 
"You do not like to hear such despairing remarks, 
do you?" 
">o, we do not; but he is suffering so, putting in 
day after day in pretty much the same state, and we 
attribute the less hopeful view he is taking just to 
these leasons. He was so full of encouragement the 
first days, and had no idei that the process of recov- 
ery wo,dd be so tediaus." 
"Has anything been told the President of the New 
York gift to his wife?" 
"Ao, nothing has been said about it to him at all. 
As for Mrs. Garfield, she is unable to talk about un 
unlooked for and magnificent expression of sym- 
pathy, and the very thought of so much kindness 
quite overcomes her." 
"Has the President any intimation of the excite- 
ment the shooting caused?" 
"Oh, yes; he has some idea. He asked me last 
week one day what were the people saying about it, 
and 1 told him that 1 thought it his right to know 
something ot the intense excitement pervading all 
classes of people, and that be had the sympathy ot 
the wnole civilized world. I told him that messages 
from every direction and from distinguished people 
all over the world were continually arriving, but, I 
said 'we cannot let you see them.' Bo answered, 'I 
don't want to; but do you think the excitement 
greater than in Lincoln's time?" I told him that 
I thought it was; that then the end soon came, 
while now everybody was in agony, suspense and 
alarm. But, I continued, 'don't you remember 
your own words then, "God reigns," &c. Well, it 
will apply as well now this way, "God still reigns 
and the President lives."' I discouraged any talk 
from him, and ho made no further comment. I 
also told him of the interest shown by the entire 
religious world evinced by the regular and special 
services held in his behalf-that Catholics, Prot- 
estants and Jews were each uniting, and that the 
event had proved an immense harmonlzer of con- 
flicting elements in many ways." 
UNJUST ANNOYING CBIT1CISM. 
"Do the theories advanced by tho physicians here 
and elsewhere annoy you. Doctor?" 
"Woll, it is not very pleasant when one is strain- 
ing all their energies at that bedside, and then read 
afterward that the President's condition is exagger- 
ated, that his doctors are making a great scare be- 
cause it is the President, and that it ho were an or- 
dinary citizen such grave conclusions would not be 
feared. However, we feel we are doing only our 
duty, and theories with no facts to strengthen them 
give us no trouble at all. Talking of the sympathy 
to the President yesterday I said, 'It don't hardly ; 
pay to find out one's iriends at the expense of an i 
assassination.' He smiled through his pain and I 
said, 'Not much, I tell you.' " 
"You had no visitors in ths sick room yesterday?" 
"No, indeed, and if the slightest unusual stir is 
made in that wing or the house he notices it imme- 
diately. Yesterday morning an artist for an illus- 
trated paper was sketching the sick room from one 
adjoining it, getting views between the President's 
naps. Colonel r.ockwell and Major Swaim were look- 
ing over the artist's shoulder. The President wak- 
ing saw them in that intent position through the 
open doorway and wanted to know what was up. 
Mrs. Garfield said tho gentlemen were only chatting 
together, but he seemed to fear something about 
him was being talked about, and would irpt rest 
until his wife told him that it was only an artist 
sketching his room." 
"The shock received by the President at the shoot- 
ing must have been very severe?" 
"Yes; he received a greater nervous shock than I 
thought it possible a man of his coolness could. 
He says he distinctly remembers being carried up 
stairs at the depot, but does not remember the 
vomiting. His first thought wi.s of death. He was 
for.some minutes unconscious, though he does not 
think so." 
"Well, if everything goes along smoothly now, 
when do you think he could be removed to cooler 
quarters ?" 
"Not for several weeks could any question of 
removing him be entertained at all. I have received 
a letter from a man in Pennsylvania advising mo 
that he has shipped an invalid bed for the Presi- 
dent's use. if it is a good one it will be very bene- 
ficial to the sufferer. These beds are used chiefly 
by paralytic or other helpless invalids, and a person 
can tie turned or moved with no trouble to them- 1 
selves by a simple use of a ciank at the foot of the I 
bed. ,1 had already spoken to Mre. Garfield how de- 
sirable such a bed would be it we could succeed in 
getting a thoroughly good patent. This one will 
arrive to-day, and we will tee how it will do." 
BULLETINS ^OB MONDAY. 
The physicians attending the President issued the 
■ following bulletins to-day:- 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 11-8 A. M. 
Tho President has passed a comfortable night and 1 
his condition shows an improvement over that of 
yesterday. Pulse, 98; temperature, 99.2; respi- 
ration, 22. • D. \V. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Bulletins will be issued daily at eight A. M., one 
P. M. and halt-past eight P. M. until further notice.] 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The favorable progress of tho President's case con- 
tinues. Pulse, 106; temperature, 99.8; respiration, 
24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
During the past twenty-tour hours tne favorable 
progress ot the President's case has continued. He 
lias taken and i etamed twenty-two ounces of milk 
and one ounce ot rum. This morning at nine o'clock 
he had besides a slice of toast, so;tened in milk, and 
i t 11:15 took fifteen grains ot bi-sulphate of quinia. 
There has been no irritability of stomach at anytime. 
Last evening at a quarter past seven he received one- 
quarter of a grain of morphia sulphate hypoder- 
mically and slept well during the night. The 
wound was again dressed antisepticaliy yesterday 
evening and this morning and continues to dis- 
charge a small quantity of healthy pus. Last even- 
ing at seven o'clock his pulse was 108; temperature, 
101.9; respiration, 24. This morning at eight 
o'clock-Pulse, 98; temperature, 99.2; respiration, 
22. At one P. M.-Pulse, 106; temperature, 99.8; 
respiration, 24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YOLK. TUESDAY. JULY 12. 1881. 
Until yesterday afternoon the President 
continued to make favorable progress tow- 
ard recovery. After the noond iy bulletin 
was issued, however, the fever increased, 
and at eight o'clock the patient's tempera- 
ture was recorded as 102.8, the highest since 
the attempted assassination. At the 
time of the last official announce- 
ment his pulse was 108, respira- 
tion 24. As will be seen by our ! 
despatches from Washington, many eminent 
medical men consider the symptoms un- 
favorable and are inclined to alarm, while 
the chief of the attending physicians thinks 
they ought not to create uneasiness at the 
present time. Whatever the doctors may 
think, the country will be grateful to learn 
when these dangerous signs have passed. 
THE PRESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
\BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HEBALD.] 
Washington, July 11, 1881. 
The evening bulletin had a depressing effect on 
UI, though some, in their hopes for a favorable end- 
ing, would not admit the feeling. The general 
opinion seemed to be that the temperature I 
and pulse could not keep up at the same 
rate much longer without the most un-. 
favorable consequences. Persons experienced 
by reading and practice in the treatment of 
urgical fevers, on reading the bulletins shook their 
heads and said "that looks bad." Physicians of 
long hospital practice thought it was an unfavora- 
ble symptom and that unless the fever went down 
the system of the President, strong as it was when 
he received the assassin's bullet, must of necessity 
wear away. "This fever, though not alarming, so 
far," said one physician, "will consume the Presi- 
dent if it does not abate." Another said that his 
experience had been that patients suffering from gun- 
shots generally found the twelfth day to be the most 
unfavorable, and as it neared this day in the Presi- 
dent's case he was not surprised in regard to the 
display made by the bulletin. He predicted 
that he would be even worse by to- 
morrow, and that the step toward con- 
valescence would not be made before Wednes- 
day. Should the step then be a firm one he did 
not think that anything could interfere with final 
recovery, though it may.be slow in coming. An- 
other expressed the opinion that the increase in 
temperature was in consequence of blood poisoning- 
In contradiction of this, the opinion of the attend- 
ing physicians was quoted to the effect that 
there were no indidations of blood poisoning. 
A gentlemen, formerly a practising physi- 
cian, who has been in the sick room 
once or twice, and who up to to-night 
was full of hopes, said that the weight of the Presi- 
dent's body was against the healing up of the 
wound. He t-id the pressure on the sides of the 
line of tne wound had a tendency to close it up and 
stop the suppuration. This, he thought, had much 
to do with the continuance of the high fever. Dr. 
Uliss expressed the opinion late to-night that the 
sudden rise of the President's pulse to 108 points 
and the increase in his temperature was not an oc- 
casion for any fear. He attributed the rise to the 
warm weather, which, in view of the reduced tem- 
perature of the President's room, has given oeca-. 
Bion for serious reflection. Dr. Garnett says the 
rise is not necessarily unfavorable and probably 
produced by malaria. Dr. Busey thinks the rise 
looks bad and considers it beyond the limit of 
safety. If it was caused by malaria it could '•Do you think ho has lost much flesh? 
"Ho has," replied the Doctor. "I should say be- 
tween twenty five and thirty pounds. His form has 
materially diminished." 
PECULIARITIES OF THE CASE. 
Referring to tho bulletins he said that the febrile 
excitement was greatest during the middle of the 
day, whereas, in most fever cases it was greatest at 
night. This was one of the peculiarities observed 
in his case. 
"Is he inclined to talk?" 
"Not since we have explained that it is better he 
should keep silent. When I approach his bedside he 
extends his hand and his invariable question is, 
•Doctor, what do you think of the situation?' After 
explaining to him as fully as possible and dres.-ing 
his wouud he usually falls asleep. Ho has a habit of 
talking in bis sleep, but the conlused and nervous 
action was greatly diminished during the day. The 
discharge from the wound has beeu what' we term 
laudable pus, and his condition at the time we made 
our noon examination did not indicate a relap-e. 
He has not experienced any i.auseaaud has expressed 
himself very grateful tor his appetite and ability to 
retain food." 
Dr. Bliss said that he was more than ever con- 
firmed that the original diagnosis was correct-that 
the liver had been penetrated and tho ball was un- 
doubtedly imbedded in the front wall of the abdo- 
men. This led to a controversy about tho corpu- 
lency of the President in tho region of the abdo- 
men. The Doctor remarked that the President was 
a man of very full habit and that the adipose tissue 
in this region was very thick, which made it more 
uncertain where tb locate the ball. 
changing his bed. 
"How do you change nie bed?" 
"S'.x of us, three on a side, raise him on tho strong 
linen sheets, doubled and arranged for tho purpose. 
The mattress is slipped from under him and another I 
substituted. In this manner we not only secure a 
clean mattress but do so without turning him or in 
any way discommoding him." 
One of the gentlemen present said that it had been 
reported the President had the daily papers read to 
him. "Yes," replied Dr. Bliss, "that is true in one 
instance. Mrs. Garfield tried to make his moments 
plea-ant by reading to him from some ®f the leading 
New York papers, and when she left his bedside for 
a moment he seized a paper and commenced reading 
it himself, of which pleasure he was summarily de- 
prived." 
"Was it the Herald, Doctor?" 
"Well, really, I do not remember. For that matter 
one paper was just as bad as another." 
[The above wan sent to the consulting surgeons, 
Drs. Agnew and Hamilton.] 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has had rather more fever this 
afternoon. In other respects his condition is un- 
changed. Pulse, 103; temperature, 102.8; resplra- 
tlOn' 24' J.' K.1JARNE3, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBUliN. 
The following was also sent out this morning:- 
Washington, July 11, 1881. 
Lowell, Minister, Loudon:- 
At the beginning of the tenth day since he was 
wounded the symptoms of the President axe all 
hopeful and favorable. Suppuration goes on with 
no higher pulse or temperature than should be ex- 
pected. His milk diet ot a pint and a half per day 
is relished and digested. His physical strength 
keeps up wonderfully ano his mind is entirely clear 
and active, without showing excitement. His physi- 
cians do not count him beyond danger, but the gen- 
eral confidence in his recove:y is strengthened every 
hour. BLAINE, Secretary. 
deputy coroner hartigan's opinion. 
Dr. J. French Hartigan, Deputy Coroner, one of 
the most skilful surgeons in this city, and one who 
has had large experience in examining the human 
body, was questioned to-day by a representative of 
1 the Herald as to the extent of the President's in- 
। jury. The Doctor said:- 
" The present phase of the President's condition, 
I now that he has passed over its primary dangers, 
seems to be of particular interest. The interroga- 
. tiou by surgeons as to the ultimate chances or 
I sequelae of the wound and location of the ball mado 
| it appear as though each and every person had a 
j selfish interest in knowing the exact extent of the 
I injury. Ou the night of the shooting, as the case 
was then understood, I formed an opinion, which 
was that peritonitis and hepatitis (inflammation of 
the peritoneum and liver) wore a necessary result of 
the wound. This condition has now evidently com- 
menced and will run its course. The gravity of its 
symptoms are dependent upon the extent of destruc- 
tion by the missile. The most favorable view 
to take is that this condition will become 
limited. Should it be general a fatal re- 
sult is inevitable. Unhappily in this case 
the latter course is the more probable. Leaving 
these immediate consequences aside, there are re- 
mote contingencies of the wound. Should the 
President survive say ten days, or two or three 
week', an abscess of the liver may form aud pyaemia 
I or blood poisoning ensue. The exact location of the 
I ball is another important factor. It may have 
| dropped from the liver on the pancreas behind the 
I stomach, or it may have become engorged between 
I folds of the intestines or mesentary, and irrita- 
I tion, fever or sub-acute inflammation follow, 
which may involve an illness of weeks or 
! months, with the chances of final sloughing 
or perforation. Some of these grave apprehensions 
are now happily passed, and the developments since 
wouli^justify a more thorough consideration of the 
prob :ble course of the ball. One gentleman, au ac- 
knowledged anatomist, says his finger clearly felt 
the lacerated liver aud very properly this was the 
only means employed to detect the progress of the 
missile. I believe the liver and diaphragm were 
necessarily both injured, perhaps slightly, if the 
ball entered the abdominal cavity, the diaphragm 
being attached to the border of tho six lower 
ribs. There has been no mention, however, of 
irregular o>- jerking respiration which follows such 
injury. Now if the eleventh rib was fractured, as 
stated, this and the twelfth being floating ones amt 
consequently offering less resistance, it would seem 
reasonable that the ball should be deflected down- 
ward. If it was, where did it go? I do not think 
that shooting at cadavers ean tell it, lor the obvious 
reason alone that the skin and tissues lose their 
elasticity in death, and the experiment would 
be entirely different in a living body. It does not 
follow that the ball is lodged as low as the 
pelvic cavity, when tho symptoms of the President, 
described as a tickling sensation in the feet, could 
be accounted for by a wound of the first or second 
lumbar nerves, which enter into the sacral plexus 
and great sciatic nerve. If the ball should be lodged 
in the psoas or quadratus lumborum muscles, or 
anywhere near the walls of the abdominal cavity it 
may become encysted or its presence may be soon 
manifested by a pointing abscess suggesting its 
consequent easy removal." 
SUCCESSFUL COOLING APPARATUS. 
It is certain now that a cooling apparatus has been 
found which will meet the views of the doctors. It 
has been in operation during the day and has been 
found to work very satisfactorily. Tne temperature 
of the sick room has be>n about seventy-five degrees 
and the air is much dryer than the air in the other 
rooms of the Executive Mansion. The President has 
spoken of the change in the atmosphere. The fan- 
ning has been dispensed with entirely. In order to 
secure proper ventilation one of the windows is kept 
open. The other is shut and so are all the 
doors leading from the sick room. The cold air is 
driven up through the hot air flue and through the 
register into the room. At the register the tempera- 
ture is much lower. The apparatus which produces 
this result is quite a complex affair and situated in 
the basement. There is first a small tank filled with 
ice. A large tin pipe can runs into the top of this 
tank trona the open air. The bottom of the tank is 
perforated with holes, and below is another 
tank, which is filled with plates, covered with 
Turkish towelling. There are about three thousand 
feet of this towelling. The ice water drops down 
from the upper tanks and saturates the covering of 
the plates. Thea connected with this is a large fan, 
which is run by a steam engine. The fan drives the 
air over the plates and then into a pipe which leads 
into a large wooden tank holding sixteen tons of 
ice. The air is driven by means of the fans through 
this mass of ice, and tnen out into the pipe which 
conveys it upstairs. The noise of the fan was con- 
veyed by the resonant qualities of the tin pipe up 
into the sick room and the doctors were afraid that 
this constant whirring noise wonld disturb the 
President. On being asked he said it did not dis- 
turb him. It was thought best to remedy it, so 
Major Powell, of the Coast Survey, who has taken a 
great deal of interest in the matter, devised the ex- 
pedient of taking out a section of the tin pipa and 
substituting for it a section made of canvas. This 
was found to work atmirably and the apparatus is 
now in working order. It gives such satisfaction 
that it is probable that those engaged in putting 
up the air compressing apparatus will be told that 
it is not worth while for them to continue. This 
latter apparatus has been in process of erection for 
several days, and is not yet completed. The com- 
pressing apparatus is made of iron and is quite 
unwieldy, tor which It is necessary to provide an en- 
gine of considerable power to furnish the steam. It 
is the intention to force the compressed air through 
five lines of hose which stretch along the ground 
and up the outside of the building into the Presi- 
dent's room. The other cooling arrangements are 
cooling the other rooms, and the success of this 
apparatus will put an end to a memorable episode 
iu this present event. 
SU11GE0N GENEBAL WALES AND THE BULLETINS. 
Surgeon General Wales, of the navy, the surgeon 
who says lie probed tne President's wound with his 
little finger, and in this manner located the ball, 
had his attention called to-day to the Hebald's re- 
cent editorial, which has been so freely commented 
upon in medical circles here. Being asked if he bad 
read it. he replied "Yes," adding, "But I prefer, 
with all courtesy, to say nothing further about 
either that or the President's case." 
"Of course you have a good reason tor this de- 
cision?" 
"To iny mind a very good one. If any explanation 
I might make to the public through any medium 
would benefit thecase, gladly, most willingly, would 
I talk in the freest and fullest manner, but it woul4 
not. Beside-, in my opinion the discussion has 
now extended the rounds of professional propriety. 
It has become unprofessional and undignified, and 
for my part I must decline to speak of it. I 
am no longer in attendance on the President, 
you should remember, and it would be discourteous 
to these who are now in charge to speak of the 
matter. Moreover, as I have not seen the President 
for nearly a week I can't speak as intelligently of the 
case as if I were in daily attendance upon him. I do 
not wan't newspaper notoriety." 
I suggested that his little finger had suddenly 
grown into immense proportions. 
"Oh, you may discuss the little finger," he 
answered, smilingly, "but for the reasons I have 
given I can't speak." 
The question is often asked. Why are these bul- 
letins always so much alike? Not until to-day could 
it be answered, when it became known that after 
they are written they are submitted to the Presi- 
dent and ;hen manifolded and distributed. The rea- 
son assigned for the stereotyped phrase, "The 
President's condition continues favorable," is the 
desire to encourage General Garfield. 
A TALK WITH EK. BLISS. 
When I saw Dr. Bliss this evening in the office of 
the private secretary it was just after his dinner 
and a half hour before the last official examination 
fur the day. The Doctor, for the first time, 
complained of needed rest. His face looked 
haggard and his eye evidenced loss of sleep and 
great mental anxiety. He admittei^that the care of 
the patient began to wear upon him, but at the 
same time he spoke hopefully of the President's 
recovery, though, as he said, a critical period had 
yet to follow. During the early part of the day, 
said the Doctor, he was very restless, and 
had but little sleep. The noise of the fan in the 
basement forcing the cool air into the room made a 
buzzing sound, plainly susceptible to us near the 
bedsidt, and once or twice we asked if he 
noticed it. He did not complain, ■ but it 
was evident that it was annoying him. After a 
canvas section was substituted for the tin 
pipe it broke the continuity of sound, or as General 
Swaim, who was standing by, said, the telephonic 
communication between the fan and the room was 
cut off. But the rest which followed the quiet of 
the room was very encouraging, probably as natural 
a sleep as he has had since the wound. 
"What is the President's Weight?" The Doctor 
was unable to say, but Private Secretary Pruden 
said 210 pounds. keep drafts from the bedside. The window just 
south of the bed is closed at the bottom and opened 
at the top and the other window open top and bot- 
tom. We thus have a regular current of pure, cool 
air .constantly. The register is at least twenty loot 
fiom the bed." 
•'Is there any other room In the house that would 
be more favorable to the President?" 
'•No; Mrs. Garfield tried them all at different 
times and thinks the President's own room the best. 
She now occupies the room adjoining it, preferring 
its location to any other." 
''There is no restriction placsd upon the visits of 
the children to the sick room now, is there'" 
''Oh, no, except that they are warned not to make 
their father talk. They each come in occasionally, 
but do not remain long at a time." 
"Mrs. Garfield retains her post?" 
''Oh, yes, unflinchingly. She is very well, and 
stays with her husband almost continually. He 
desires to have her near him; does not talk much 
but is simply content to know she is there." 
BLIGHT INCOHEBENCY. 
"Does he still talk incoherently after awaking?" 
"Yes; he does not always get real refreshing naps; 
talks during his sleep and seems a little dreamy for 
a while after awaking." 
"Has he made any further reference to the assas- 
sin, Guiteau?" 
"No,'except to agree with him on this point. The 
physicians were talking over the disputed question 
which it was of the bullets that took effect. They 
said it was Guiteau's opinion that it was the first 
shot. 'I think so, too,' said the President. He has 
spoken of the terrible shock he received when ho 
felt the bullet, and says he felt his knees giving 
away from under him. With the doctors he be- 
lieves that the arm shot, which only grazed the 
skin, would not have .affected him that much. His 
recollections of the entire affair are very clear." 
"What do tho physicians think of the opinion of 
a brother doctor that it is only a flesh wound after 
all?" 
"Well, Dr. Reyburn spoke of that last night to me, 
and said he could not see how any physician could 
venture to make such a remark, when anybody who 
knows the President at all might at once conclude 
that a man of his strong will power and magnificent 
physique would not be rendered as helpless as he is 
by a mere flesh wound. Why, he can hardly move 
his head, he is so weak and prostrated from tho 
effects of that wound." 
HOPING FOB THE BEST. 
"You can give no idea ho-w it is likely to end?" 
"No, nor any one else. Grave symptoms have 
been met and overcome, and that, of course, augurs 
well for what mayfollow. But there is no more 
telling than that. It is useless for any doctors to 
give opinions one way or another. I have watched 
poor soldier boys with as great an interest in cases 
similar, but their recovery or death does not prove 
anything for or against the President. When you 
think of them and what discomforts and inattention 
they had to endure and still survived their wounds 
the outlook for the President is hopelul indeed, 
considering all the comforts with which he is sur- 
rounded and the concerted opinion of the best medi- 
cal advice in the country." 
^Has the invalid bed arrived that you expected ?" 
"No. I inquired for it yesterday, and though sev- 
eral others have arrived that particular one has not. 
All manner of contrivances to alleviate the Presi- 
dent's condition are being hourly received. The 
cellar is becoming a vast storehouse. When the 
cooling apparatus schemes are in full working order 
and all the incidental hammering and so on quite 
stopped, there will be no external things to worry 
us at all or to divide attention from the patient. 
Late last night, after the President had an early 
sleep, before which, as usual, a hypodermic injec- 
tion had been given, the men began to construct 
more ice boxes, and hammered and thumped in such 
close neighborhood to the house that he could not 
get to sleep again. Colonel Rockwell had to have 
the worked stopped. So you see. with all the plans 
to make him comfortable, he has quite as much to 
put up with as an ordinary citizen and more so in 
this particular. However, ho is not going to die if 
pluck will pull him through, and, with all the pain 
and weariness and despondency that he cannot help 
showing at times, he still has a fair share of that 
yet." 
A call at the bell for Mrs. Edson from some of her 
regular patients interrupted the interview with her. 
She is obliged, however, to deny her services in all 
cases, though demands are made constantly. 
TUEDSAY'S BULLETINS. 
The following were the official bulletins sent out 
to-day:- 
[Official.] 
^Executive Mansion, July 12-8 A. M. 
The President is comfortable this morning. The 
rise of temperature noted in last evening's bulletin 
began to diminish about an hour later. Pulse, 96; 
temperature, 99.6; respiration, 22. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODvVARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The President is passing a comfortable day. 
NE W YORK HERALD 
you you always say, 'the President's condition con- 
tinues favorable;' you must not forget that we have 
among the correspondents here some gentlemen 
who are graduates of medical colleges and have had 
considerable experience as physicians." 
"That may bo true," said the Doctor "but these 
medical gentlemen have not the opportunity to see 
the President and ascertain the true condition of his 
injuries." 
BESPONSIBILITY FOB INCOBBECT PUBLICATIONS. 
"Wed, it is your duty to give the correspondents 
the true state of his injuries in order that they may 
publish the truth in the journals they repiesent, 
and impart to the readers of their journals the exact 
extent of General Garfield's wounds. Yiu are surely 
to blame for any misrepresentations going 
out. To you the collectors of news look 
principally. With you rests all the responsibility 
Of any misstatements going out, and if you do not 
do away with the stereotyped phrase, 'the Presi- 
dent's condition continues iavorable,' the public 
will not know until the President dies or gets well 
how far his injuries extended. It is all very well 
for you to submit to General Garfield a bulletin that 
would be favorable, but this does not satisfy the 
people who anxiously await the posting of your 
bulletins." 
The conversation next turned on the provisions 
being made for cooling the room in which the Presi- 
dent is now confined, and Dr. Bliss said he hoped 
before long that the arrangements which are being 
made to reduce the temperature would be com- 
pleted, when a different effect would follow. 
"Now, honestly, tell me. Doctor, what are the 
President's chances for recovery?" 
"Excellent," replied the Doctor, with emphasis. 
"He will pull through." 
"This is honest? There is no hiding the true 
Btate of affairs, is there?" 
"No. He is progressing toward recovery very 
favorably ?" 
MBS. EDSON'S BEPOBT. 
When your correspondent met Mrs. Dr. Edson to- 
day, the thought came uppermost that it is no 
wonder at all that the President counts the hours of 
her absence from the sick room, and is always glad 
to welcome her back again. Mrs. Edson's presence 
and manners are of that kindly, motherly, nature 
that would arouse a sympathetic affection at once, 
end her conversation is so intelligent and unas- 
suming that you must get interested. So it was 
With some ideas of this tenor that I inquired how 
»ur suffering President spent yesterday. 
"Just about the same as Sunday, ' sho answered. 
'Was he just as restless?" 
"Yes. He cannot help showing how tired and 
wearied he is." 
"Did he talk as despondingly as this?" 
"Yes, but not as much. No conversation was 
started at all with him, but it was evident that the 
hopeful feelings are gone and in their stead is a 
keener realization of his condition." 
"Does he show much desire for nourishment?" 
"No, not a bit. He takes it when offered, and does 
not seem anxious about it at all, unless he gets 
thirsty." 
THE PATIENT'S DIET. 
"Is he able to drink milk now without any bad 
effects arising?" 
"Yes, he took considerable milk yesterday, but 
not because he likes'it at all. Still he retained it on 
his stomach, and was also able to eat a small piece 
of milk toast." 
"Does he still drink the chicken broth?" 
"Yes; he gets that occasionally, alternating with 
beef tea. He does not care a bit what it is though, 
and simply takes it because he thinks it best." 
"He never loses sight of that idea?" 
"Oh, no! That controls everything, even his own 
wishes. He wants to do just as his physicians think 
it best for him." 
"The cooling apparatus got to work all right?" 
"Yes; it is a perfect success. We have entire con- 
trol of it, and can get the temperature just at the 
point we want it. When the cool air was first intro- 
duced the sensation was quite oppressive, and we 
feared it would be a failure. After all the President 
endured, with tho noise of building the ice box and 
ponnecting the pipes, this would have been doubly 
unfortunate." 
"He noticed the noise, then?" 
"Yes; but said he did not mind it at all, though 
the thumping at first and the whizzing of the engine 
later kept him from sleeping." 
"That latter difficulty has been overcome, 
though?" 
"Yes. Dr. Bliss promised the President it should 
be, and left the room with that intention. Then, 
aft r a while, the noise ceising, the President asked 
me if they had not quit pumping the air in. I told 
him no-that it was still coming at the register. 
Dr. Bliss returned shortly and told the President 
how the difficulty had been overcome by simply 
substituting for the tin connecting pipe a section of 
canvas pipe, and that it broke the sound." • 
TEMPEBATUBE OF THE SICK BOOM. 
"At what temperature do you keep the room?" 
"About 75 or 76 degrees near the register, but it is 
a couple of degrees warmer near the President's bed. 
| There is a cottan screen in front of the register to 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
All the reports from Washington yester- 
day tended to show an improvement in tho 
President's condition as compared with the 
evening previous. At seven o'clock last 
night, when the last official bulletin was 
issued, the patient's pulse was 104, tem- 
perature, 102.4; respiration, 24. While un- 
willing to declare the Executive out of 
danger, the attending physicians state that 
his symptoms are favorable. They seem 
to consider the high fever a necessary con- 
comitant at this stage of the crisis. At a 
late hour last night the President was.sleep- 
ing quietly under the influence of mor- 
phine, and with every prospect of passing 
a comfortable night. 
THE PRESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 12,1881. 
The slight relapse which the President experienced 
last evening was not of long duration. It created 
more alarm outside of the White House, where o* 
sourso the interest in the President's condition is 
very great, than among those around his bedside- 
Dr. Boynton attributes the increase of temperature 
:o the excitement caused by the erection of the cool- 
ing apparatus, and also to the weather. Dr. Wood- 
ward says that in such a wound, when the inflam- 
mation is local, it must be expected that ttie symp- 
toms would be variable and the progress of the pa- 
tient subject to continual fluctuations. He 
regarded the President's condition last even- 
ing as simply an illustration of this principle 
and nothing more. The President has passed a very 
comfortable day. He sleeps most of the time, and 
Colonel Rockwell stated, as an evidence of his im- 
proved condition, that "he slept for a whole hour." 
Dr. Boynton s aid that he sat by his bedside fora 
greater part of the day. The President slept most 
of the time. He ^ouversed but little, and most of 
the conversation was about personal and family 
matters. He again asked the Doctor, with a weary 
smile, if he thought that it was worth while to keep 
up the strength any longer. The Doctor reassured 
him that it was.. He does not attribute these de- 
spairing remarks to any actual giving in on the 
part of the President, but to his great bodily weak- 
ness and weariness. At midnight the reports of 
the President's condition are of the same tenor as 
those issued during the day. The President is 
very weak, and the amount of nourishment 
taken during the day is not more than 
enough to keep his digestive organs in slow 
operation. He is very sensitive to touch in the 
region of the abdomen, and it is reported that the 
symptoms are those of circumscribed peritonitis. 
The physicians say that it is prudent to encourage 
him with the utmost hope. His feverish condition 
is recognized as exhausting, but it is hoped that in 
a few days the local cause or this wilL expend itself, 
DB. BLISS SAYS "EXCELLENT." 
"You newspaper men," said Dr. Bliss to-day to a 
Herald representative, "are disposed to make the 
President's case very trifling. You are a fearful set 
of fellows." 
"You have a very poor opinion of newspaper 
men," said your representative. 
"Yes," replied the Doctor, "to a certain extent. 
The members of your fraternity generally are a good 
se.t of fellows, but you do exaggerate things so ter- 
ribly. Now, let me tell you how fearfully the boys 
have mixed things up since the President was shot. 
Some nights since statements were sent off that the 
President was beyond danger. The next day articles 
were published in the same papers setting forth 
that there was no possible chance for his recovery. 
The truth of the whole matter is that you fellows do 
a >t stop to got a true verdict." 
"But, Doctor, you know that we are dependent 
npou you and your associates tor facts. If wo ask 
JiW YOKE. WEDNESDAY. JULY 13. 1S81. Pulse, 100; temperature, 100.8; respiration, 24. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOuDWARD. 
ROBERT BEYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
During the afternoon yesterday the Presiden.t'3 
! temperature rose to the highest point it has yet at- 
tamed; it began to fall, however, immediately after 
I he received his evening morphia-one-quarter of a 
grain of the sulphate hypodermically-and this 
morning corresponds with previous days. About six 
P. M. he had a consistent and copious movement of 
the bowels. His wound was dressed antiseptically 
yesterday evening and this morning. He continues 
to retain all the nourishment prescribed him, and 
has had twenty-four ounces of milk aud one of rum 
during t e last twenty-four hours, besides a small 
quantity of milk toast this morning. At half- 
I past eight this morning he also received 
ten grains of bi-sulphate of quinia. His 
generabcoudition this morning appears to be rather 
better than yesterday morning. Last night, at seven 
o'clock, his pulse was 108; temperature, 102.8; 
respiration, 24. This morning, at eight o'clock, 
uulae. 90; temperature, 9U.6; respiration, 22. Atone 
P. M., pulse, 100; temperature, 100.8; respiration, 
24. D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has passed a much more comfort- 
able day than yesterday. Pulse, 104; temperature, 
102.4; respiration, 24. ' D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
expressions of attending surgeons. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 12-10:15 P. M. 
Dr, J. J. Woodward, one of the four surgeons who 
are in constant attendance upon the Presi- 
dent, upon being asked to-night what he 
thought of the latter's condition, replied:-"This 
has been on the whole the best day the President 
has had since his injury. There was less disturb- 
| ance during the febrile rise this afternoon than on 
previous afternoons, and the actual maxi- 
mum temperature was less to-day than 
yesterday. It still represents, however, con- ' 
siderable afternoon fever, and it would 
not be safe as yet to declare the President out of 
danger, but his genernl symptoms are verv en- 
couraging, and with every day we feel in- 
creased hope.'' Surgeon General Barnes, upon 
being asked this evening his ' opinion of 
the President's case, said:-"His maximum tem- 
perature has been less to-dav than yesterday and his 
general condition is much imuroved. He takes 
nourishment in coMtantly increasing quantities, | 
and his stomach permrms its functions well. He is 
not only better to-night than last night, but his 
condition as a whole is better than at any time since . 
tlie shooting.'' Dr. Reyburn, upon being asked a 
sim lar question at nine P. M. said:-"The Presi- i 
dent's symptoms last evening gave us some little 
uneasiness, partly on account of the rise in his tem- 
perature and partly on account of other 
unfavorable Indications, such as restlessness and 
a dry, hot skin. We believed, however, that 
these symptoms represented only a temporary fluc- 
tuation of the fever, and our judgment has been 
confirmed by the result. The President's pulse and 
temperature fell gradually during the night, and 
have been as low to-day as on the throe days last 
preceding. His general condition in the meantime 
has greatly improved. He is quiet and comfortab e i 
and says himself that he feels better ana stronger; I 
his skin is moist, he has taken more . 
nourishment than on any previous diiy, 
and his symptoms are all encouraging." 
Upon being asked whether there were any 
indications of pyaemia Dr. Reyburn said, "Not the 
slightest.- Premia would at once make itself mani- । 
fest in the color of the skin and in many other ways, I. 
but no sign of it has appeared." To the । 
question, "Do you regard the danger of j: 
secondary hemorrhage as passed?" the Doc- i 
tor replied, "No, I should not be willing 
to say that. It may occur, but I regard its occur- i 
ence as very unlikely." Upon being questioned with 
regard to the discharge from the President's wound 
Dr. Reyburn said that the suppuration was progress- | 
ing favorably. The discharge to-night was 
r.-.tner more copious than yesterday, but the wound ' 
had a perfectly healthy appearance. In conclusion । 
Dr. Reyburn said that the President's condition was 
in every way favorable and encouraging, all rumors 
to the contrary notwithstanding. 
Since the seven o'clock bulletin the President's 
pulse has dropped to 102 and the temperature to 
102.2. At this hour-half-past ten-he is sleeping 
quietly and all his symptoms show an improved 
condition. I 
VEBY OLD SUM, INDEED. 
Colonel Rockwell, who camo out from the sick 
room for a moment, in response to an inquiry said, 
"The President is doing splendidly. He had a very 
good day, restful and quiet. He has not talked very 
much. When his wound was dressed this evening 
there was quite a large discharge of healthy pus. 
This morning we gave him a piece of milk toast and 
then some milk with just a cash of old rum in it." 
"Is that rum as old os it is claimed to be?" 
"I have every reason to believe that it is. It was 
sent here by Sam Ward, who enjoyed an intimate 
friendship with the President when he was in Con- 
gress, and he wrote me a letter stating that 
the rum had been presented to him by the Earl of 
Lounsberry-I think that was the name. The Earl 
had told him that it was sent* to England from 
Jamaica in 1794 and it is not probable that it was 
much of an infant then, so that it is safe to say that 
it is one hundred years old. It came in a quaint, 
old-fashioned bottle, that looks very antique at any 
rate. It is a splendid liquor whatever its age may 
be, if I am any judge of the bouquet." 
"How has the cooling apparatus worked?" 
"Eirst rate. Yesterday the temperature was 
| seventy-five, but the President complained of being 
' cold and so to-day we have kept it at about eighty. 
We can regulate the temperature of the room ex- 
actly, and keep it just as we want it." 
In speaking of the greet interest manifested by i 
the people in the President, the Colonel said that 
while he was at the barber shop in one of the hotels 
tc-day, he overheard two men talking. One said:- 
"How is the President to-day?" The other replied, ; 
"He is improving." "Well, I am glad to hear that, ; 
was the hearty response." "Why, I thought that 1 
you were a democrat?" asked his companion. "So I , 
am, but I am a Garfield man all the same." "These 
are straws," said the Colonel, "which show how the | 
wind blows. I was speaking to the President to-day ; 
on this subject, and I told him that he would have 
more to fo:.r from the love of the people when he re- 
covered than anything else, and so he will when he 
begins to go out. He will have great difficultydu 
getting about. The people will flock around him in 
such crowds." 
CONCERNING THE FIRST BULLET. 
The conversation turned upon the missing pistol 
ball. "It is very funny," said the Colonel, "that 
they can't find that ball. They have searched the 
depot carefully for it, too. I spoke to the President 
about it, and be suggested that it had gone out one 
of the windows. I think that must be the case." 
"Were there any indications about the President 
of another ball?" 
"Why, certainly; right on his elbow joint of the 
loft arm. A piece of skin was taken out about one 
and one quarter inches long and five eighths of an 
inch wide. A piece of his coat of the same size was 
also torn off. I remember asking the President 
shortly after the shooting if it was the first or sec- 
ond ball that entered his body. He said that it was 
the second, but Guiteau says positively that it was 
the first, for alter he had fired he says he saw the 
President's body quiver all over like a leaf. I told 
the President what Guiteau h <d said, and he thought 
a moment and said, 'Possibly the issn <s right and 
it was the first ball.' '' 
"Dia the President have consciousness after he 
fell?" 
"He says that he did not. He has as clear a record 
of what has transpired within the range of his own 
observation for the past ten days as any one. His 
mind is as clear as a bell. Possibly for a few mo- 
ments when he was falling he lost consciousness, 
but not before or after. He says that he recollects 
everything, when he was lying on the floor of the 
waiting room and when he was carried up stairs." 
Colonel Rockwell's attention was called to the let- 
ter from the man in Annapolis stating that he had 
received one of the balls in his breast and was not 
wounded because the ball was stopped by a medal 
which was hung about his neck. The Colonel 
laughed and said, "I guess some man wants to get 
a little notoriety. I don't believe that yarn at any 
rate. The thing seems too impossible to be true." 
Just after sundown Mrs. Garfield, accompanied 
by Mrs. Rockwell, came down the winding stairs 
from the south portico and took a short walk on 
the lawn. Both ladies were without hats and wore 
plain white dresses and carried large palm leaf faqp. 
They walked slowly, for Mrs. Garfield has not yet 
regained her strength. As they neared the foun- 
tain, the famous Alderney cow-or, as the colored 
coachman called her, "the Albany cow"- 
which supplies the President with milk, came 
browsing along, and the ladies stopped to admire 
her. Mrs. Garfield still retains her cheerfulness 
and is slowly gaining strength. 
DR. AGNEW ON THE FEVER. 
Haverfobd College, Pa., July 12, 1881. 
Dr. D. Hayes Agnew said this evening, in speaking 
of the changes in the pulse and temperature of the 
President, that "These periodical elevations of pulse 
and temperature under the circumstances are to be 
anticipated and argue noihing necessarily unfavora- 
ble. The condition of the President appears to be 
progressing favorably and no reasons at present ex- 
ist to lessen the hopes entertained of his ultimate 
recovery." 
Condition of Ilie President. 
The reports from Washington indicate 
that the President's condition continues to 
afford every hope for his early and complete 
recovery. Despite the very reassuring bul- 
letins the city was yesterday full of ru- 
mors that some alarming symptoms had 
suddenly appeared, though no one seemed 
to know exactly what they were. Stories of 
this sort are commonly attributed to the 
ingenuity of the Wall street gentlemen, 
and these may have had that source. 
Yet it is not impossible that there were 
symptoms not set down in the bulletin. 
We notice as an evidence on this point the 
report of one of the President's a tendants 
that yesterday he had been forty-eight hours 
without an opiate. He has been dosed ex- 
tremely with opiates. One of the att<nd- 
ants stated the other day that he had bad 
one-quarter of a grain of morphia by the 
hypodermic m< thod once every four 
hours. That was for the first five 
or six days. Subsequently we sup- 
pose he must have had less. Now 
one-quarter of a grain beneath the skin is 
equal to three-quarters by the mouth, 
which is equivalent to about tour grains of 
opium taken in the ordinary way. Given 
merely with the view of soothing irritability 
and pain that is an excessively large 
dose ; and if it was repeated, as siated, once 
in four hours, the President had the aver- 
age of a grain of opium an hour for all 
those days in succession. We believe 
it would be very difficult to get a 
jury of surgeons who would consider 
that good treatment. Fisk got about six 
grains of morphine within four hours, and 
it promptly killed him. The dosing in this 
case is not so reckless, but the equivalent 
in morphia of twenty-four grains of opium 
a day is sufficient to account for all the 
bad symptoms that have appeared, and 
especially for the distressing nausea and 
gastric irritability and for such derange- 
ment of the functions of the liver as has 
been observed. Opium is not condurango. 
If the opiates were suddenly discontinued 
that might cause alarming appearances, for 
it is one of the peculiarities of all the 
preparations of this drug that symptoms of 
exhaustion and sinking follow the discon- 
tinuance of a dose that has become in any 
degree habitual. 
THE PRESIDENT'S PHYSICIANS. & 
DR. BAXTER'S STATEMENT OF THE MANNER 
IN WHICH HE WAS TREATED BY DR. BLISS. 
From the Providence (R. J.) Star, July 10. 
We are permitted to publish the following 
letter from Dr. J. H. Baxter, of Washington, to 
Dr. C. G. McKnight. of this City, concerning the 
treatment which the former received from Dr. 
Bliss: 
Washington, D. C., July 7. 1881. 
Dear Doctor: I think it due to you as my friend 
that you should know precisely my status in the I 
President's case. I have been President Garfield's 
family physician for the past five or six years, and 
since his advent to the White House have 
continued to treat him professionally. Mrs. Gar- 
field prefers homeopathic treatment, and in her 
recent Illness I had no professional connection 
with her case. At the time the President was 
shot I was absent, having left the city 12 hours ! 
previous to snend a few days with a friend near ; 
Williamsport, Penn., but on receipt of the news 
of his being shot I returned by first express train, 
reaching Washington Sunday, July 3, at 9 A. M. ! 
I went directly from the depot to the White House, 
and finding Dr. Bliss, said to him: "Doctor, I 
have come to ask you to take me in to see the 
President." He replied: "Well, I don't see the 
necessity of your seeing the President; I wish to 
keep him quiet." Somewhat astonished at his re- 
ply, I said: " I make the request as the President's 
physician. I have for years been his physician." 
" Yes," replied Dr. Bliss, " I know your game, you 
wish to sneak up here and take this case out ef my 
hands." I said, "I wish nothing. Dr. Bliss, except 
what I am entitled to. If the President prefers 
that you should take charge of his case, I haven't 
a word to say." " Well," said Dr. Bliss, you just 
try it on. I tell you that you can't doit. I knowhow 
you are sneaking around to prescribe for those who 
have influence and will lobby for you." " That is a 
lie!" I replied, whereupon he sprang to his feet, 
and his son, coming across the room, placed his 
hand on my shoulder and said: ''I think I have 
something to say about this." The impropriety of 
having any disturbance in a room next to that in 
which the President lay so grievously wounded at 
once came to my mind, and. taking my hat, I left 
the room, and have not since attempted to visit 
the President. I believe, as do other members of 
the profession in this city, that the treatment I re- 
ceived was discourteous in the extreme, and that 
in making the request I was fully justified by the 
code of medical ethics of the American Medical 
Association. I had no desire or intention to dis- 
pense with the medical services of Dr. Bliss in the 
casejjiut thought, as I was the physician of the 
President, I had a right to see him and take part in 
his treatment. Sincerely yours. J. N. BAXTER. NEW YORK HERALD 
Bulletins more honest and judicious than ours 
have never been issued, and any one who 
makes a contrary assertion says what is untrue. 
We did not think it proper or prudent at first to ex- 
press any opinions with regard to the significance 
of the facts given in our bulletins, but the facts as 
stated were accurate and trustworthy, and surgeons 
and physicians throughout the country were 
competent to draw conclusions from them 
for themselves as well as for the people. 
; Since, however, the President's symptoms began to 
be more decidedly and undoubtedly favorable wo 
have relaxed a little the rule which we adopted not 
to express opinions and have said that the Presi- 
dent is making slow progress toward recovery, and 
that is the truth. Although he is not yet out of 
danger I thnk it comparatively safe now to say that 
he will probably recover." 
After some further conversation Dr. Bliss returned 
to the President's room, saying with a smile and a 
nod of his head as he closed the door, "He is going 
to get well." 
During the evening ex-Speaker Randall called. 
There were only a few callers during the day. 
TALKING IN HIS SLEEP. 
At midnight the President was sleeping quietly as 
he had been most of the evening. His fever has 
considerably decreased since the date of the 
last official bulletin. His symptoms at this 
hour are all favorable. When he was last 
awake he asked Dr. Reyburn what the nows was. 
Tno doctor replied that the Governors of the several 
States had it in view to issue when he (the Presi- 
dent) should be |out of danger proclamations ap- 
pointing a general day of thanksgiving to God for the 
answered prayers of the nation. The President 
seemed touched and gratified. In conversation with 
the President to-day Colonel Rockwell made the re- 
mark to him that "the heart of the nation was in 
this room." The words seemed to make an impres- 
sion upon him, and to-night, while Colonel Rock- 
well was sitting by bis bedside, he murmured in his 
sleep: - 
"The heart of the nation will not let the old 
soldier die." 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[UNOFFICIAL.] 
Executive Mansion, July 13-7:30 A. M. 
Private, Secretary Brown has sent the following 
note to the members of the Cabinet:- 
The abatement of the unfavorable symptoms 
which made their appearauce Monday afternoon and 
evening has steadily continued, and at this time the 
President's pulse is 96, temperature 98.5, or normal, 
and respiration 20, or within one of normal. The 
fever has subsided entirely. The President takes 
readily all nourishment allowed by the physicians 
and suffers no inconvenience from it. His sleep was 
more natural and more refreshing last night than 1 
that of any other night. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President is doing well this morning. Pulse, 
90; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 20. His gradual 
progress toward recovery is manifest, and thus far 
without serious complications. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
tS. K. BARNES. 
'SOBERT HEYBURN 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The President continues favorable. Pulse,94; tem- 
peratuxe, 100.6; respiration, 22. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Un'official.] 
Executive Mansion-3:40 P. M. 
Dr. Bliss reports that the President's condition at 
this hour is more favorable than at the same time 
yesterday. His pulse is now 102. His temperature i 
has not been taken since about two o'clock. It 
was then slightly above the normal. His general 
symptoms are favorable and he is resting quietly. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:15 P. M. , 
The attending surgeons report that the President's 
fever at this hour is much lower than at the same 
time yesterday afternoon, that his general symptoms 
are favorable and that his condition is in every way 
satisfactory. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has nad less fever this afternoon 
than either yesterday or the day before. He con- 
tinues slowly to improve. Pulse, 100; temperature, 
101.6; respiration, 24. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
BOBER 1 REYBURN. 
TELEGRAM TO DRS. HAMILTON AND AGNEW. 
Executive Mansion, July 13, 1881. 
The following telegram was seat by the attending 
suageons to the consulting surgeons this after- 
noon:- 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
To Drs. Frank H. Hamilton and D. H. Agnew:- 
The febrile rise yesterday afternoon was less 
marked, and occurred at a later hour than on the 
previous day; and to-day, for the first time, the 
President's morning temperature fell to the normal 
! point. The general progress of his symptoms 
appears more favorable than hitherto. During 
the last twenty-'our hours he has taken thirty- 
two ounces of milk and one ounce of rum. This 
morning lie had also a slice of milk toast and 
I chewed the breast of a woodcock, but did not care 
to swallow the meat. Ho had last night one quarter 
of a grain of sulphate of morphia hypodermically 
(in no twenty-four hours during the past week has 
he received more than a single dose of this quan- 
tity) and slept well during the night. This morning 
he received ten grains of the bisulphato of quinia. 
Yesterday, at 7 P. M., his pulse was 104; tempera- 
ture, 102.4; respiration, 24. To-day, at 8:30 A.M., 
pulse, 90; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 20. At 
1 P. M., pulse, 94; temperature, 100.6; rtspiration, 
. 22. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN, 
SKaUETABY BLAINE TO MINISTER LOWELL. 
Washington. D. 0., July 13, 1881. 
Secretary Blaine sent the following by cable this 
I morning:- 
i Lowell, Minister, London:- 
The President's condition this morning is much 
better thau at any time since he was wounded. 
Temperature, normal; respiration, very nearly 
' normal; pulse, 96. Pain in feet and legs greatly 
diminished. Weather very warm, but President's 
room kept as cool as desired. 
BLAINE, Secretary. 
DB. BLISS TO MIL COLFAX. 
Dr. Bliss telegraphed to-day to Mr. Colfax, in re- 
sponse to the report of resolutions conveyed by him, 
and nis speech received at the Executive Mansion, 
the following;- 
Executive Mansion, July 13-4:12 P. M. 
The president's condition is more favorable. 
There have been no serions complications, and at 
this time we have far lees fe r of their occurrence. 
Mrs. Garfield requests me to convey to you her 
warmest thanks tor your kind expressions of sym- 
pathy. D. W. BLISS. 
_. Dr. Bliss upon being 
asked at a quarter-past ten to-night what he 
thought of the President's condition said that if he 
could have been assured a week ago that the case 
would progress precisely as it has progressed, and 
that the President would be as well to-night as in 
reality he is, he would have been more 
thau satisfied, and could not reasonably have 
asked for anything better. "There have been no , 
indications," be said, "of secondary hemorrhage, or 
of pysemia, or of any dangerous complication. 
The suppuration is progressing naturally, the wound 
presents a healthy appearance, the patient takes and 
assimilates nourishment as well as could bo desired 
and his sleep is quiet and refreshing. The crisis 
in surgical fever is ordinarily passed on the tenth 
or eleventh day, when suppuration is fully estab- 
lished. This, we believe, was the case Monday 
night, when the patient's temperature reached its 
highest point. Since that time the daily fluctua- 
tions have been less and lees extreme, until to-night 
the pulse barely reached the maximum of 100." 
A TALK WITH DOCTBESS EDSON. 
Your correspondent met Mrs. Dr. Edson as she 
was leaving the White House this evening, after hav- 
ing spent the day ministering at the President's bed- 
side. Mrs. Edson appeared much more hopeful, and 
spoke of the favorable signs of the day in her usual 
interesting way. 
"How is the President this evening. Doctor?" 
"Splendid. His condition seems every way favor- 
able." 
"Has he rested well to-day ?" 
"Yes. He has had frequent periods of natural 
sleep. These rests did him great good, and he has 
been very quiet all day in consequence." 
"How is the appetite?'' 
"Well, pretty good to-day." 
"Are you continuing the same diet ?" 
"Yes, the same as heretofore. He partook of nour- 
ishment to-day with evident relish, which we were 
only too glad to notice. The relish is what|is wanted 
to have a thing do any good. We gave him the 
broths and he also chewed a bit of woodcock." 
"There is no more noise nor confusion?" 
"No; happily for him the workmen have got 
through hammering and thumping, and the prospect 
is good that there will be no more necessity for it." 
"You still use the same bed?" 
"Yes. and we will continue to use it, for to our 
minds it is better than any that has been sent us. 
The President is lifted in a sheet after the wound is 
dressed, and a new mattress is put in twice or three 
times a day, as we need." 
"The fever appears to be going down?" 
"Yes, and it makes us all glad. He ha.l less to-day 
than yesterday, less than the day before, and will 
likely have less to-morrow than to-day. By 
degrees, in this way, we hope to get 
rid of it altogether. He showed some 
signs of returning strength to-day. The bulletins 
show the decrease in temperature. The President 
smiled in a satisfactory way this evening upon bear- 
ing the contents of the bulletin, though he did not 
say anything about it." 
"How about the milk?" 
"He took the usual supply allowed, and to-day he 
enjoyed along with it a small piece of dry toast." 
"Is he in better spirits now?" 
"Yes, much brighter. Everything is doing well, 
and he feels it." 
"How was he when you left the room?" 
"Enjoying a good, sound, natural sleep, with every 
prospect of spending a comfortable night." 
HUNTING FOB THE BULLET BY ELECTRICITY. 
To-morrow Bell, the telephone man, will arrive 
from Boston, where he has been experimenting for 
several days with an electric apparatus designed to 
do the work that a surgeon's probe cannot safely 
effect. These experiments are to be made with 
the induction balance, a most delicate electri- 
cal instrument for detecting the presence of 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR, 
NEW YOKK. THURSDAY. JULY H. 1881. 
In face of the attending physicians' refusal as 
yet to pronounce President Garfield out of 
danger or to predict in positive terms 
that he will recover, the turn their 
patient took for the better yesterday 
was so unmistakable that even the professional 
reserve of the medical man melted in his eager- 
ness to impart the good news to the public. 
For the first time since his wounding the 
condition of the sufferer is such as 
to strongly encourage the belief that 
the crisis has been safely passed and that he is 
now about to enter upon the stage of conva- 
lescence. His journey to health way be, and 
doubtless will be, slow and tedious, but that he 
is upon the road thither is regarded as 
happy enough progress for the present. 
The striking feature of the patient's con- 
dition yesterday was the fall in his temperature 
to the normal point of 98.5-a change so satis- 
factory to the physicians that they were 
not made uneasy when, in the course 
of the evening, there was a recurrence 
of a higher temperature. A novel 
application of the telephone is to be made by 
the doctors in au effort to locate the position of 
the bullet, the capacity of that instrument 
being such, it seems, as to render assistance of 
this kind. 
THE PRESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
[ex telegraph to the heiiald.] 
Washington, July 13, 1881. 
Unfavorable rumors are not so plentiful as they 
have been about tho President's condition. Fewer 
men are shaking their heads on the street corners, 
and fewer still give their assurances that the 
wounded man must die. After all, the feeling is by 
no means general in the capital that he will get well, 
and there are not a few of the population of the 
hottest city north of parallel 30 who have 
no hope of his recovery. These fears have 
their foundation in the fact that the Presi- 
dent's symptoms, while continuing favorable and ' 
steadily pointing toward i,ecovery, are attended by a 
disappointing weakness of body. It is now ac- 
knowledged that notwithstanding the favorable bul- 
letins which have been issued each day, indicating a 
steady progress toward convalescence, the Presi- 
dent's condition has never until to-day ceased to 
cause the gravest solicitude in the minds of perhaps 
the majority of the community. It was hinted in 
many quarters that the bulletins could not be taken 
as fair indices of his real condition, and that in fact 
he was each day growing weaker and making steady 
drains upon his reserve vitality to prolong life. 
To-day, however, there is a general feeling of con- 
fidence that the critical point has been safely passed 
and that the President is slowly, but surely, enter- 
ing upon the road to convalescence. ' 
Upon being questioned with regard to the Presi- 
dent's reported weakness and debility Dr. Bliss 
said:- 
"There is nodanger to be apprehended from weak- 
ness. The President is no weaker than any man 
would be with such an injury and after such a 
fever. He is day by day taking more nourishment, 
and, although it consists principally of milk, it is 
well assimilated and is amply sufficient to maintain 
his strength until he is in a condition to take solid 
food." 
Dr. Bliss' attention was then called to the rumors 
which have been prevalent here and elsewhere this 
week to the effect that the surgeons are concealing 
■ from the press and the public the graver and more 
dangerous aspects of the President's case, and that 
the official bulletins do not fully and truthfully rep- 
resent his actual condition. In reply Dr. Bliss said 
emphatically and with feeling"There was never 
anything more unfounded and unjust. We have 
reported all the President's symptoms, good and 
bad, with perfect frankness and truthfulness. metals, a modified form of which could be 
easily applied, it is believed, in this case with a 
reasonable expectation of success. This instrument 
consists of two short glass cylinders, around 
each of which are wound two parallel coils of fine : 
insulated copper wire. One coil of each pair is in- 
cluded in a battery circuit, in which there is a clock 
microphone. The other pair is placed in a closed 
circuit with a receiving telephone. The two glass 
cylinders with their encircling coils may be widely 
separated. The induction set up in the secondary 
or telephone circuit is balanced by the reversal of 
one of the secondary coils, and so adjusted that the 
induction in one of the secondary coils exactly bal- 
ances or neutralizes the induction in the other, so 
that when the ear is applied to the receiving tele- 
phone no sound is heard. Now by placing ever so 
small a piece of metal in one of the glass cylinders 
the electrical balance is disturbed and the cjock on 
the microphone is heard to tick loudly, thus indi- 
cating the presence of metal. The same is 
true if the coil be placed in the vi- 
cinity of a piece of metal. In the 
investigations of this matter by George M. Hopkins 
he came to conclusions which lie explains as follows 
with suggestions as to the results that may be ob- 
tained;-"It occurred to me to try the effect of a 
lead bullet upon the instrument, placing it at differ- 
ent distances and separating it from the coil by 
insulating material. The result exceeded my an- 
ticipations, as with a set of coils that were by no 
means sensitive I was able to locate the bullet with 
the coils raised a vertical distance of nearly two 
inches. With more sensitive apparatus it is more 
than probable that the bullet might be located, even 
though distant several inches/' By passing a pair 
of coils over the President's back and abdomen, and 
by comparative tests the depth of the bullet might 
be ascertained. Professor Newcombe says the experi- 
ments so far made go to demonstrate the truth of 
Mr. Hopkins' conclusions. When Mr. Bell arrives, 
as he will, probably, to-morrow, they hope to be 
able to locate the bullet, so that the doctors can go 
to work with certainty of success. 
MILK AND WOODCOCK. 
A visit to the White House to-night indicates that 
in contrast with the apprehensions on Tuesday 
night the occupants of the Executive Mansion are 
quiet and hopeful. They are also encouraged by 
the doctors' reports, which, couched as they are 
in the most conservative language, do not tell 
of serious fears. The President has taken thirty- 
two ounces of milk to-day-one quart-which 
is an increase upon the quantity of sustenance he 
took on Monday, when the amount was only sixteen 
ounces. He also relished a trifle of breast from a 
broiled woodcock, eating a piece as large nearly as 
an English walnut. Taking some more into his 
mouth he sucked its juice and then spat it out. 
The rum which has been given to him in the milk 
he does not care for much and would 
rather not have it, but when it was ex- 
plained to him that it was for the purpose 
of aiding the digestive organs iq their work he took 
the rum without maxing a wry face. Referring to 
this spiritous element in his food Dr. Woodward re- 
marked that it would seduce a more temperate man NEW YORK HERALD 
that was being given the eminent patient, and more 
particularly as to lager, a reported favorite thirst- 
Blaker of the President's. 
"Well, beer under ordinary circumstances while 
healthful enough, might in this case generate dan- 
gerous gases in the stomach. Although the Presi- 
dent is foud of lager beer, I believe, wodo not pro- 
pose to let him have any at this time." 
MRS. GARFIELD INSPECTS THE COLD AIR MACHINE. 
Although the sun shone brightly to-day there was 
a cool and pleasant breeze blowing that made the 
atmosphere quite tolerable. The cooling machine 
had, therefore, less to do than on yesterday and the 
revolutions of the fans were reduced by half. This 
preserved the temperature of the sick room at a uni- 
form gauge of seventy-five degrees. This morning 
I was looking at the work being done on the new 
apparatus when Mrs. Garfield, clad in a light flow- 
ing linen dress, came into the corridor from the 
kitchen. She had been down stairs preparing with 
her own hands the sandwich that her husband sub- 
sequently ate. She inspected the machinery with 
great interest and said it was doing its work admira- 
bly, and then drawing her skirts closely about her 
and picking her way over the littered floor she 
added:- 
"But ft makes an awful muss down here." 
The machine is the invention of Mr. Jennings, of 
Baltimore. He describes it in his own words as 
follows:- 
The apparatus consists of a cast iron chamber 
about ten feet tong and three wide and three high, 
filled with vertical iron frames covered with cotton 
terry or Turkish towelling. These screens are 
placed one half an inch apart and represent some 
three thousand feet of cooling surface. Immedi- 
ately over these vertical screens is placed a 
coil of inch iron pipe, the lower side 
of which is filled with fine perforations. Into a gal- 
vanized iron tank, holding 100 gallons of water, is 
pnt finely granulated or shaved ice (and salt when a 
low temperature is required). This water is sprayed 
upon the sheets in the lower tank constantly. In 
each end of the iron chamber are openings thirteen 
inches square. To the outer end of this chamber 
is a pipe connecting with an outdoor air 
conductor. To the opposite end is connected a 
similar pipe leading into an ice chamber at its top, 
and from the bottom of the same a pipe leads to a 
small exhaust fan, and from the fan the now cold 
and dry air is forced direct into the President's 
room through a flue some twenty feet in length. 
Air at 89 degrees temperature to-day is supplied at 
the rate of 22,000 cubic feet per hour at the 
register in'the President's room at 54 degrees, 
and with the windows and doors open the temper- 
aturd at the President's bed (twenty-five feet away) 
is maintained steadily at 75 degrees day and night. 
When the cold air machine was iutrodued ft was in- 
tended to keep the windows and doors closed, and 
under these conditions tho machine would create 
and maintain a temperature of 00 degrees in the 
hottest weather without using the auxiliary ice-air 
chamber now used, which was the suggestion of 
Professor Newcomb and Major Powell, to meet the 
requirements of cooling the room with the doors 
and windows open. The closing of them gave 
the room an air of gloom. An extra ice chamber 
fan and engine has been put ui> in a room opening 
into the hall near the first apparatus, to be used in 
case of accident and to cool the corridors of rooms 
adjoining the President's. 
The Jennings apparatus has not been put on the 
market at all, Mr. Jennings having been perfecting 
and completing a new and very interesting process 
of refining lard by an entirely . mechanical 
precess, using charcoal filters, superheated 
water, superheated steam, cold water and 
cold air. The machine in use at the 
White House forms one of the links in 
the process and is the only machine yet made, Mr. 
Jennings not having fully perfected some of the 
minor features of his lard process. Mr. Jennings 
heing temporarily in Boston on business when the 
assassination took place, he immediately telegraphed 
Dr. BUss that he could supply the means of con- 
trolling the temperature of the President's room to 
any desired point, and upon receipt of an answer to 
his telegram, telegraphed to Baltimore, and in less 
than three hours the machine audits connections, 
weighing several tons, were disconnected and put 
in order and a special train took it to the White 
• House. 
THE TELEPHONIC SEARCH FOR THE BULLET. 
Professor Graham Bell and Professor Taintoroame 
here from Boston to-day for the purpose of making, 
under the supervision of the attending surgeons, a 
series of experiments intended to test the practica- 
bility of ascertaining by electrical means the loca- 
tion of the buHet which lies embedded in the Presi- 
dent's body. They were driven at once to the 
Executive Mansion and are now, together with 
Professor Newcomb, in the surgeon's room. The 
^instrument which will be used in the experiments is 
an extremely delicate one, known as the induction 
1 balance. It wiH indicate the location of an iron or 
copper bhllet which lies embedded at a depth of 
four or five inches, but as it is not nearly so sensi- 
tive to the presence of lead, there is yet some doubt 
as to its utility in the President's case. If the ex- 
perimenta should prove successful the induction 
balance will soon he used to locate the ball in the 
President's wound. 
Just how far the experiments have gone to estab- 
lish this theory is not known. Men of science move 
in a mvsterious way their wonders to perform. 
Professor Newcomb, of the Naval Observatory 
and Nautical Almanac, with whom Professor 
Bell is working, declines to speak of the 
matter until the experiments have been made. 
Meantime Mr. Hopkins, of Brooklyn, has sent on a 
machine which he had used in demonstrating his 
theories, ana Professors Bolland Newcombe met the 
physicians and explained to them in detail w'hat it 
was proposed to do. After that they were sent 
away in the President's carriage again, and 
are to-night carrying on their experiments 
in Professor Bell's house, on Connecticut avenue, 
near the British Minister's residence. I called 
there this evening and pressed the electrio button 
that rings the door bell only to discover that the re- 
sults of the experiments so far as they 
have gone are not such as warrant them 
, at this time making the attempt to lo- 
I cate the bullet. They nave found that the little 
i contrivance will do its work through several pieces 
of leather, locating a piece of lead unerringly, and { 
that it is also operative through the flesh of ani- | 
mals, and they are further encouraged to believe I 
that it will also do the work it is proposed to have 
it do in the effort to which all these trials are only 
preliminary. 
SENATOR CONKLING AT THE WHITE HOUSE. 
Senator Conkling called alone at the Executive 
Mansion at eight o'clock this cv&ning and left his 
card, but did not come inside the door. 
Dr. Reyburn at half-past ten o'clock to-night 
said that the President Ifns been gaining 
constantly since yesterday, and is better now 
than at any time heretofore.' He has per- 
spired very freely during the day, and that 
fact is another evidence that the fever is breaking. 
The process of suppuration in the wound is going 
on satisfactorily and a longer drainage tube was in- 
troduced to-night to facilitate the discharge. The 
President has taken more solid food to-day than in 
any corresponding number of hours heretofore and 
has eaten it with relish. He has suffered no pain, 
except when moved or during tho dressing of his 
wound, and continues bright and cheerful. Upon 
being asked whether any seriously unfavorable 
symptoms are likely to appear, now that the crisis 
of the surgical fever has passed, Dr. Heyburn 
said:- 
"I should not like to promise an uninterrupted 
and unvarying continuance of the present improve- 
ment, but at the same time I may say that I think 
there is at present every prospect of the President's 
recovery." 
At eleven P. M. the President was sleeping quietly 
I and all his symptoms were satisfactory. 
I Colonel Rockwell, in answer to questions about i 
the President's condition to-night, said:-"Oh, he 
is doing well. The day has been favorable and he i 
begins to pick up some strength again. Ho Is, of 
course, weak yet. By the way, I was reminded to-day 
that this affair is thesecond of its nature I have been a 
। witness to, only the first one was a completed 
: tragedy. President Garfield spoke of it to-day. I 
was one of the few persons who stood around Lln- 
coin's deathbed. Iwas then an assistant adjutant 
general at the War Department, and Secretary Stan- 
ton sent for me to come at once to Mrs. Peterson's 
house on Tenth street, where the President died." 
"Has President Garfield made any other reference 
to this?" 
"None at all beyond what I have just said." 
"Has he at any time expressed a desire to see a 
clergyman?" 
"No, not at any time. We have not allowed any 
one of them to see him, although there have been no 
end of applications to that effect." 
••There has been some recent trouble among tho 
doctors, has there not, Colonel?" 
"Well, I can't say that there has been. They are 
always differing on some matter of unimportant de- 
tail, you know. Our object has been, and so has Mrs. 
Garfield's, to have the President treated just as any 
other sick or Injured man would be;' in fact, to im- 
press upon the minds of tho practitioners that they 
are treating a wounded man, not a wounded Presi- 
dent." 
THE QUARREL OP THE 'PATHIES. 
The question thus put, and the answer it received, 
indicates in some measure the new difficulty that 
has arisen among the doctors. The Allopaths, who 
are headed by Dr. Bliss, and whose names are given 
in the bulletins three or four times a day, come in 
daily contact with Dr. Boynton, of the Homoeopathic 
school, who is the President's cousin and Mrs. Gar- 
field's trusted physician, and also meet with Dr. 
Susan Edson, who treated Mrs. Garfield during her 
recent illness and who is installed In the sick room 
by the order of Mrs. Garfield as nurse in 
charge. It is understood that Mrs. Edson 
made some severe criticism on the condition 
of the President in a way to awaken the ire of the 
choleric surgeon in charge, and that gentleman took 
। her to personal account for his own sake. The lady, 
I it is said, made ^o answer, and, as did Dr. Baxter on 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NKW YORK, FRIDAY. JULY 15. 1881. 
The happy turn in the President's condi- 
tion shows no deviation in an unfavorable 
direction. His temperature fell again yes- 
terd.iy to the normal standard, and the sub- 
sequent fluctuation in the night time did 
not rise to the extreme of the night before. 
There was also a nearer approach of the 
pulse and the respiration to the usual 
average of a man in health. Other signs, 
too, indicated to the doctors that all the 
chief organs of the President's system were 
resuming their natural functions. The 
craving for food was gratified with some 
delicate sandwiches, prepared by the ma- 
tronly hand of his wife-nurse, and the 
dainty nutriment was washed down 
with a glass of Hungarian wine, over 
the rich color of which the witty 
sufferer expounded a bit of philosophy 
that reveals the scholarly tastes of his 
character. This addition to his diet was 
given with little sacrifice of the quantity 
of milk administered in his recent daily 
nourishment. While great pain remains 
the patient's nervous system is so much 
stronger that the doctors have been able to 
reduce the daily dose of morphine to asingLe 
quarter of a grain. The satisfaction of the 
public at the good news of this morning 
will be intensified by reading the District 
Attorney's account of the cold-blooded 
preparations which the assassin made for 
the perpetration of the crime, a full narra- 
tive of which the prisoner has given to his 
custodians. 
THE PRESIDENT'S CONDITION. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ) 
Washington, J uly 14, 1881. 
When a sick man calls out tor sandwiches and 
eats all he can get with a relish he is usually re- 
garded as being better. That's what President Gar- 
field did to-day, and everybody around Washington 
naturally enough thinks he is better. And so he is. 
This fact being known nobody, not even the most 
inveterate croaker in all the departments, has the 
nerve to say that he is still in danger. Washington, 
always a city of rumors, has been notably so for the 
past twelve days, but to-night there is not an altera- 
tion in the President's condition upon which an un- 
favorable rumor can be based. The people of the 
capital are, therefore, settling down to the convic- 
tion that the President will get well. 
hk "tak's a right ggid, willie-waught." 
Not the least important element in the formation 
of this general opinion is the fact that the President 
has eaten sandwiches, which he washed down, not 
with the gusto of a hungry picnicker possibly, but 
with a fairly "laudable" relish and a sparkling glass 
of rare old Tokay wine. As he held his glass in his 
weak, nerveless hand it caught the reflection of the 
sunbeams thrown from the water in a small aqua- 
rium on the window sill. Turning to Crump, the 
White House steward, who was serving him, he 
said:- 
"Billy, neither art nor science can catch and hold 
that color, eh?" 
"It is certainly very beautiful," replied Crump. 
"Yes; and in order that neither art nor science 
may have this as a lasting rebuke to their ineffi- 
ciency I'll drink it." 
His luncheon remained on his stomach without 
creating nausea and the patient indicated that he 
wanted more food. As nausea, however, is the 
very thing which the physicians most fear, and as 
an overburdened etomach.would in aH likelihood 
create it, his diet is closely considered as to quan- 
tity and quality, and in this case his request was 
not allowed just then. At times he is given a sip of 
champagne. 
"We give him that in order to aid thodigestive 
organs," explained Dr. Woodward to tho Herald 
correspondent, who asked him as to the kind ot food । a previous occasion, withdrew. Mrs. Garfield would 
• not consent that she should leave the 
White House altogether, and in deference to 
her wishes, it is said, Mrs. Edson finally 
consented to stay. Dr. Boynton, however, who 
avoids all issue, although a prominent member or 
the President's household, remarked to-day that it 
was particularly galling to the physicians of the old 
! school that he should ba about the sick chamber at 
all. Just what will be the result of these bickerings 
nobody knows. 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 14-8:30 A. M. 
The President has passed a comfortable night and 
continues to do well. Pulse, 90; temperature, 99 8- 
respiration, 22. D. W. BL18S. ' * 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. woodward. 
ROBERT HEYBURN. 
[Unofficial,] 
Executive Mansion-8:35 A. M. 
The favorable symptoms in the President's con- 
dition continue. He passed a very comfortable 
■ night, and this morning Uis pulse is 90 and his 
1 temperature a little below 100. Tho doctors this 
। morning express themselves as satisfied with the 
I progress of the ease. The wound has just been 
dressed, and the dressing showed that there hud been 
a good discharge of pus from the drainage pipe. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:55 A. M. 
Dr. Bliss, at ten minutes to twelve A. M., reports 
that the President is doing us well as could be rea- 
sonably desired. The surgeons have just as- 
sembled for their consultation and examination. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The progress of the President's case continues to 
be satisfactory this morning. Puise, 94; tempera- 
ture, 98.5; respiration, 22. D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT BEYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:30 P. M. 
; Dr. Bliss reports that the President has had a 
better and more comfortable day than he has 
passed since ne received his injury. His pulse since 
morning has ranged from 92 to 98,.and is now 94, 
with temperature normal. Up to this hour there 
has been no recurrence of the daily fever. His con- 
dition continues in every way encouraging and 
satisfactory. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The febrile rise this afternoon has been less pro- 
nounced, and has not caused the President so much 
discomfort. His general condition is good; pulse, 
98; temperature, 101; respiration, 23. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBUBN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11 P. M. 
The President's afternoon fever was late again in 
making tts appearance to-day and its intensity as 
compared with that of previous days showed a fur- 
ther decline. Up to five P. M. the patient's temper- 
ature, which is the surest test of febrile disturb- 
ance, remained normal, and the range of the pulse 
was only from 92 to 98. After five o'clock 
the temperature gradually increased until the seven 
o'clock examination was made, when it was found 
to be 101 degrees. Since that time it has again 
fallen, leaving 101 as the maximum of temperature 
and 98 as the maximum of pulse lor the day. This 
is a marked improvement upon the record of yester- 
day and a further proof, if proof were needed, that 
the fever has passed its crisis and is slowly sub- 
siding. 
report to the consulting physicians. 
The following telegram was sent by the attending 
Executive Mansion, July 11-1 P. M. 
To Dr. Frank H. Hamilton and Dr. D. H. Ag- 
new:- 
The President has continued to progress favorably 
during tho last tweuty-four hours. The febrile rise 
yesterday afternoon was again less than on the pre- 
vious day. He has taken since our last telegram 
twenty-nine ounces of milk, with an ounce of rum, 
in divided doses as heretofore, besides a small slice 
of milk toast this morning and at noon to-day a 
small sandwich of scraped raw beef, with two tea- 
spoontnls^of Valentine's beef juice and an ounce 
of Tokay wine of 1868. The medication has con- 
sisted ot a single hypodermic injection of one-quar- 
ter of a grain of sulphate of morphia, given last 
night, and ten grains of bi-sulphate of quinia, at 
eight A. M. to-day. We administered at six P. M. an 
enema of soap and water, which was promptly fol- 
lowed by a copious movement ot normal consistence 
and color. At seven P. M. [yesterday] his pulse was 
100, temperature 101.6, respiration 24. To-day, at 
halt-past eight A. M„ pulse, 90; temperature, 99.8; 
respiration, 22. AU one P. M. pulse. 94; tempera- 
ture, 98.5; respiration, 22. D. W. BLI<8. • 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
• ROBERT REYBUBN. 
OPINIONS OF THE PHYSICIANS. 
DB. AGNEW ON THE PRESIDENTS CONDITION- 
THE BULLETINS HONEST. 
* [by telegraph to the herald. 1 
Philadelphia, July 14, 18S1. 
Dr. D. Hayes Agnew, of the consulting physicians, 
was found at his country seat and tersely 
stated the situation at the White House. 
He said:-"The progress of President Garfield 
toward recovery is regular and encouraging. There 
are now rational grounds for the hope of his re- 
covery. Do not understand me to say that tho 
stage of convalescence has begun. As I stated to 
you the other evening 1 repeat to-night, that the 
wounded President is not yet out of serious danger." 
"What will be the next stage?" was asked. 
"After the sloughing progress has ceased the for- 
mation of granules will begin, the creation of new 
flesh will take place very slowly. I do not think any 
serious consequence will follow the use of the 
morphia given under the skin. As it has been the 
amount is really very inconsiderable." 
"It has been intimated, Doctor, that you receive 
letters from tho physicians in Washington stating 
President Garfield's symptoms more fully than by 
the official despatches, and that these communica- 
tions are far more sombre than the published bul- 
letins. What are the facts?" 
"I am glad you referred to this rumor because I 
wish to say that there exists not the slightest foun- 
dation for it. I believe the bulletins to be carefully 
prepared and that they actually set forth the con- I 
dition of the President." 
THE CASE DISCUSSED BY DB. BIRDSALL. 
While a reporter for the Herald was in the study 
of Dr. Hamilton the other evening getting his 
opinion of the President's condition, Dr. W. R. 
Birdsall was shown into the room. When he was I 
seated Dr. Hamilton said to him:-"I have sent for 
you, Doctor, to get your judgment on a point 
in this case. I would have sent for Dr. 
Seguin, who in matters relating to the nerves 
is pre-eminent. He is absent from the city and 
looking upon you as second only to him, I ask that 
you will give us the benefit of your skill. I know 
something about the nervous system, but you know 
all about it. What we want to ask is. in what part 
of the President's bcdy you wouid judge that ball 
to be, basing your opinion upon an analysis of the 
symptoms relating to the nervous system?" 
The conversation that followed was of a highly in- 
teresting nature and was faithfully noted by the re- 
porter. Diverted of technical terms the pith of Dr. 
Birdsall's opinion was very simple. "From the 
data at my command," he said, "obtained from 
the daily papers, the Medical liecord and 
the statements you have just made, it 
would not be possible to determine the 
point desired. From an analysis of the case as pre- 
sented by Dr. Weiss, the only facts that we have are 
that pain was experienced at the time of the accident 
principally in the right leg and foot, accompanied 
with tingling and burning of tho skin of the feet 
and legs, with excruciating pain and cramps, and 
that after the cessation of these pains a feeling of 
soreness of the muscles was experienced in the feet 
and legs. We have the further statement that 
later there was a peculiar sensitiveness of the 
skiu upon the scrotum, principally upon the right 
side. As no reports have been made as to the exact 
location of the pain-that is, in what areas of nerve 
distribution it was located-no examination with 
the aesthesiometer to determine if tactile sensa- 
tion was disturbed, and if so over what areas; 
no statements respecting the local tempera- 
ture of the two sides, or whether vasor- 
motor disturbances existed or other changes of 
nutrition, nor any statement respecting reflexes, 
we are without the necessary data for determining 
the seat of injury. It was hardly to have been ex- 
pected that attention should have been directed 
closely to these matters when so many more impor- 
tant questions were before the physicians in attend- 
ance, nor were they questions of vital interest at tho 
time. It is also possible that these observations 
have been made but have not been reported. 
NO INFERENCES FROM PAINS. 
•♦From the points that are known, then, you can 
form no accurate judgment?" 
"From the simple facts given it would not be 
possible to determine whether the lumbar plexus or 
tho sacral plexus is involved, as it is not even stated 
whether the pain and disagreeable sensations were 
in the posterior or in the anterior surface of the ex- 
tremity or were general. As the branches from the 
lumbar plexus are principally distributed upon the 
anterior surface of the extremity, while the sacral 
plexus supplies principally the posterior sur- 
face, it is reahily seen that localization of 
a direct injury to these nerve trunks would 
be impossible without more definite statements. 
The disturbance in the scrotum might indicate an 
injury of the ilio inguinal branch of the lumbar 
plexus, although it is not exactly stated whether 
the sensations described were limited to its area 
of distribution. We do not know to what 
extent the area supplied by the pudic nerve, 
a cutaneous branch of the sacral ploxus, 
is involved, so that, taking tho facts as 
given, there is little chance for localization. 
It must be remembered that while injuries 
to the nerves as a rule produce disturbances in the 
area of their distribution there is always a possibil- 
ity of their giving rise to reflex disturbances of 
which there are so many cases on record. For ex- 
ample, production of paralysis and disturbance in 
entirely different regions irom those through which 
the nerves injured are distributed. In fact, an in- 
jury in any part of the nervous system may pos- 
sibly produce a disturbance in almost any 
other part, and it is not impossible that a 
simple flesh wound caused by the bullet 
might give rise to all the disturbances mentioned in 
the case of the President. You may recall the case 
cited by Mitchell of an officer who was struck by a 
bullet in the right thigh and who felt pain only in 
the left hmb, and another case of a wound in the 
Yight thigh, Injuring the sciatic nerve, with 
paralysis of the right arm besides paresis of 
the right thigh. While these are exceptions 
to the general rule they will always constitute 
sources of error in arriving at conclusions. When, 
however, we find disturbances limited to the distri- 
bution of a particular nerve wo can feel more cer- 
tain in excluding a reflex theory. Hence the neces- 
sity for minute and thorough examination la this 
direction. 
•'Respecting the nature of the nerve lesions, pro- 
vided the disturbances are direct uud not of reflex 
origin, the symptoms of the President are not grave 
enough to assume a severe nerve Inj ury. A direct 
injury to the spinal cord is hardly to bo thought of. 
1 could frame no end of theories to account for tho 
symptoms, but in a thousand possibilities there 
would not be one probability, and of course such hy- 
potheses would be worthless." "He enjoys his nourishment?" 
"Indeed he does. It would do you good to see 
him take it. In every other respect he has improved 
also; though he says but little, what he does say in-, 
spires us with a great deal of hope." 
"The temperature of the room is pleasing to 
him?" 
"Very much so, and he is now more in a condition 
to enjoy it than ever." 
"Is there any truth. Doctor, in the reported dis- 
agreement between the 'pathies* represented in the 
sick room?" 
"None at all," she answered, with some warmth, i 
"aud I was very sorry that any such impression 
has got out, for it is without foundation. The . 
physicians who are attending the President are allo- ' 
paths, though Dr. Boynton and myself, as most I 
newspaper readers know by this time, are homoeo- 
paths. But we have worked harmoniously, aud will ; 
continue so to do. Our united purpose is to aid the I 
President in getting through all right, and you can ! 
rest assured that we will notallow anything to inter- 
fere in that purpose." 
"You don't interfere in the treatment in any , 
way?" 
"None in the least. Wo have our own ideas, and 
at times they are different from those of the allo- 
paths; but we don't intrude our ideas or attempt 
to. The President is under the treatment of the 
allopathic physicians and they are entitled to all 
the credit. Dr. Boynton is at the bedside of the 
President more as a relative and intimate friend 
thau as a physician, and you may rely on it he-does 
not and will not interfere in any way. I am sorry 
suoh stories got out." 
"Equally false, I suppose, is -the story that Dr. 
Bliss and you had a row?" 
"Certainly; Dr. Bliss and I have been friends for ! 
many years. I was under him as a nurse during the 
war, and to a great extent I am at the President's 
bed at his request. Dr. Bliss sent after me 
because he had confidence iu me. It is too late 
now for us to have a row. We get along splendidly, 
and between us all and his own great will and 
strong constitution the President is getting better. 
The Herald has printed admirable reports of the 
happenings in the sick room, and I was sorry to see 
that it gave space to the story that there was a dis- 
agreement between us. Its reports have been cor- 
rect in all the material points." 
"Have you heard. Doctor, that it is charged that 
the interviews the Heiiald has had with you were 
manufactured out of the whole cloth?" 
"I have not, and if I did I would deny it. In 
no case has the Herald printed anything as coming 
from me that I have not authorized, and I have been 
surprised at the remarkable accuracy of its report. 
I cannot imagine how. in the hurry of reporting and 
telegraphing, they could be printed so correctly." 
••The President is going to get well?" 
"Oh, yes. There is no longer any doubt on that 
point." 
THE DAILY BULLETINS. 
The following were the bulletins issued to-day:- 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 15-8:30 A. M. 
The President has rested well during the night. Is 
doing admirably this morning and takes his food 
with relish. Pulse, 90; temperature, 98.5; respira- 
tion, 18. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The President continues to do very well this 
morning. Pulse, 94; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 
13 D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
{Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
To Drs. Frank H. Hamilton aud D. H. Agnew:- 
The President continues to do well. The 
afternoon fever is daily less marked. A 
smaller quantity of milk has been given 
and solid food substituted and relished. 
He has had less rum, and at intervals of several 
hours some Tokay wine, in all about two ounces 
and a halt of the latter. Last night his hypoder- 
mic injection consisted of three-sixteenths of a 
grain of morphia only, which proved suf- 
ficient to secure rest. This morning we 
have altered the dose of sulphate of quinia to three 
grains, to be taken three times daily. Yesterday at 
seven P. M. his pulse was 98; temperature, ioi; 
respiration, 23. To-day at half-past eight A. M. 
pulse, 90; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 18. At 
one P. M. pulse 94; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 
18. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.) 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has continued to do well during the 
day. The afternoon fever has been slighter chan on 
any day since the 3d. Pulse, 98; temperature, 100.4; 
respiration, 20. D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
THE ELECTRIC PROBE. 
The electric machine by which itis hoped to find, 
and locate the ball in the President's body is ap- 
proaching completion and every successive experi- 
ment gives promise of success. I found Professor 
Bell in his laboratory out on Connecticut avenue 
to-day. He was hard at work, aud said 
at first that he was glad to see me, 
NEW YORK HERALD 
talk, and the'periods of conversation are growing 
perceptibly shorter.'' 
"How do you account for this?" asked your corres- 
pondent. 
"1 he irregular and exalted condition of his mind 
so prominently manifested during the first stages of 
the surgical fever are fast disappearing, and the 
natural order holds sway, so that now when there is 
। less danger from hrs exerting the muscles of the 
I abdomen, his knowledge of bis own condition, unat- 
tended as it is now by fever, restrains him. When 
he speaks it is with more reserve, and more of the 
dignity of the man occupying his exalted position 
tempers his manner. He still asks, wheu 1 approach 
his bedside, 'What do you think of the patient's 
condition this morning ? How does my case appear 
to you now?' I reply with all the force ot hopo 
ana courage, 'You are getting along admirably. 
Keep quiet aud nature will be your strong helper.' 
" 'It you have the charts near at hand please let me 
have them.' '' 
The doctor says he produced the charts showing 
the fluctuations of pulse, temperature and respira- 
tion. "The President studied them for a while and 
putting them one side by a feeble motion of his 
right haud, said with gravity:-'The condition of 
that man's case must have been extremely 
critical at one time.' He scanned with 
intense interest the progress of the case as deli- 
neated upon the charts and turning nis head re- 
marked, 'I have always had a keen appreciation 
of weH defined details and definite facts.* 
I ANOTHER CELEBRATED CASK. 
"The literature of the President's case would 
make a library," continued Mr. Bliss as he tossed 
the ashes from his half-smoked cigar. "I have just 
received a letter from the daughter of the late Lieu- 
tenant Derby, of the United States Engineer corps; 
or, as you may have known him, the celebrated 
John Phoenix. Lieutenant Derby was wounded at 
the battle of Monterey during the Mexican 
war and his wound was apparently as vital as that 
of the President. The surgeons gave him up after 
probing for the ball. He was carried on a stretcher 
for 200 miles, put on board a vessel and brought to 
this country and recovered. In after years the ball 
worked Itself to the surface jof his body, 
and, on discovering It, be pinched it 
so as to bring it closer to the skin, 
and one day asked his wife to make an 
incision and let it out. 'Why don't you go to a 
surgeon and let him perform the operation?' 'I 
haven't the nerve to do it,' replied his wife. 'Look 
here,' said the inimitable John, 'the surgeons have 
had all the fun with that ball that I propose to 
allow. It is to be a family matter hereafter. 
If you don't cut it out I will.' It was never 
removed, however, and he idled with the bullet 
in him. This may be the case of the President. The 
wound may heal completely aud the presence of the 
ball in his body give him no trouble, but some day 
it will, in all probability, come to the surface and 
plead to be let out. 
VALUABLE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM CITIZENS. 
"Among the valuable contributions we have 
received is an electrical probe, from Boston, 
very flexible, and the insertion of which will 
show the track of the wound completing 
the circuit when it comes in contact with 
the ball. From Brooklyn a surgeon has sent a pair 
of bullet forceps of the latest improved pattern. 
From Milwaukee we have received the finest lot of 
antiseptic dressing that could be fount in the 
United States, and which is in constant use in the 
dressing of the wound. Besides, the drainage tubes 
used in drawing the pus from the wound 
are the contributions of the same firm. Rare 
wines, old wines, valuable suggestions from eminent 
surgeons and advice that is worthless, and which, 
comes by the cubic foot from every part of the 
country, are among the daily receipts. Speaking of 
the pus, we have subjected it to microscopic test and 
have scarcely discovered the trace of bacteria. As 
yet we have not been able to learn whether any por- 
tion of the President's garments were impelled into 
the wound. A careful examination of the coat 
and underclothing shows that a small part of each 
was cut away by the conical ball, but we have no 
evidence as yet that any portion followed the ball." 
Speaking ot Crump, the President's stetfard, 
whose constant attendance at the sick bedside has 
been invaluable. Dr. Bliss said that it was poetically 
just to say, "Billy Crump, he's a trump." 
"The President now," said the Doctor, as hi arose, 
"has his head propped up and a large pillow under 
his shoulders. The mending process has begun, 
and as I ar as human insight can penetrate the period 
of recuperation has set iu, and promises in good 
time the delivery of the President from his present 
prostrate and feeble condition." 
MBS. EDSON MORE HOPEFUL THAN EVER. 
Mrs. Dr. Susan Edson left the White House an 
hour earlier than usual to-night. In explaining this 
to your correspondent she said:-"The fact is the 
President is doing so well that we will all have a 
chance to get more rest now." 
"His improvement is steady?" I asked. 
"Yes, and it will continue to be so. We are not 
fearful of anything that can happen." 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
Mff YORK. SATURDAY. JULY 16. 1881. 
[fcY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.! 
Washington, J uly 15, 1881. 
To-night winds up the second week of the Presi- 
dent's illness. The third week begins in hope th^t 
he will get well. Indeed, hope has almost become 
conviction, and it is difficult to meet a man 
in Washington who thinks, or says he 
thinks, he will die. Yet there are crises 
to be passed and dangers to meet, and until the 
doctors see daylight in all directions it cannot be 
said that he is out of danger. The principal diffi- 
culty was overcome when they got control of the 
weather and robbed the burning summer days and 
heated nights of their terrors by the cooling 
apparatus now at work. To pass from 
the east to the west end of the 
White House, where the President's sick chamber 
is, is like taking a rapid transit trip from the sunny 
sile of the Treasury Department to the top of Mount 
Washington. The cooling apparatus does its work 
Well, and now not only is the sick chamber filled 
With cool, dry air, but the corridors and other cham- 
bers in the same end of the building are also made 
habitable. 
A GOOD MEAL FOB THE PRESIDENT. 
The White House has been excessively dull to- 
night. There has been little of interest transpiring 
to-day, and this evening the household staff are for 
the most part speeding their horses out on the 
boundary road or jogging along the shaded drives 
about the Soldiers' Home. Secretary Blaine and 
• Secretary Windom were out that way. In a 
carriage earlier in the evening Mrs. Garfield 
went out with her daughter Mollie and her eldest 
Bon. Harry, taking the shaded streets in the north- 
west district for their little trip. The President had 
quite a little breakfast of toast, softened with the 
Juice of an uncooked porter house steak, and a glass 
nt Tokay. Then, at intervals during the day, he 
was given a draught of milk, flavored with a dash of 
rum, but when dinner time camo they concluded to 
give his appetitea chance, so the doctors agreed to give 
him a regular course dinner and serve it them- 
selves. This they did, and the sick man's banquet 
began with toast prepared as for the breakfast. This 
he ate with great satisfaction, and when the next 
course came ou it made his eyes sparkle to see that 
it consisted of sweetbreads stewed in milk. This 
ho disposed of, and he was then served 
with a small bowl of liquid extract of 
beef. Then he was given a small piece of 
roast beef, done rare, and when he had taken 
that a wine glass of Tokay was proffered him, and 
he drank the health of his distinguished waiters, 
and was apparently much pleased by the number 1 
and dignity of his attendants. This feast-and for 
a man who has eaten so sparingly for the last two 
weeks it certainly was a feast-occasioned him no 
inconvenience, and he slept afterward tranquilly. 
CONDITION OF THE PATIENT. 
The great subject of delighted conversation in and 
about the White House to-day has been that the 
patient had no fever to-day during the early 
hours, and that respiration, temperature and pulsa- 
tion were approximating their normal condition. | 
This fact has been heralded about, and as a result 
one hears it discussed in the White House-not 
Will he get well? but How soon will he be up? That 
bids fair to be many a long day in the future. To- 
night there is a little fever and his pulse and respi- 
ration are higher. 
•'You will take him somewhere when he gets able 
to move, 1 suppose?" I asked Colonel Rockwell. 5 
••Oh, yesl I suppose so. I don't know where, . 
though I am sure to the seashore." 
"Do you not think more likely to the Soldiers' Home 
on the hill? The temperature up there ou hot days 
is from tea to fifteen degrees lower than it is in the 
city, and it is an excellent place." 
••I don't say ho will go there. I think it likely 
enough though." 
D8. BLISS CH4TS ABOUT HIS PATIENT. 
Dr. Bliss said to-night:-"The President does not 
talk as much as he did. In fact, he doesn't care to and then »said quickly, on second thought, 
he was not at all glad. Then he went on to say that 
so much had been printed about the machine in ad- 
vance of its completion that the public had come to 
think it was already for operation. 
"Well, isn't it?" I asked. 
"Not at all," he replied. "It is only in its experi- 
mental stages, so to speak. There is little more to 
tell than has already been published. My experi- 
ments to-day have beeu witn a piece of lead of the 
size of the ballet in Guiteau's pistol. I find that I 
can get the machine to indicate the presence of the 
lead with great accuracy." 
"You have tried through several substances, I un- 
derstand?" 
"Yes; that was with a rough machine, not such a 
* one as this, which I have only tried yet without in- 
tervening substances." 
"When do you expect to have it ready for use?'' 
"In a few days probably, although that is a ques- 
tion I cannot answer definitely. I will work away 
at it till it will show the presence of a piece of 
metal witn nothing intervening; then I will put 
the lead bullet in a bag of wet bran and try it there. 
This bran has about the same element to conduct 
electricity as the human body." 
"Won't you try it on a human body before you 
go to the President with it?" • 
"Oh! yes, of course. When it goes to that sick 
chamber, if it ever goes, it will be to perform the 
work allotted to it. It will not go for experiment." 
"Will you experiment on a cadavar?" 
"No, I can use it on myself or any person. I can 
put the bail under my hand or under my arm. Then 
I take the coils and wave them about first one way 
and then the other, and when it gets near the lead 
it will ring." 
"But suppose it gets near the place and rings, 
and it is possible to get yet nearer, will the machine, 
if brought nearer, indicate that tact?" 
"Yes. the nearer it gets the greater the inducting 
will be." 
"How far can you place the ball from the machine 
and get responses?" 
"About three inches." 
guiteau's intended mubdeb in ohubch. 
Among the visitors at the Executive Mansion this 
evening was Rev. Mr. Power, the pastor of the 
Christian Church, where President Garfield 
and his family attend. The reverend 
gentleman called attention to Guiteau's 
statement that he had at one time determined to 
shoot the President while at church. Said Mr. 
Power:-"The President and his family occupied the 
front pew on the north side, and I have noticed 
during the six years that I have been pastor there 
that it was General Garfield's habit always to occupy 
the seat under the window. He would put 
his feet upon the footstool and hUf 
turning his body would allow hia head to rest 
against the window sill, and in tnis position face the 
pulpit. The window is low, so that the upper por- 
tion of his head was always above the sill, and so 
could be easily reached from the outside. The 
ground adjoining the building on the north side has 
a slight elevation. If Guiteau had wanted to carry out 
his murderous design the position could not have 
been more favorable. It would have been possible 
for Guiteau to have pointed his weapon at the ear 
of the President with not more than a few inches 
between the mouth of the pistol ana the brain of 
General Garfield. Remembering, as I do, the 
regularity of the President's habits and the 
frequency with which I have looked at him 
seated in his peculiar m inner; it makes meshudder 
at the thought of what would have happened had 
the villain resolved to avail himself of this advan- 
tage. It would appear providential that his will 
was restrained, for to those familiar with the loca- 
tion of the window it is too 'apparent that a single 
shot from such a weapon as Guiteau used 
directed toward the President's head would 
have been instantly fatal." Dr. Boynton 
the President's cousin attended church the morning 
that Guiteau speaks of in his statement, and he 
remembers the presence of the would-be assassin in 
the pew just behind the President's. Guiteau says 
i he entered the church, but found he could not kill 
him there without danger of killing some one else. 
He noticed that the President sat near a window. 
After church he made an examination of 
the window and found he could reach 
[ it without any trouble, and that from this point he 
could shoot the President through the head without 
killing any one else. The following Wednesday he 
went to the church, examine the location and the 
window and became satisfied he could accomplish 
his purpose, and he determined, therefore, to make 
! the attempt at the church the following Sunday. NEW YORK HERALD 
[Official.]. 
Executive Mansion, July 16-8:30 A. M. 
The President has passed another good night, and 
is steadily progressing toward convalescence. Pulse, 
00- temperature, 98.5; respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[In view of the favorable progress of the Presi- 
dent's case the surgeons have decided to issue bul- 
letins hereafter only in the morning and evening.] 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
To Dr. F. H. Hamilton and Dr. D. H. Agnew:- 
The President progresses steadily toward convales- 
cence. During the last twenty-four hours he has 
had but one-eighth of a grain of sulphate of mor- 
phia (in a single hypodermic injection at bedtime). 
He slept well and this morning expresses himselt as 
feeling quite easy. The quiniu is continued in three- 
grain doses three times daily. He is taking a still 
larger proportion of solid food with more relish 
than hitherto, and some old port wine has been sub- 
stituted for the Tokay, its flavor being preferred by 
the patient. The febrile rise yesterday afternoon 
was less than on any day since you saw him. At 
seven P. M. his pulse was 98; temperature,98.5; res- 
piration, 20. This morning at half-past eight pulse, 
90; temperature, 98.5; respiration, 18. At one P. M. 
pulse, 94; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. Here-, 
after our daily despatch to you will be sent after 
the evening consultation. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has passed a better day than any 
since he was hurt. The afternoon fever is still less 
than yesterday. At one P. M. his pulse was 94; 
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. His pulseis now 
98; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 19. 
D. W. BUSS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT KEYBURN. 
THE ELECTBIC INDICATING MACHINE. 
Bell, the electrician, visited the White House to- 
day, and in conversation with a Herald corre- 
spondent said that his experiments had gone little 
further than he reported them on yesterday. "I 
have," he said, "been unable to make the 
inducting balance indicate the presence of a 
piece of lead held in the clenched hand. It 
was then at a distance of two and a half or per- 
haps three inches. I have cabled to Mr. Preece, the 
Superintendent of the Postal Telegraph Service in 
Great Britain, to enlist the services of Mr. Hashes, 1 
the inventor of the induction balance, to see what 
he can do to make it more effective. I have also, tel- 
egraphed to Professor Rowland, of Johns Hopkins 
University, Baltimore, and to Professor Trowbridge, 
of Havard College, Cambridge, to see what they can 
do. My own experiments are leading me in some- 
thing of a different direction than the original in- 
vention at first indicated. You see I have 
to try every condition that the machine 
can assume, and yet remain operative. Let me say 
that, while all our experiments have proved satisfao 
^toryAhey.Jiave not yet heoiiPbOduQtivo- o£ a satiifao. 
tory arrangement such as we will use for the final 
tests. When once we are satisfied that it will work 
it will not take three minutes to apply it to the 
President's body and locate the ball. It will not 
worry or disturb him. He need not be moved. 
Two of the coils will be moved over the stomach 
nearest where we suppose the ball to be, and it will 
require only a few seconds to find the bullet, unless 
it is imbedded too deeply for the lead to produce the 
effects that are necessary." 
INDICATIONS OF RECOVERY. 
Since the President was wounded a good many 
churches have held daily services of prayer for his 
recovery. To-day there was issued from the church 
which the President attends the following notice, 
signed by the Rev. Frederick Power:- 
In consequence of the improved condition of the 
President the daily services of prayer at the Vermont 
Avenue Christian Church will be suspended. 
To-night the President's condition is. as the bul- 
letins say, "favorable." His pulse, respiration and 
temperature are a trifle higher than they were re- 
ported in the bulletin of this morning, but that is 
the natural result of the day's excitement, and all 
these symptoms will, it is expected, disappear with 
the night's rest. At ten o'clock to-night he was 
sleeping quietly after a hypodermic injection 
of one-eighth of a grain of morphia. The dis- 
charge from the wound continues to be nor- 
mal in quantity and appearance, and from 
the fact than the drainage tube cannot be 
pushed further than three inches and a half into 
the wound without encountering resistance, it 
is inferred that the pus all comes from that part of 
the bullet's track which lies between the external 
surface of the body and the ribs and that the depths 
of the wound have closed. Doctor Reybura, upon 
being asked whether he regarded the President as 
out of danger, said:-"I should hardly like yet to 
pronounce him-safe, but he is rapidly approaching 
the safety line- There is not the slightest indica- 
tion of pyaemia, the danger ot secondary hemor- 
rhage has almost entirely passed, the surgical fever 
has so far abated as to be apparent only for a few 
hours in the afternoon and evening and the patient 
is making steady progress toward convalescence. 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETjOR. 
NEW YORK. SUNDAY. JULY 17. 1881. 
(BY telegraph to the herald.] 
Washington, July IC, 1881. 
The wonndail President, gaining strength hour by 
hour, is spoken of to-day for the first time in the 
official bulletins as progressing toward convales- 
cence. But he remains very weak. He can only 
raise his hands as yet. He cannot turn over in bod, 
and itis only with an effort that he can draw his 
lower limbs into a new position when they get 
weary of being in the old one. But the change in 
his condition, wonderful as it has been, is scarcely 
less remarkable than the change in the appearance 
of this city, which, two weeks ago, was in a tur- 
ntoil of excitement and apprehension, and to-day 
is so quiet that interest is barely taken 
in the condition of the wounded Executive. It is 
now accepted on all sides that the sufferer will re- 
■ cover, but whether he will ever become a "well 
man'" agaluds a question that his physicians ap- 
proach- with hesitation and discuss with conserva- 
tism. At the same time his restoration so that he 
can execute-the duties of his high office is consid- 
ered an accepted fact, though it is generally be- 
lieved he will always remain-to a greater or less ex- 
- tent a sufferer from his wound. To-day he has 
slept'and lain quiet most-of the time. This morn- 
ing, with his eyes closed and his breathing reg- 
ular, he remained for an hour or more 
; without a movement, and Colonel Rockwell, who 
-sat by him, supposed he was asleep and 
read nis book without interruption. He was much 
surprised presently by hearing the President say, 
"Rockwell, did you think I was-asleep?" "I did, 
indeed," was the reply. "Well, I wasn't; I was 
thiaking." "You mnsn't think; you must get well, 
and to do khat your mind must be at rest," urged 
Rock well. "I-am at rest, at too much rest. I would 
like to be up," was the reply. His appetite remains 
good. It has been found that his excessive weak--*- 
ness is a protection against overloading his stomach, 
and he is allowed to have about all he wantsto eat, 
for he has not strength to-chew food-enough to-hurt 
him. He-sleeps well. 
TAKING GOOD SOLID FOOD. 
Steward Crump said this morning that the Presi- 
dent passed Friday night comfortably. He was not , 
as restless when awake as heretofore. In fact, it 
was the night of a sick man on the roadto recovery. 
This morning the-steward squeezed a piece of steak 
over a piece-of toast until the toast was thoroughly 
saturated, and gave it to the President, who ate 
heartily and with great relish. Shortly after- 
ward Mr. Crump brought up a piece 
of nicely broiled tenderloin steak and 
gave it to the President. He chewed 
it like a man with® good appetite. Just then Mrs. 
Garfield camein. "Can I swallow the meat?" the 
President asked. "Yes," replied Mrs. Garfield; "the 
doctors say it will not hurt you no w." The President 
ate and swallowed the whole piece of steak and en- 
joyed it. This morning the President was better 
than ever. He looked better and more like himself 
than at any time since the wound was received. The 
telegraph flashed the news of the Senatorial election 
in New York within fifteen minutes after it 
had been made. Naturally enough it was the 
subject of general comment and interest in the city 
and particularly in the White House. It was de- 
cided to acquaint the-Presidentof the fact, and when 
it was done there were present several of the physi- 
cians and the regular attendantson the sick cham- 
ber. 
"There has been a Senator eleot-ed in New York," 
remarked one of them. 
"Who is it?" asked the President. 
"Miller, in place of Platt," was the answer. 
"Thank God," was the President's fervent answer, 
and with this the conversation on this topic ended, , 
and the patient in a few minutes was soundly sleep- 
ing. 
THE DAILY BULLETINS. 
Bulletins were sent out to-day as follows:- NEW YORK HERALD 
have me stop. He gains every day. To-day 
he rolled himself over in bed and crossed his legs. 
He begins to tulk about sitting tip and going out. 
He said to me to-day, having heard that the Cabinet 
officers went down the river on the steamer Dispatch 
on Saturday, 'Doctor, when do you think I can take 
a trip on the Dispatch?' 'Are you a good sailor, Mr. 
President?' 'I always have been and I guess I am 
now.' 'Well, we will consider the matter. I think 
that you will be able to go out that way before you 
can go on a railroad.' " 
As the doctors went out one of the gentlemen con- 
nected with the White House said:-"I think that he 
will be sitting up inside of ten days." Others pre- 
dicted that by this time next week he would be able 
to get out of bed. The amount of solid food that 
the President is taking and his returning strength 
seems to justify these predictions. 
a chat with the president's nurse. 
Your correspondent han a talk with one of the 
President's nurses this morning with the following 
result:- 
"How is the President getting along?" 
•'First rate. Doing better every day." 
"Of course you did not forget much yesterday the 
occurrence of two weeks ago?" 
''Well, no; we could not torget that circumstance, 
j though the days are becoming repetitions ot one 
: another now." 
"Did you celebrate the anniversary any way?" 
"The President reminded us of it pretty fre- 
quently, but I guess the only celebration we wanted 
was to notice the steady progress he is making to- 
ward recovery and the evident relish with which he 
partook ot his meals yesterday." 
"He remembers the incidents of that day pretty 
well?" 
"He has not forgotten a detail, and, in fact, never 
will. Every circumstance is photographed on nis 
mind clearly. Yesterday he referred to the inci- 
dents frequently, and, in addition to his own feel- 
ings at the moment of the shooting, he tells with 
great spirit how he watched the countenances of 
those around him. He remembers accurately the 
effects of the shock upon them as keenly as if he 
were not the victim but only an attentive by- ! 
stander." 
"Wonder how he will like to read the papers with 
their suggestive he .d lines and fateful sentences?" 
"Oh, he looks forward to the time he shall be per- 
mitted to read the papers with great interest. When- 
ever he wishes to read a paper or refers to them in 
any way we remind him of the promise made by 
Colonel Rockwell to keep them all for him. He has 
atood ao much pain and suffering that we hope to 
get him through such a dangerous proceeding as at- 1 
tempting to read the pile of papers that has and will 
have accumulated before he is able to read them. 
But he is not a bit dismayed over the prospect, and 
being so long debarred from reading the newspapers 
he cannot but regard it as a treat when he does get 
strong enough for it." 
"He seems to have some kind of a general idea of 
how his condition is watched though, hasn't he?" 
"Yes. Of course you heard the remark he made 
about the heart of the nation, &c. ? Well, the phras- 
ing is not exactly right and it is too fine a saying 
not to go out in its true shape. What he said was, 
'The heart of the nation will help the old soldier to 
get well,' instead of 'The heart of the nation will 
not let the old soldier die.' " 
''That was a pleasant bit of information to hear 
that he has relished his breakfast these two morn- 
ings?" # 
"Yes, and it is so. He did relish his meals, and 
he is looking and feeling so much better. His 
tongue is clear and his eyes are so bright that it 
could not be otherwise." 
''The temperature of the sick room is such that 
you can afford to ignore the variations outside?" 
"Yes, the temperature of the room is delightful. 
It would not be good for the President to reduce the 
temperature too much, but we have it so that it is 
entirely comfortable. The air forced in is very much 
drier than that outside." 
"The prospect to-day and that of two weeks ago 
is greatly different?" 
"It is, indeed. It did not look Sunday two weeks 
ago as if the President would be living now. There 
are not many men who could have either 
stood the shock or the consequences, but the Presi- 
dent can thank his good constitution for pulling 
him through, and the fact that bullets rarely have 
to deal with a man of his physique or one with 
such a purely healthy constitution as he has." 
"He has watched his case through all its 
1 changes?" 
"Yes, he went over it all yesterday. It seemed a 
sort of summing up occasion. He spoke of his own 
feelings at different times, and wanted to know 
something of the physicians' opinions on each 
stage of the case. He was particularly anxious to 
know what were his worst days." 
"Which was his worst day?" Probably he 
thought somebody would have said Saturday, the 
2d day of July. 
"Well, yes; that was a very bad day for him, I tell 
you, and he thinks so, too; but there were other 
days when the chances were as finely balanced. 
However, he seems now on the steady road to re- 
"covery and will live, I hope, to laugh at all our 
fears for the time past. We don't want another two 
weeks like these just gone by, I assure you." 
THE MEDICAL BULLETINS. 
The bulletins to-day were as follows:- 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 17-8:30 A. M. 
The President continues to improve. He passed 
an excellent night and has a good appetite this morn- 
ing. Pulse, 90; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WQQDWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
Our expectations of iavorable progress have been 
fully realized by the manner in which the Presi- 
dent has passed the day. He has t ken more solid 
food, and with greater relish than hitherto, and his 
afternoon fever, which is as slight as that of yester- 
day, came on later. At one P. M. his pulse was 94, 
temperature 98.5, respiration 18. At present, pulse 
98, temperature 100.2, respiration 20. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
To Drs. Agnew and Hamilton:- 
Since our despatch of yesterday fhe President has 
done as well as our hopes then indicated. He has 
had a single hypodermic injection ot one-eighth of 
a grain of sulphate of morphia (at bed time) and 
slept well. Quinia in three grain doses has been 
continued, as has also the plan of nourishment 
hitherto reported. His bowels have been kept free 
by enemata. The wound is dressed with an- 
tiseptic precautions twice daily. There is how 
a tree discharge of healthy pus. The 
afternoon fever, both yesterday and to-day, has 
been comparatively slight. Yesterday at one P. M. 
his pulse was 94, temperature, 98.5; respiration, 
18. At seven P. M., pulse, 98; temperature, 100.2; 
_respiration. 19. To-day at 8:30 A. M., pulse, 90; tem- 
perature, 98.4; respiration, 18. At one P. M., pulse, 
92; temperature, 98.5; respi ration, 18. At seven P. 
M. pulse, 98; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 20. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT HEYBURN. 
The President'.* Condition. 
Sixteen days have passed since the Presi- 
dent was sho', and his progress toward re- 
covery ha* been rapid and regular, and 
from the first be ha* had no disquieting 
symptom. He is now out of danger, so far 
as relates to any facts involved in the 
wound, though his medical attendants, 
with superfluous precaution, are slow to 
make this declaration. In a comparatively 
short time he will be on his fee', nndthe use 
that he is able to make of his legs will give, 
perhaps, some new indications of the na- 
ture cf his hurt. It should be remembered 
that the very first function of his system 
interfered with by the assassin's shot was 
locomotion. He fell instantly when the 
bullet entered his body-a fact that suggests 
injury to important nerves, ior the shot 
was not overwhelming in its effect. From 
that first moment he has not, so far as 
known to the public, been an instant on his 
feet, and his assumption of the erect pos- 
ture will be looked for with curiosity and 
interest. 
BROADWAY AMD ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
.PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YORK. MONDAY. JULY'18. 1881. 
[bt telegraph to the herald. 1 
Washington, July 17,1881. 
The President is getting alonfe so well that every- 
dy feels greatly elated, and it is now considered 
a matter of course that he is all right. The Post- 
master General expressed this feeling this evening. 
He came to the White House, but found that there 
were no other Cabinet officers present. It 
was his first visit since Saturday morning 
and not a single officer had put in an 
appearance since that time. He asked how the Presi- 
dent had passed the day, and after he was told what 
he had eaten, he said, "Well, I suppose he will be 
holding a cabinet meeting by this time next week." 
The drift of talk seems now to be upon when the 
President will get up and come out. One of the doc- 
tors this evening said:-"That first Saturday night 
was the only time I had no hopes of the President's 
recovery. I placed my arm around him'to lift him 
np, and I found that he was almost entirely without 
strength-perfectly helpless, in fact. Then there 
was the expression on his face, and I was confident 
that he could not live more than two hours. This 
was about six o'clock. At eight o'clock Dr. Bliss 
same up and felt his pulse. I was watching his 
face. I saw a gleam of hope come into his eyes. 
The President asked feebly, 'Doctor, what do you 
think?' The Doctor replied with great heartiness, 
•General, you are doing well. In the past two 
hours you have taken great strides.' From that 
time I have never lost hope of his recovery." 
how the doctors talk. 
I met Drs. Bliss and Reyburn coming from the 
consultation room about eight o'clock this evening 
They were on their way out for the night, leaving 
Drs. Woodward and Barnes in charge. As I ap- 
proached Dr. Bliss said:-"All I can say to-night is 
that the President is doing splendidly. He ordered 
his own breakfast this morning and got it, too." 
"What did he have?" 
"Well, he had two mutton chops, a boiled 
potato with cream, a little milk and some 
beetsteak. He ate the food with great rel- 
ish. All the coating has disappeared from 
his tongue. During the day we had given him roast 
beef and also some sherry wine. He is now eating 
solid food and swallows the fibre as well as the 
juice. The wound is doing nicely and discharges 
liberally laudable pus. We have to turn him over 
when we dress the wound, and to-day X pressed on 
his abdomen on the right side and a quantity of pus 
gushed from the mouth of the wound. That shows 
that this pus is from the deeper portions of the 
wound and that the entire passage wound is clear. 
I also regard it as another indication tending to con- 
firm my first theory that the ball passed through 
the liver and entered the anterior wall of the abdo- 
men. We have several indications showing this. 
But the other doctors, you know, have had the ball 
in all parts of the body." 
"Yes," added Dr. Reyburn, ''those that have made 
the diagnosis of the case without seeing the pa- 
tient." 
"Oh," continued Dr. Bliss, "we four doctors have 
been fired at from all around, but it has resulted in 
bringing us closer together, and now we are like a 
band of brothers. We think a great deal of each 
other, don't we. Doctor?" said he, laughingly, and 
putting his hand on Dr. Reyburn. 
"Yes," said Dr. Reyburn, smiling, "we have to 
stick together now, since we have not only been 
wrong in the first diagnosis, but have made the case 
to seem a great deal more serious than it really 
was." 
The doctors laughed quite heartily at these sarcas- 
tic flings at their critics and acted as if now they 
bad the laugh on their side. 
WANTS A TRIP ON THE WATER. 
"Well," said Dr. Bliss, continuing, "there was a 
rather funny thing happened to-day. We were 
dressing the President's wound with the antiseptic 
dressing, which is done twice a day, and had him 
turned over on his side. 1 was bathing him with 
alcohol, and pretty soon the President said:-'Doc- 
tor, scratch my back.' I began rubbing him up and 
down along the back bone with my hand and 
said:-'Now, when you feel I have rubbed you 
enough, just say so.' I continued for some 
time, but the President said nothing. Pretty 
Boon I called tor a hair brush and used that instead 
of my hands. I then rubbed for a long time and his 
back was getting rather red. I then said, in a laugh- 
ing way, 'Now, don't hesitate to speak out it you 
want me to stop.' He didn't make any reply, but 
after a while he said, with a sort of a sigh, 'Well, 
Doctor, there is an end to all things; you can 
etop.' We all burst out laughing at this. 
He liked it so much that he hated to NEW YORK HERALD 
ceived by letter and telegram varied and valuable' 
suggestions in the undertaking he has 
assumed. Professors Howland and Trowbridge, the 
former of Johns Hopkins University and the latter 
of Harvard, have suggested the use-of theoretical in- 
duction apparatuses very similar in construction 
and effect, but they do not cover the point which 
must be reached before the result that is aimed at 
is attained. George W. Hopkins, of New York, has 
sent for trial a very ingenious contrivance which is 
operated by clock work. The dipping of a wire 
into and out of mercury causes an interruption 
which, heard through the telephone, resembles the 
tickine of aclock. When the balance is perfect all 
sound ceases, but when a bullet is placed within an 
inch of one of the wire coils connected with the in- 
strument the ticking is again heard through the 
telephonic connection. This fact at once es- 
tablishes the proximity of the ball. The microphone 
of Professor Hughes, which is affected by tapping 
on a wooden stand, and which it was first thought 
would accomplish the object desired, has been 
tested also. However, these instruments are not 
sufficiently delicate for the purpose, as they do not 
indicate the presence of the ball beyond a distance 
of one inch. 
INCH BY INCH. 
Professor Bell is now pursuing his own ideas and 
has in operation an electrical instrument that makes 
10O interruptions of the electrical current per 
second, producing a musical tone from the tele- 
phone connected with the apparatus. The inter- 
rupted electrical current is passed through two 
large, flat coils of thick wire, on which are 
placed small, flat coils of fine wire connected 
with the telephone. By sliding one of the small 
coils a little to one side a balance is produced and 
hardly any sound can be perceived. But when a 
bullet is brought near the wire coil its presence is 
immediately communicated to the ear by quick, 
short musical tones. With this instrument the 
Professor can locate a bullet two inches away. 
This is one inch turther than can be 
accomplished by anything he has tried up 
to this time. He reasons.that if he has added one 
inch to the distance he should be able to add another 
inch, and that when he has established the fact to 
his own satisfaction that he can locate a bullet three 
inches from the wire coil that explores the body-he 
will consider his apparatus competent to locate in a 
harmless and painless manner the ball that 
is imbedded in the body of the Presi- 
dent. He says that if the ball has 
flattened out it will be more easily 
traced than if in the original form, as the larger 
surface affords the greater induction. Professor 
Bell has cabled Mr. Preece, of London, to ask Pro- 
fessor Hughes, the inventor of the induction 
balance, if he can suggest a form of balance suitable 
for locating the bullet of the President. Although 
he cabled this inquiry several days ago he has not 
yet received a reply. Considerable trouble was caused 
in the early experiments of the Professor by for- 
eign sounds being introduced by the moving of the 
wires, but this has been overcome by the use of 
twisted wires. The practical tests made were by 
holding in the clenched hand a ball the exact size of 
the one shot by Guiteau ; and, again, another ball of 
equal weight that had been flattened by contact with a 
hard substance. The latter piece of lead was in- 
serted in the mouth and the testing coil passed over 
the cheek, against which it pressed. The telephone 
plainly indicated the presence of a conductor, and 
even when the coil was drawn away from the hand 
or cheek a distance of half an inch the presence of 
the lead was readily indicated by the sound of 
the telephone. A representative of the Herald 
asked the Professor if the shooting of President 
Garfield suggested these experiments to his mind, 
and he replied that it had refreshed his interest in 
this respect, but had not originated the idea. He 
said that he had investigated in the direction indi- 
cated some time since in Boston. 
"When do you expect. Professor, to perfect your 
apparatus?'* 
"Well, you may rest assured that I will accom- 
plish It at the earliest possible moment. I am work- 
ing day and night to that end.'' 
RETURN OF THE FEVER. 
The feverish condition of the President noted by 
the physicians in their afternoon and evening exam- 
ination of the patient is ascribed to gastric causes, 
and may require a more caretui diet than has 
been allowed during the past two days. There has 
been no retching, but there were some symptoms of 
Indigestion. I>r. Bliss says that the change in his 
temperature and pulse, shown by the last examina- 
tion does not indicate a feverish condition caused 
by the wound. The continued discharge of lauda- 
ble pus the freedom from inflammation about the 
mouth of the wound, and the general tone 
of the patient's body encourage the most 
hopeful expectations. The President has 
had a quiet day. He had enjoyed more freedom in 
the movement of his limbs and has shown a more 
natural disposition in talking briefly to those about 
, his bedside. It may be that a lighter diet will be 
prescribed for him to-morrow. When it was sug- 
gested that a week ago te-night his symp- 
toms were somewhat alarming the doctor 
said that such an intermittent stage could not be 
explained by the ordinary progress of the healing of 
the wound. It is probable that malarial influences 
have not been lacking in aggravating his feverish 
symptoms. To-night he is resting comfortably, 
with less fever than when the bulletin was prepared 
early in tho evening. 
Dr. Bliss, upon being asked, at half-past ten 
o'clock to-night, whether there was anything in the 
patient's condition to justify uneasiness, replied.:- 
"Nothing whatever. He is doing well. The fever is 
subsiding, his pulse is below 100 again and he is 
sleeping quietly. He became a little overwearied 
this afternoon, but he will probably be as well again 
to-morrow morning as he was this." 
In reply to a question with regard to tho wound, 
; Dr. Bliss said:-"The process of suppuration is 
going on satisfactorily and the track of the ball is 
slowly being cleared by the discharge. In dressing' 
the wound to-night the flexible drainage tube 
without the exertion of the least force dropped 
in to a depth of five and one-half 
inches, showing that the wound is clear 
and open to that* distance. It has beeu 
said by persons who have never seen the Presi- 
dent since his injury that the bullet probably did 
not enter the great cavity of the body at all. Our 
experience with the drainage tube to-night confirms 
our previously expressed judgment that the ball did 
enter the abdominal cavity and pierced the liver. I 
believe that it passed through that organ and is 
lodged in the anterior wail of the abdomen." 
In conclusion Dr. Bliss said that there was noth- 
ing in the President's symptoms to-night to cause 
anxiety or to indicate that he is not progressing as 
favorably as could be expected. 
At half-past eleven o'clock the President's pulse 
was 96, and he was sleeping quietly. 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 18-6:30 A. M. 
The President has passed a restful night. Pulse, 
temperiture and respiration about the same as 
yesterday morning. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-8 A. M. 
The President's progress toward convalescence 
noted in the official bulletin of Saturday steadily 
continues. He feels greatly refreshed by the restful, 
unbroken sleep which lie had last night, which was 
materially assisted by the agreeable change in the 
weather. His pulse is gradually lessening, it now 
being 88, with normal temperature and respiration. 
He will receive for breakfast beefsteak, toast and 
meat juice and poiched egg, and later on a little oat- 
meal cooked tn a jelly. It is deemed best by the 
surgeons to give him solid, substantial food in the 
morning, discontinuing it at one o'clock, after which 
time only liquid nourishment is administered. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President has passed another comfortable 
night, and is doing well this morning. Pulse, 88; 
temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, 
ROBERT BEYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The condition of the President has not materially 
changed since morning. He has no fever, and is 
resting quietly. Pulse, 90; temperature and respira- 
tion normal. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:30 P. M. 
The President has passed a comfortable day and is 
making favorable progress. He manifests an in- 
creasing interest in public affairs, and has just sent 
to his private secretary for an evening paper. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
i The President has had a little more fever this 
afternoon, which is regarded as merely a temporary 
fluctuation. At one P. M. his pulse was 98; temper- 
ature, 98.5; respiration, 18. At present his pulse is 
102; temperature, 100.7; respiration, 21. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBUBN. 
[UNOFFICIAL.] 
Executive Mansion, 11:30 P. M. 
Tho President's afternoon fever was a little more 
strongly marked to-night than last night, the pulse 
showing an increase of four beats, the tem- 
perature a rise of five-tenths, and the respi- 
ration a slight corresponding acceleration as com- 
| pared with the maxima of yesterday. In any other 
: patient this trifling increase in the intensity of 
I the fever would be regarded as a natural fluctuation 
| and would not excite especial remark, but the Presi- 
' dent's symptoms are so closely watched from day to 
day, and almost from hour to hour, by the whole 
country that an unfavorable change, however slight, 
seems to have greater significance than really at- 
taches to it, and is liable, in the absence of 
explanation, to cause appreheusion. It is proper 
therefore to say, by way of comment upon to-night's 
official bulletin, that the tacts therein stated give no 
uneasiness to the attending surgeons. There is a 
slight increase in the fever, but it arises from 
known causes and is undoubtedly transient in its 
character. The reasons assigned lor it are as fol- 
lows:-The President during the past three days 
and more especially to-day, has taken a largely in- 
creased quantity of solid food. His stomach is etdl 
sensitive and manifests its sensitiveness when in 
any way overtaxed by symptoms of disturbance. 
Such was the case to-day, and this gastric trouble is 
thought to have been largely instrumental in ag- 
gravating the lebrile symptoms. Then the 
President this afternoon became over wearied 
in the hands of a barber. He expressed a 
desire to have his beard and hair trimmed and his 
head rubbed, and at his request a barber was sum- 
moned. The latter spent some time in rubbing him 
and although the immediate effects wore pleasure- 
able the results were over fatigue and increased 
feverishness. Asiue, however, from the transient 
rise in pulse and temperature the President's symp- 
toms continue to be iavorable. 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PEO P It IET O B. 
NEW YORK. TUESDAY. JULY 19. 1881; 
[bt telegraph to the herald.] 
Washington, July 18,1831. 
The President's condition was quite con^ortable 
this morning. I met his nurse near thp White 
House and asked what progress he was making. 
"Well, the pain in the feet and limbs continues 
and worries him considerably, but he is better able 
to stand the pain now, and of course it is not so 
bad. The soreness in the back occasioned by the 
bruised muscles has nearly disappeared. Much of 
this was the effect of lying so long in one position, 
as well as of the wound. The President remarked a [ 
few days after the shooting that if it was not for the 1 
pain in his feet he would not know what ailed him." 
"Is he regaining his strength any?" 
"Slowly but surely. Yesterday he desired to be 
raised up in the bed. This was done, the rest at the 
head being pushed up some, and he sat up in a halt- 
lying position perhaps ten minutes. He did not 
sweem quite comfortable or altogether strong enough, 
bo he wanted to be put back lying down again. He 
is by no means the dead weight he was. He is quite 
able to help himself, and assists considerably when 
he is being moved. All along, though, he often 
wished his head and shoulders raised, and we have 
accommodated him by placing extra pillows to sup- 
port him." 
"Everybody is getting cheerful around the White 
House and the sick room?" 
"They can't help it. Good news from the sick 
room is acting like a charm. Everybody feels re- 
lieved. and those about the room witnessing the im- 
provement patiently await the President's rec very, 
Bince there is nothing now, hardly, that can make 
Anything else probable." 
"Has the President been told of the illness of his 
mother?" 
"No, except in an indirect way, to the effect that 
the was weH. He had not been told that she had 
been ill." 
"Does the President talk much now?" 
"1 think he does, though the restriction has not 
fet been taken from him. He is not onconraged in 
ialking in any way." 
"Has he said anything about the probable location 
of the ball?" 
THE PRESIDENT'S VIEWS ABOUT THE BALL. 
"Once or twice he has spoken to Dr. Bliss about it, 
but he has so much confidence in the ability of the 
physicians that he leaves all the worry to them. He 
told them several days after he was shot, T will 
stand all the pain, but you must stand all the 
worry; I can't stand both.' Since then he has stuck 
to the agreement The physicians who are in at- i 
tendance on the President have a little more chance 
to ba right in locating the bullet than the hundreds 
of theorizing physicians miles and miles away, and 
they are confident in their diagnosis." 
"Has he said anything about his proposed sea 
trip?" 
"No, except in a general way when the doc- 
tors have referred to it. He looks forward with 
great joy to the day be can go out, but he doesn't 
want to hurry it up by any suggestions of his own." 
"The President's calls for beefsteaks and other 
solid foods are no longer imaginative, are they?" 
"No, indeed: his daily bill of fare is becoming 
more and more solid. No small amount of his rel- 
ish is owing to the fact that he is allowed now to 
order his own meals. He quite understands what 
is best for him." 
••Is that iambus Alderney cow still contributing 
her share to the daily feast?" 
"Yes, but the President is not relying altogether 
on a milk diet now. It had been the treatment all 
along to give him a glass of milk every two hours, 
but now we alternate it with beef juice. The aim 
of the physicians is to allow the President just as 
great a variety of edibles as he chooses io select 
from, provided they are of a nature suitable for his 
condition." 
THE TELEPHONE AND THE BULLET. 
Professor Graham Bell, the electrician, gave 
audience this afternoon to a number of callers 
who were interested in learning the progress he 
had made toward perfecting the induction balance 
that it is proposed shall trace the location ot the 
bullet in the President's body. He is prosecuting 
his experiments in his laboratory located on 
Connecticut avenue, in the centre of a large 
piece of laud, within one block of tne residence of 
the British Minister. He has assisting him in his 
labors Messrs. Taintor and Watts. The latter, who 
arrived here this afternoon, is connected with a 
firm of electrical instrument makers of Baltimore. 
Professor Bell is in communication with the leading 
electricians of this country and abroad, and has re- REPORT TO THE CONSULTING SURGEONS 
Executive Mansion, July IS, 1881. 
The following telegram was sent by the attending 
sui-f eons to the consulting surgeons to-night at 
To Dr. Frank H. Hamilton and Dr. D. H. Agnew.- 
Shortly after our despatch of yesterday the Presi- 
dent received hypodermic injection of oue-eightn o 
a grain ot sulphate of morphia. He slept well 
during the night, and this morning at halr-pust 
eight had a pulse of 88, temperature 98.4, respira- 
tion 18. His day, however, was not quite so com- 
fortable as yesterday. Slight gastric disturbance 
•was noted toward noon, in consequence ol which 
the quantity of nourishment administered was tem- 
porarily diminished. This was toilowed by 
more afternoon fever than yesterday, but the dinei- 
euce was not great, and is thought to be merely a 
temporary fluctuation. At one P. M. his pulse was 
98, temDerature 98.5, respiration 18. At seven P. M. 
pulse 102, temperature 1U0.7, respiration 21. 
r D. W. BLISS, • 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
GUITEAU AND THE GRAND JURY. 
In the Criminal Court to-day United States District 
Attorney Cork nt 11 stated that the Grand Jury had 
oeen held in session since the 4th of July, yet he 
could not at this time present Guiteau's case to it. 
He then read the following 1 tter from the Presi- 
dent's attending physicians, dated at the Executive 
Mansion, July 17, 1881:- 
To Colonel George B. Corkhiu. United States District 
Attorney:- 
Sir-In reply to your inquiry as to the condition of the 
President we would say that up to the present time he has 
done exceedingly well for one who has received so danger- 
ous a wound, but, while we anticipate recovery, it is not 
possible to assert with confidence that his iujnries may 
not terminate fatally. Very respectfully, 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
J. K. BARNES. 
ROBERT KEYBUBN. 
Under the circumstances the District Attorney 
said he could not present the case to the Grand Jury 
for the present, and suggested that they be per- 
mitted to take a recess until September 12, which 
was accordingly ordered by Judge Wylie. NEW YORK HER ALD 
dent, interrupting her, said:- 
"Well, send him my dish ot oatmeal. I have no 
use for it." 
NO EVIDENCE OF A LIVER WOUND. 
The surgeons, received to-day a sejond electrical 
probe from Boston, the probing point being nearly 
twelve inches in length. The decalcified bore drain- 
age tube with which the pus is drawn from the 
wound has already sunk into it five inches without 
the slightest pressure upon it by the attending phy- 
sicians. Whether the course of the wound is in a 
direct line Dr. Bliss is not prepared to say. The 
tube is very flexible and would readily adjust itself 
to the shape of the wound. But the impression is 
that it does not bend. Dr. Woodward, who has a 
good reputation as a microscopist, has all of his in- 
struments at ihe Execut.ve Mansion, and when- 
ever the wound is dressed receives some of 
the fresh pus for examination. As yet he has not 
found the slightest trace of hepatic cells, which tact 
would show that the liver had not been traversed. 
Nevertheless the doctors adhere to the belief that 
the liver was touched. The impression, however, is 
that the ba'l was not deflected but th t its force was 
exhausted between the resistance of clothing and the 
epidermis and has lodged in the cavity of the ab- 
domen. In this connection the career of the other 
bullet fi;ed at the President, the history of which 
seems to have been finally traced by tho District At- 
torney, has a peculiar interest and bearing. 
"It seems to be very well settled," says Colonel 
Corkh 11, "that tne charge of powder in the cart- 
ridges fired by Guiteau was very light. At a dis- 
tance ot forty feet the second snot spent its torce 
in penetrating a glazier's wooden box, the side of 
which was but one-fourth of an inch thick, broke 
only three panes of glass and imbedded itself in a 
lump of putty." 
This is District Attorney Corkhill's latest contri- 
bution to the stray bullet story. 
Tne arrival of various delicacies in the way of 
food for the use of the President continues to be a 
feature of the mail at tho White House. To-day 
several cases of wine arrived and also some wood- 
cocks from Maryland. 
Dr. A. E. Nichols, one of the attending surgeons 
at Bellevue Hospital, put up his apparatus ior lift- 
ing patients off the bed without disturbing them in 
the White House to-dav. The doctors are going to 
inspect it and determine whether it can be used or 
Apt. Dr. Nichols is a young man and this apparatus 
was designed by himself for the use of a lady 
friend who had a fractured hip. This is 
the second apparatus of the kind that has 
been made and was constructed in this city uuler 
the supervision of Dr. Nichols during the past two 
days. The design is quite simple. Two strong can- 
vas cloths are slipped under the patient. These are 
fastened by hooks to a square frame made of iron 
rods. Attached to this frame are ropes, which run 
over four pulleys placed in a wooden frame, which 
stands on two supports lengthwise over the 
bed. A lever at one side pulls the 
rope which passes over the pulley and raises the 
frame on which the patient lies quietly and easily. 
The bed then may be changed and the patient's 
wound dressed without turning him over. 
SOME GHASTLY JESTING. 
While they were putting up tho apparatus Dr. 
Bliss came out and stood looking at it. The wooden 
frame from which the four ropes were dangling 
looked very much like a gallows. This idea evi- 
dently occurred to the doctor, for after looking at it 
a while he said with a laugh:- 
"There are four ropes and four doctors. That 
looks suspicious. I must appoint a committee of 
inquiry to look into this matter." 
"I haven't seen it suggested yet that the doctors 
ought to be hanged?" 
"No, but they have come pretty near it. and you 
can't tell what they will do before they get 
through?'" 
Everybody laughed, and the more tkey .hoked at 
the dangling ropes the more the thing looked like 
a gallows. Dr. Nichols hastened to get the ropes 
fastened down before the other doctors came in and 
took a prejudice against the apparatus on account 
of this grim suggestion. 
THE AIR COOLING APPARATUS. 
One of the most valuable contributions to the 
President's comfort was the refrigerating apparatus, 
which has already been described at length in these 
despatches. Owing to the pleasant weather it has 
not been in operation for the past two days, 
but it has been kept in readiness for instant 
use. It will be remembered that the doc- 
tors had some trouble about who should 
and who should not attend the President. The re- 
frigerating men and those connected with the cool- 
ing apparatus for the President's room are now 
having a somewhat similar trouble. The scientists 
came into the contest with a desire to have the Presi- 
dent enjoy the orthodox productions of their genius. 
The apparatus was cooling the air of the President's 
room and providing thousands upon thousands of feet 
per hour of pure dry air. The atmosphere which the 
scientific wranglers were sending into the corridors 
of the west wing of the White House through an in. 
vention of their own reminded the occupants of the 
deg days. The result has been that three eminent 
engineers in tne navy-namely. Passed Assistants 
Bailie, Moore and May, were to-day detailed to take 
charge of the several apparatuses, and further ex- 
periments will be discontinued until the President 
vacates the White House. Chief Engineer Shock, of 
the Bureau of Engineering in the Navy 
Department, takes a lively interest in the 
workings of the machine now in opera- ! 
tion, and Engineer Bailie keeps an accurate ' 
record of the consumption of ice, relative wet 
and dry air in the Hues, temperature at which the 
air enters and leaves the apparatus and other data 
which will be of value hereafter. The President 
thought it best to have the door leading into his 
room and at least one of the windows open. Of 
course, with the air outside eighty-eight to ninety 
degrees it required a greater volume of cold 
air to perceptibly diminish the heat of 
his room. Still the supply has been so great and the 
temperature so cold that the engineers have more 
than once been signalled to slacken speed. The ex- 
periments already made show conclusively that it is 
possible to lower the temperature of the Hall of 
Congress during the warm season and make legisla- 
tion tolerable if not enjoyable in midsummei. 
TO TAKE A SEA VOYAGE. 
The Secretary of the Navy issued an order to-day 
directing that the work of repairing the United 
States steamer Tallapoosa, the despatch vessel of 
the navy on the Atlantic coast, now at the Washing- 
ton Navy Yard, should be prosecuted with all pos- 
sible haste, so that the vessel may be ready for sea 
by the 12th of August. The Tallapoosa' has been 
undergoing extensive repairs for some months and in 
the ordinary course of work would be ready for sea 
service about the 1st of September next. Anticipating 
the recovery of the President, who is very anxious 
for a sea voyage, the Secretary of the Navy desires 
to have the Tallapoosa ready for that purpose. She 
is a paddle wheel steamer of 050 tons and is 
regarded as more suitable for the trip proposed 
than the screw steamer Despatch. Theplansinclude 
a swinging bunt, in which the President can rest 
with ease and be entirely independent of the pitch- 
ing motion of the vessel. It is regarded as probable 
that the Tallapoosa will be employed for the Presi- 
dent's benefit for some weeks after he recovers suf- 
ficiently to ba placed upon her. Everything that 
can be done to contribute to his comfort and that of 
his family will he provided in the improvements of 
the vessel. She will ply between Washington and 
Norfolk for a short time, and when the weather ap- 
pears favorable she will run up to Long Branch and 
perhaps to Long Island Sound. 
GUITEAU ORDERED INTO CLOSE CONFINEMENT. 
District Attorney Corkhill sent the following 
letter to-day containing stringent instructions for 
the close confinement of Guiteau. addressed to the 
warden of the jail. General J. S. Crocker:- 
Dear Sir-The Grand Jury having adjourned un- 
til the 12th of September, and it being impos- 
sible to ascertain the final results of the attack 
by Charles Guiteau, the assassin of the President, it 
will be necessary to retain him in custody for future 
action by the authorities. I desire that you place 
him on one side of the jail where there are no other 
prisoners and where means ot escape are impossi- 
ble; that you will allow him to see no 
other person whatever and that he be 
not permitted to hold conversation with any 
of the guards and that he ba rigorously 
excluded from receiving or sending any communi- 
cation except those delivered by me or received by 
my direction. 1 desire this direction to be rigidly 
executed. > 
Guiteau to-day addressed a note to Postmaster 
Ainger authorizing the postmaster to deliver to 
District Attorney Corkhill for such disposition as 
he may desire all mail matter addressed to tne pris- 
oner. 
IHE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
REPORT TO THE CABINET. 
Executive Mansion, July 19, 1881. 
The following bulletin was sent at eight o'clock 
this morning to the Cabinet officers by the Presi- 
dent's private secretary:- 
The slightly increased febrile-rise which occurred 
yesterday evening, but which was not due to any 
unfavorable change in the condition of the wound, 
has entirely disappeared this morning, and at this 
hour the President's pulse is 90, with a normal tem- 
perature and respiration. He rested well during the 
night, at one time sleeping three and a half hours 
without awakening, and is now feeling bright and 
comfortable. There will be a slight change in his 
diet, something else being substituted for potatoes 
and oatmeal, which have been found unsatisfactory. 
THE ATTENDING PHYSICIANS' REPORT. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President has pass-d a very good night, and 
this morning he is free from fever, and expresses 
himself as feeling quite comfortable. Pulse, 90; 
temperature. 98.5; respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
«. J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT HEYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2 P. M. 
The President is passing a comfortable day. He 
had for breakfast this morning toast, milk and meat 
juice, and ate them with apparent relish. His pulse 
is now 92, and bis temperature and respiration are 
normal. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:30 P. M. 
The condition of the President this afternoon is 
better th n at the same hour yesterday. He has 
passed a comfortable day, seems bright and fresh 
and has had no fever since last night. 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YORK. WERKSDAY, JULY 20. 1881. 
[bi TELEG2APH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 19, 1881. 
"Splendid'* was the favorite word with the at- 
tending physicians of the President to-day when 
they were asked about his condition. They brought 
it out with such force that it was very expressive 
and conveyed to the mind a satisfying idea. Dr. 
Woodward, a short, st'ont man with con- 
siderable abdominal development, used the 
word. His face is quite pale and he 
wears glasses, as he is near sighted, 
and he puts his face near yours when he is talking. 
He is a scientist of wide reputation and has given 
this case his undivided attention. When asked 
about the President's condition this evening he said 
With great heartiness: - 
"He is doing splendidly. He is as much above 
par to-day as he was below yesterday. He has 
gained all he lost and more too. That fluctuation 
of yesterday was what might naturally be expected. 
It is a long lane that has no turning, and the 
President has been getting along so remarkably 
well that it is surprising tne changes have not been 
greater. We expect such chatiges in his condition 
to occur almost any time.'* 
DB. BLISS' LONG NINES. 
When Dr. Bliss came out from the consultation he 
lit a cigar, having just finished his dinner. All the 
doctors dined with Mrs. Garfield at the White House 
this evening. His cigars are long black ones, and 
he has to puff hard and puff long to keep 
them going. Consequently his conversation .is 
punctuated with vigorous puffs, and the Doctor's 
struggle with the cigar sometimes shares the atten- 
tion of his listeners with what he is saying. He has 
a nervous way of pulling his gray side whiskers, 
which peculiarity, however, is not quite so dis- 
tracting. Dr. Bliss said:- 
••The President has passed his best day so far. 
He has not slept much, and since eleven 
o'clock this morning he has not probably 
slept more than fifteen minutes. But 
just as I came out ot his room he 
said that he felt like sleeping and believed that he 
would turn in. His wound is getting along finely. 
The discharges of pus are large and healthy. I be- 
lieve that all the dead matter in the fractured tissue 
has come out. The passage of the wound still con- 
tinues clear. We are giving him now principally 
animal food.*' 
"You are still a band of brothers. Doctor?'* 
"Oh, yes, indeed!" was the reply. But the in- 
quiry directed the Doctor's mind to some medical 
opinions on the case he bad seen in the papers, and 
he began to tell about a doctor who said that the 
pulse and the temperature ought to preserve the 
same ratio, and explained how he had "given hiai- 
self away." 
THE PRESIDENT HEARS THE NEWS. 
While we were talking Dr. Heyburn stepped out 
for a few moments. In appearance he is 
almost the personification of peace. There 
is an air of repose and rest about the man which you 
can't hein noticing. He is a large man, almost six 
feet tall, with a step as light as a fairy's, and a gentle 
voice that is soothing and restful. When spoken to 
he always turns with a pleasant smile. He said in 
answer to an inquiry, which is put to him in- 
numerable times each day:- 
"Oh, he is doing splendidly. We a-e very well 
satisfied with his condition. He has had a good 
day, and, as you can see, his symptoms this 
evening show less fever than yesterday. He has 
gone away ahead of his condition yesterday. The 
President is really beginning to enjoy some of the 
privileges of the convalescent period. He has more 
or less company, and Mrs. Garfield occasionally 
reads a little out of the newspaper to him. His 
children come in every day, and while he is not 
allowed to talk very much he is just as well satis- 
fied not to do so. He is to be allowed these privi- 
leges unless the doctors find that they are doing 
him harm, and then, of course, they will be 
stopped." 
It was found upon inquiry to-day that General 
Garfield did not relish farinaceous food before he 
was wounded, and so it was decided to allow him as 
little of it hereafter as possible. The doctors are 
prescribing a meat diet. To-day the beet essence 
has been continued, with beefsteak. Dry toast sat- 
urated with beefsteak juice, and even a cup of coffee 
and a small glass of iced tea have been among 
the additions to his menu to-day. The stimulating 
effects of coffee and tea are calculated upon to keep 
him awake during the day ard secure a longer and 
better rest for him during the night. This mornin- 
while Mrs. Garfield sat by his bedside reading oul 
the headings of the important telegraphic news she 
announced, "Sitting Bull ls starving." The Presi [Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has passed au excellent day and the ; 
afternoon fever has been loss than on any day since I 
he was wounded. At one P. M. his pulse was 92; , 
temperature, 98.5; re-piration, 19. At present his 
pulse is 96; temperature, 99.8; respiration, 19. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBL'RN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11 P. M. 
The record of the President's case to-day is a 
record of steady improvement. Little can, however, 
be added in the way of details to the facts stated in 
the official bulletins and the telegram to the consult- 
ing surgeons. There lias been no recurrence of the 
gastric disturbance of yesterday, and the patient 
^haa eaten well,slept veil and rested well at intervals 
tbroughowt the day. The slight fever noticed at the 
date of the last official bulletin has su sided, and at 
eleven P. M. the President is sleeping quietly, with- 
out any febrile symptoms. 
HEPOHT TO THE CONSULTING PHYSICIANS. 
Executive Mansion, July 19, 1881. 
The following telegram was sent by the attending 
Burgeons to the consulting surgeons to-night at 
; seven o'clock 
' To Doctors Frank H. Hamilton and D. H. Agnew:- 
| Last evening the President received a hypodermic 
injection of one-eighth of a grain of sulphate of 
। morphia and slept well during the night. He con- , 
tinues to take sulphate of quinia in three grain 
1 doses thrice daily and has enemata when required. | 
As anticipated, the increased fever of yesttrday ! 
proved only temporary, and he has had a better day 
to-day than any since he was injured. The wound 
looks well and is discharging healthy pus freely. 
This morning at half-past eight his pulse was 90, 
temperature 98.4, respiration 18. At one P. M. pulse 
92, temperature 98.5, respiiation 19. At seven P. M. 
pulse 96, temperature 99.8, respiration 19. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. T. WOODWARD, , 
EGBERT REYBURN. 
The President's Condition. 
The President has a good constitution- 
indeed, a remarkably good constitution - 
and this fact has saved his life several times 
within eighteen days. Yet it is possible to 
exhaust the resources of any constitution, 
and therefore we should extremely regret to 
see many repetitions of the relapse of Mon- 
day from whatever cause they may arise. 
His death at any time since he was hurt 
would have caused universal mourning ; but 
everybody interested in a great case and a 
great character would especially, gri ve to 
see Mr. Garfield go down on the home- 
stretch. 
Monday's bad symptoms were attributed 
by the doctors in-tan ly to excesses in diet. 
If there were excesses of that sort who is 
; to blame for them? Do not the President's 
medical attendants control his case as to 
what he shall eat? Or do they consider 
that the methods and proc sses by which he 
is to be built up again are no concern of 
theirs ? Or is it possible that they 
do not know what is an excess in 
diet until they have tried it? We put 
these queries plainly because with men 
who treat every criticism of their 
conduct as due to ignorance it is hardly 
worth while to observe that delicacy which 
in professional relations permits men to 
kill an easy victim without offending their 
vanity. They have in these lew days past 
ceitainly stuffed the President as if he were 
another Dr. Tanner, and to go in two or 
three days from a few ounces of milk and 
lime water to a meal made up of beeksteak, 
bacon, boiled eggs and o-atmeal might 
account for much in the way of 
irritation. But was this overloading 
of an enfeebled stomich the only cause 
of the trouble? The surgeons report the 
fever in their bulletin and say that "it was 
not due to any unfavorable change in the 
condition of the wound." Yet within 
twelve hours of that report it is learned 
| that coincidently with the marked irrita- 
tive fever, perhaps antecedently, there was 
a toial arrest of those discharges from 
the wound which have been in prog- 
ress for many days. How could they, in 
view of that fact, ceitity that there was no 
unfavorable change in the condition of the 
wound? How do they know the condition 
of the wound except from the indications 
at the orifice? It must be remembered that 
these surgeons hold-or pretend to hold- 
that this is the most marvellous and remark- 
able wound in the history of surgery. They 
say that the ball entered the back opposite 
the pleura without touching the pleura, 
passed through the liver without hurting 
the liver, and is happily lodged between 
the intestines and the abdominal wall, and 
that the whole track of the wound 
is suppurating and discharging. Yet when 
the discharges are stopped and fever rises 
there is no unfavorable chang They 
thump sufficiently on his abdomen, force 
out the retained discharges as if he were a 
set of surgical bagpipes, and in a few hours 
report him all right again. 
But what stopped the discharges? All 
this is odd surgery. Yet certainly the dis- 
charges should not have stopped if irr.ta- 
tion could keep them up. They have had 
plenty of that, for what is this drainage 
tube but a seton, and what is their antisep- 
tic treatment-the injection of carbolic 
acid into the wound-but a still more 
virulent prevention of the reparative 
operations of nature? How can a 
wound get well with such care taken to pre- 
vent the healing process? What is there to 
stop the continued injection of carbolic acid 
from infiltrating the cellular tissue at the 
bottom of this wound and increasing its 
depth? They boast now that they can 
pass in five and*, half inches of their tube. 
Let them keep on and they will be able to 
pass in a great deal more-if the tube holds 
mt. his oatmeal he gave away, as starchy food of any 
description never agrees with him, and the nourish- 
ment in such diet is lost when its use would give 
him any discomfort." 
1 HR HEARS THE NEWSPAPER ACCOUNTS OP THE ASSAS- 
SINATION. 
"Do you let htm read the papers?" 
"Well.no; not exactly; still they get quite close 
to him some times unawares, and he will enjoy a 
few lines by himself. Mrs. Garfield reads him bits 
and scraps, and he comments thereon in his usual 
lively manner. He knows pretty well he is only 
getting selected portions, and intends to get all the 
fun he can out of them. The greatest literary 
attempt that has been made yet for ius enjoyment 
was that of yesterday." 
"What was it all about?" 
"He has asked for the news so persistently the 
past few days that Colonel Rock well began tho his- 
tory of the assassination for him yesterday and read 
a great deal of it to him." 
"Did he comment any on it?" 
"No, he listened quietly and attentively, but did 
not say much." 
"How did it affect him?" 
"Not half as much as it did the Colonel. It was 
too much for him to sit and read it all tamely, but 
he tried and succeeded. The President grew rest- 
less, but he did not want to admit that it tired him 
to listen. When this was perceived the Colonel an- 
nounced, 'To be continued in our next,' and this 
finished the first newspaper account he has heard 
straight through." 
"Is he still suffering much pain?" 
"Yes, but he does not complain a great deal of it. 
Occasionally he gets excited and restless over it and 
wants his feet and limbs rubbed. This relieves him 
very much." 
"Any gain m physical strength the last few days?" 
"No, not much. He is very weak yet, of course, 
and will be for some time." 
"Do you think the President knows anything of 
the fund for Mrs. Garfield yet?" 
"He may know it, but I have not heard it spoken 
of." 
"How about this cruise the newspapers are arrang- 
ing for the President?" 
"Exceedingly pleasant reading indeed, but the 
thing is not very likely just yet. Dr. Bliss told the 
President when it was first talked over that he might 
probably be moved in six weeks from the time of 
the shooting. That would make it about three weeks 
from now. But, of course, the doctors can't tell 
that far in advance about it." 
"Is the President much interested in the scheme?" 
"Heart and soul in it. If only the body was equal 
to it why everything would be splendid. He asks 
about it frequently and said to Dr. Bliss yesterday, 
'When can I go a cruising?' The Doctor replied, 
'Pretty soon, I guess.' 'Oh, I am tired of hearing 
that. Can't you fix a date?' giving the Doctor a 
mischievous look. He continued-'Please come to 
an approximate conclusion about this matter.'" 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
(Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 20-8:30 A. M. 
The progress of the President toward recovery 
continues uninterruptedly. He has passed a quiet 
night. Pulse this morning, 86; temperature, 98.4; 
respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BAINES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-1:30 P. M. 
The President is passing a comfortable day 
and making steady progress toward convalescence. 
At this hour his pulse is 88 and his temperature 
and respiration are normal. 
[Unofficial.] • 
Executive Mansion-4:30P. M. 
Doctor Reyburn reports, at halt-past four P. M., 
that the President is passing the most comfortable 
day he has had since his injury. He hag slept well 
and taken liquid nourishment with relish at inter- 
vals and has had no fever. His pulse has ranged 
from 86 to 90, and is now at the figure last named, 
and his temperature and respiration have been nor- 
mal all day. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has passed an excellent day. At one 
P. M. his pulse was 88; temperature, 98.4; respira- 
tion, 18. At the present time his pulse is 98; tem- 
perature, 99.6; respiration, 19. 
D. W. BLISS. 
J. K. BARNES. 
J. J. WOODWARD. 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11 P. M. 
The President has improved steadily all day, and 
his condition to-night is in every way satisfactary. 
He has taken rather more than the usual amount of 
liquid nourishment, but has been allowed no 
solid food since tho manifestations of gastric 
disturbance on Monday, except toast sat- 
urated with the juice of roast beef or 
steak. His afternoon fever, which came on late to- 
day, was very light, and has at this hour nearly 
abated. The usual quantity of sulphate of morphia 
was administered hypodermically this evening, and 
the patient is now asleep. All his symptoms are as 
favorable as could be desired. 
the report to the cabinet. 
The following bulletin was sent at eight o'clock 
this morning to each of the Cabinet officers by the 
President's private secretary:- 
There is a decided improvement in the President's 
condition this morning. He slept very well during 
the night, and his pulse at this hour is 86, which ig 
lower than at any previous time. Temperature and 
respiration normal. The wound is doing well and 
is discharging freely and properly. The President's 
appetite is still good, and great care will continue to 
be exercised in his diet. 
REPORT TO THE CONSULTING PHYSICIANS. 
The following telegram was sent by tho attending 
surgeons to the consulting surgeons this evening:- 
"Executive Mansion, July 20-Lp. M. 
"During the past twenty-tour hours the Presi- 
dent's progress has been uniform and satis- 
factory. He had a good night, and has 
expressed himself throughout the day as 
feeling quite comfortable. The medication 
reported in our last telegram has been continued 
witnout change. At half-past eight A. M., pulse, 
86; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. At one P. M„ 
pulse, 88; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. At 
seven P. M., pulse, 98; temperature, 99.6; respira- 
tion, 19. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
NEW YORK HERALD 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
HUBS DAY. JULY 21. 1881. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 20,1881. 
The President has almost entirely gotten rid of 
। his fever, and his symptoms are now about normal. 
His attendants repeat their favorable report of his 
progress and say that his condition meets their best 
expectation. Colonel Rockwell said this evening 
that they had reason to believe that granulation 
had begun in the wound. This succeeds sup- 
puration, and is an effort of nature to 
restore the lacerated tissues and to build up what 
has been destroyed. He says that of course the 
President is still weak, but they have indications of 
his returning strength. For instance, his voice is 
regaining its natural tone and he talks more like 
himself. He can move himself about in 
bed, and would use his strength in this 
way more if* they did not know that it 
is important for him to keep as quiet 
possible. With returning strength he grows rest- 
less and longs to be sitting up or doing anything 
rather than keeping still. He has asked frequently 
when he should be allowed to sit up, but has been 
told that he must be patient and wait. 
making assurance doubly sure. 
The doctors do not propose to make any change 
until they are certain that he will suffer no harm. 
The various plans proposed as to what will be done 
when he gets better have been discussed and 
the President takes great interest in them, but 
as Colonel Rockwell this morning said they are 
still "in the future." There has been no change in 
his diet. It consists mainly of animal food in a 
liquid form, and very little solid food has been given 
to him. He has still a slight pain in his limbs, but 
in comparison to what he has suffered the pain is 
now very slight. When Colonel Rockwell was asked 
if he complained much he said:- 
"No, he does not complain at all. He is a 
model patient. His brain has always been clear 
since he was shot and his mind is very active. The 
newspapers are read to him each day just a little, so 
that he gets driblets of news. Nothing of an excit- 
ing or personal character is read to him." 
"You have put the President back to a liquid 
diet?" asked the Herald representative of the 
President's nurse to-day. 
"Yes," she answered, £it is thought best for 
awhile. He is perfectly satisfied with it, and it was 
not his fault at all the other day when he got too 
much food for one in his condition and suffered a i 
little uneasiness from it. That morning he had en- | 
joyed his breakfast, eating quite heartily, but early | 
in the day he was ordered food again when | 
he did not need nor want it. However I 
he partook of it, and the result of it was increase in J 
temperature and sick stomach. It is hardly pos- 
sible such an error wlH occur again." 
"Was he allowed to order his breakfast th© follow- 
ing morning?" 
"Yes, he ate sparingly of it. Evidently some of 
his appetite had wasted away waiting for it, for 
when the breakfast came he did not care for it." 
"How great a quantity of stimulants do you think 
the President has used since the start?" 
"About a pint of the rum altogether. The largest 
quantity any day was eight teaspoonfuls. Lately 
ho has used a light wine (Tokay) and of that he may 
have used a pint." 
THE PATIENT AVERSE TO STIMULANTS. 
"Does he care for stimulants himself?" 
"No, not a bit. He would just as leave not touch 
anything of the kind, but when he knows or thinks 
that anything is beneficial, he is willing and even 
anxious to take it as prescribed. The wine, like ail 
the other experiments, had a very fair trial all 
around, since the doctors had some of it too." 
"General Swaim's room is still the experimenting 
field?" 
"That is our standing joke. The President knows 
that all these little and great devices are first tried 
ou Swaim and enjoys talking over it. Just now 
the apparatus for lifting the President from his bed 
is being tried in Swaim's room, and the President 
gets no small amount of comfort out of the thought I 
that if Swaim can be hoisted around gracefully, and ! 
without any personal trouble, it is very probable he 
will like it also. It seems to be quite an ingenious | 
device, and will likely do all it claims, though the 
chances are it won't be used in the President's 
room. It might worry him." 
"Is the Pressident as lively as ever?" 
"Yes; he never loses an opportunity to get off a 
joke when he can. That offer of his oatmeal, which 
he does not like a bit, to Sitting Bull, is something 
like the small boy's joke about the castor oil. The 
physicians, however would not mind how much of NEW YORK HERALD 
it would be a good idea to have each of the doctors' I 
names tacked on the figures in these pictures, so J 
that the average mind would not be confused. The ■ 
President recognized Dr. Bliss quickly, as his fea- 
tures are more striking than the others and his 
picture is good. Altogether the sick room was 
pretty bright to-day." 
HIS INQUIRIES ABOUT THE WOUND. 
"Does he speak much of the wound or ask the 
doctors about it?" 
"Yes, frequently. He wants to know if the dis- 
charge indicates whether it is healing or not. Yes- 
terday they were talking about it and he made some 
inquiries as to what they thought of the condition 
of the whole length of the wonud. They said they 
could only be positive about the opening, and could 
not say much as to how it looked along to the bul- 
let. However, they told h m the evidences were 
that the wdund was narrowing up and already be- 
I ginning to heal. The wound will heal rapidly, it is 
believed, and the President will regain his healfh 
speedily. He has always convalesced quickly after 
the few sicknesses he has had in his lifetime." 
"He is looking forward to being soon able to be 
removed?" 
"Yes, that is the controlling idea now. He wants 
a change some way or other. If everything goes 
along well there is no reason why it would not be 
very beneficial to him. He can be moved without 
experiencing any ill effects, such as catching cold or 
anything like that. Of course he would not be al- 
lowed any more company than his usual attendants. 
He is anxious to see friends now, but knows that it 
is best not to allow any in at all. Perhaps seeing 
one or two would not hurt him in the least, but 
then he does not like to make exceptions among 
I his friends, and so he sees none at all." 
' While the other occupants of the White House 
I were enjoying themselves driving this evening the 
President was not entirely without sources of 
amusement. He has been much interested in 
watching the men on the summit of the two hun- 
dred leet of the Washington Monument putting up 
the twenty feet of iron shafting to support the 
elevator. He can see them distinctly from his bed, 
and he wondered whether it was as cool up there as 
it was in his room. The grass on the lawn below 
his window was cut yesterday. A portion of it was 
cut by a one-horse lawn mower, which made con- 
siderabD noise, and so the rest, up to fifty yards of 
his window, was cut with scythes. 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, July 21-8:30 A. M. 
The President has had a good night and is doing 
excellently this morning. Pulse, 88; temperature, 
98.4; respiration, 18. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2 P. M. 
The President is steadily convalescing, and has 
; thus far passed a quiet and comfortable day. He 
i has had no fever since last night, and at this hour 
his pulse is 92 and his temperature And respiration 
are normal. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:30 P. M. 
The President has shown indications of increased 
physical strength to-day, but in other respects his 
condition has not greatly changed since yesterday. 
He has been very comfortable this aft rnoon, dozing 
quietly part of the time, and has had no fever. His 
pulse lias ranged from 88 to 92, aud is now 90, with 
normal temperature and respiration. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has had another good day. At one 
P. M. his pulse was 92; temperature, 98.4; respira- 
tion, 19. At seven P. M., pulse 9G; temperature, 
99.9; respiration, 19. D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBUBN. 
THE REPORT TO THE CONSULTING PHYSICIANS. 
The following telegram was sent by the attending 
surgeons to the consulting surgeons Drs. Agnew and 
Hamilton, at seven o'clock to-night:- 
Since our telegram of yesterday the President has 
continued to do well. He pa sed a comfortable 
night. This m riling a morsel of clothing about one 
quarter of an inch square came away spontaneously 
with the pus from the deeper part of the wound. It 
proved on examination to consist chiefly of cotton 
fibres with a few woollen fibres adhering. Medica- 
tion continued without change. At halt-past eight 
A. M. his pulse was 88; temperature, 98.4; respira- 
tion, 18. At one P. M., pulse, 92; temperature, 98.4; 
respiration, 19; at seven P. M., pulse, 9d; tempera- 
ture, 99.9; respiration, 19. D. W BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
ROBERT KEYBURN. ' 
[Cnoffici 1.] 
Executive Mansion-11:30 P. M. 
The slight change which has taken place in1 the 
President's condition since the date of tfie last 
official bulletin has been in the direction ot further 
improvement. He has passed a comfortable day, 
has taken a 111 tie solid food again this afternoon in 
the shape of boiled chicken, and has gained notice- 
ably in strength. The afternoon fever has entirely 
subsided, and at this hour the President is quietly 
sleeping. 
report to the cabinet. 
Washington, July 21, 1881. 
The following bulletin was sent at eight o'clock 
this morning to each of the Cabinet officers by the 
President's private secretary:- 
The improvement in the President's conditioncon- 
t'nues to be steady and uninterrupted. His pulse 
this morning is 88, with a normal temperature and 
respiration. He is bright and cheerful, has an ex- 
cellent appetite and expresses a desire for more subg 
stantial i ourishment. . There is no better indication 
of his progress than the disposition which he is now 
manifesting t. think and t > talk ot outside matters. 
The surgeons express themselves as entirely satis- 
fied witii the progress ot the case. 
The President's Wound. 
Dr. Bliss' wonderin', theory that the ball 
shot into the President's body did really go 
through his liver and swept around like a 
little comet among his intestines is becom- 
ing daily exposed to greater and greater 
difficulties. Within two or three days one 
of the attending surgeons having examined 
under the microscope the discharges from 
; the wound reports that he does not find in 
these discharges any hepatic or biliary ele- 
ments. If the liver was wounded such ele- 
ments would infallibly be there, and the 
not finding them is as near as any 
■ one can get to a demonstration that 
the liver was not wounded. Dr. Bliss has 
only one resource as to this, so far as we 
can see. He must declare forthwith that 
the very cipable and thoroughly instructed 
surgeon who made the examination does 
not know what he is about. And now ap- 
pt ars another difficulty. In the discharge 
there has come away a piece of cloth that 
the bullet had carried before it into the 
wound. That cloth has come in all proba- 
bility from near the point where the built t 
lies. If inflammatory adhesion has made 
through the liver and across and between 
the mass of intestines in Iront of it a canal 
so straight and ci ear that this cloth could 
wash out, why cannot a probe touch that 
ball? _ 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW yoi:K. FlUDAY. JULY 22. 1881. 
LEY telegraph to the herald. 1 
Washington, July 21, 1881. 
The only notable incident connected with the 
President's case to-day was the discharge from the 
I wound of a small piece of the shirt. It came from 
the lower portion of the wound, and was about a 
quarter of an inch square in size, and adhering to 
j it were pieces of woollen fibre. Dr. Woodward ex- 
[ amined the substance under his microscope, and 
ascertained these facts. The doctors had said that 
j it was very likely that a portion of the President's 
i garments had been carried by the ball into the 
! wound, but they have not known this certainly 
until to-day. Dr. Iteyburn, in speaking of this 
"find," said:- 
"We don'Pknow whether there is any more or not 
in the wound. I have examined the shirt, and the 
hole mude by the bullet is a very small one. The 
bullet, you know, was conical in shape, ana on this 
account would be apt to carry less of the clothing 
into the wound. If there is any more of the cloth- 
ing in the wound it will soon declare itself and will 
be slouehed away just as the lacerated tissue matter 
has been. The granulation of the wound continues 
and the President's conditiou is very satisfactory." 
"How far is the drainage tube inserted in the 
wound. Doctor?" 
"Well, only about four inches now. It shows that 
the wound is filling up in the lower part. We want 
to keep it open as long as possible. We have made 
no change in his diet, which is principally liquid 
food. The daily examinations of pus under the mi- 
croscope continue, but nothing has been found that 
would indicate anything but a healthy condition." 
"The President is still on the march to recovery?" 
asked the Hebald r -presentative of one of the Pres- 
ident's nurses to day. 
"He is going straight along splendidly toward re- 
covery; not qui.e as fast as he expected at first, but 
surely; enough to satisfy himself that he will come 
out all right." 
"Does he suggest the method of preparing any- 
thing he eats?" » 
"You should have heard the elaborate directions 
he gave Mrs. Garfield last night about how he wanted 
the chicken for this morning's breakfast prepared. 
I imagine he thinks she likes to hear him talk so 
earnestly about his meals and go on so. it indicates 
a very healthy and natural condition of the stomach 
when he cau think at all so long ahead of eating." 
"He had no fever at all yesterday afternoon?" 
"No, not a bit. The day was most pleasantly 
spent. He took several naps and went to sleep last 
night shortly after eight." 
"How are they going to manage to keep the mo- 
notony of the sick room from growing tedious?" 
"Thai possibility becomes less as the President 
grows stronger. If they can succeed in entertain- 
ing him as well every day as they did yesterday and 
to-day there is little danger that he will grow too 
THE DAILY PAPER READ TO HIM. 
"Is Colonel Rockwell continuing the reading of 
the history of the assassination to the President?" 
"Yes, a little cf that, but a great deal more of 
fresher news. He hears now the greater part of the 
daily papers read-that is, all of the things likely to 
interest him. Both Mrs. G rfield and the Colonel 
read to him. Besides the Colonel is beginning to 
read to him the telegrams and letters which were 
received at the time of the shooting. Inquiring 
messages and sympathetic letters from nis personal 
friends have been read to him. In these, of course, 
he is deeply interested, but from his near friends all 
this might have been expected. So when he hears 
the messages and letters from every portion of the 
Union and from men of different political opinions, 
all showing the same solicitude as to his condition, 
he is deeply impressed and says it is more than he 
could expect." 
"He exhibits no weariness at all in listening?" 
."No, as he is positively hungry tor people's 
opinions and what they are saying about him." 
"He has not a chance to read a paper himself 
yet?" 
"No, not exactly. He is hardly strong enough to 
hold a paper to read much. It is naturally tiresome 
to hold up the arms while lying down. But yester- 
day he managed to look through several pictorial 
newspapers with representations of himself and 
surroundings. 
"How did he like them?" 
«He laughed over them with the rest of us. Wood- 
cuts are rarely true likenesses, and one depicting the 
President on his bed of suffering seemed to interest 
him a good deal. Altogether he enjoyed looking at 
item exceedingly. He relished also the few words 
of print that he was enabled to read. They all think NEW YORK HERALD 
"That is rather a grim question. Yet it answers- 
the case pretty well. He will know all about it 
pretty soon, as he is a first class witness himself of 
the whole transaction." All manner of contrivances 
are still coming to mitigate real or fancied wants of 
the President. 
WHAT THEY CALL "FUN" IN WASHINGTON. 
The President has been getting along so well that 
witticisms arising from various incidents are not 
only tolerated in the White House, but very much 
enjoyed. The terms "peritonitis," "laudable pus," 
and so forth, have been worn threadbare by the 
jokers, and recently the material has been getting 
very dry. The discharge from the wound of frag- 
ments of the clothing has proved a perfect bonanza 
to the wits and now their smart sayings are going 
the rounds. According to these "smart" people 
coat buttons, a pair of suspenders and other articles 
more numerous than the ingredients of a 
plate of "hash" have been revealed in the 
pus under the scrutiny of Dr. Woodward's 
microscope. The quantity of articles which rumor 
has discharged from the wound would stock a va- 
riety store, and there are constantly new additions 
being made to the list. This so-called humorous 
phase of the President's condition of course only 
prevails among those who have been constantly at 
the White House, and does not extend very far 
away, as the people regard it as too serious a mat- 
ter for a joke. But there has been more or less of it 
ever since the prospect of the President's recovery 
was assured. The President himself has had his 
little jokes, and his sick room has not been devoid 
of fun, 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 22-6 A. M. 
The President has passed'another quiet night. If 
there is any change in his condition it may be a 
slight improvement, there being no indications to 
the contrary. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President rested well during the night, and is 
quite easy this morning. Pulse, 88; temperature, 
98.4: respiration, 17. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2 P. M. 
The progress of the President toward recovery 
continues without interruption. His nourishment 
to-day has included milk, meat juice, toast and a 
little roast beef. He has rested quietly throughout 
the day, dozing at intervals, and has had no lever. 
At this hour his. pulseis 92, and his temperature 
and respiration are normal. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:30 P. M. 
The President has had a comtortable afternoon, 
without any reappearance ot fever as yet, and is 
now resting quietly. His pulse has ranged from 90 
to 94, and his temperature and respiration have beeu 
normal. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7:30 P. M. 
The progress of the President's case continues 
without material change. At one P. M. his pulse 
was 98; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. At seven 
P. M.-Pulse, 98; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 19. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBUuN. 
[UNOFFICIAL.] 
Executive Mansion, 11:30 P. M. 
The President's afternoon fever did not abate as 
early to-night as heretofore, and there ivas a slight 
rise in pulse and temperature between eight o'clock 
and ten. These unfavorable symptoms, however, 
did not long continue, and at this hour the fever is 
subsiding, the p itient's skin is moist and he is 
sleeping quietly. Ttie slight aggravation of the 
febrile symptoms after the date ot the last official 
bulletin is regarded by the attending surgeons as 
merely a temporary fluctuation and no essential im- 
portance is attached to it. 
REPORT TO THE CABINET. 
The following was sent'to each ot the Cabinet offi- 
cers by the President's private secretary:- 
Executive Mansion. July 22-8 A. M. 
The improvement in the President's condition 
continues. He slept well during the night, the cool 
weather being greatly in his favor. This morning 
his pulse is 88, with a normal temperature and 
respiration. The nourishment now being adminis- 
. tered more than supplies the waste, and while it is 
probable that he is daily adding a little to his 
strength still it is found that his system is not yet 
capable of resisting any unusual excitement, and 
the surgeons in charge insist upon as perfect repose 
as can be secured. 
BEPOBT TO THE CONSULTING SURGEONS. 
The following telegram was sent by the Attending 
surgeons to the consulting surgeons:- 
Executive Mansion, July 22-7 P. M. 
The President slept well last night and has been 
easy during the day. At the morning dressing the 
wound, which is looking very well, discharged sev- 
eral ounces of healthy pus. A little solid fragment 
that floated out with the discharge proved to con- 
sist of a thin scale of bone about one-eighth of an 
inch in length, with a morsel of sloughing 
fibrous tissue and a number of adhering 
fibres of cotton and wool. He continues to take ana 
digest a reasonable quantity of nourishment. The 
evening hypodermic injection of sulphate ot mor- 
phia (one-eighth of a grain) and the quiuia (three 
grains thrice daily) have also been continued. At 
half-past eight A. M. his pulse was 88, temperature, 
98.4; respiration, 17. At one P. M., pulse, 98; tem- 
perature, 98.4; respiration, 18. At seven P. M., 
pulse, 98; temperature, 100.2; respiration, 19. 
D. W. BLISS, J- J- WOODWARD, 
.1 K BARNES. ROBERT REYBURN. 
IS PUBLISHED EVERY SATURDAY 
BY THE 
MASONIC PUBLISHING COMPANY 
OF PHILADELPHIA, 
tT'or The Keystone.) \ 
j Letter from Washington, D. C. \ 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YOKR. SATU. 1>AY. JULY 23J881. 
Ley telegraph to the herald.] 
Washington, July 22, 1881. 
President Garfield passed a very quiet day to-day. 
He did not talk much, and the newspapers were not 
read to him except for a short time. He never fails 
each day to ask the doctors how he is getting along 
and wants to get their opinion on the progress made. 
To-day there has beeu quite a change iu the weather, 
and during the latter part of the day the tempera- 
ture was down to seventy and the air was damp and 
chilly. I asked Dr. Bliss, as he was leaving for home 
this evening, how the President was getting along. 
"Well," he said, with a smile, "it is about the 
Baine report over again. He is doing very nicely. 
He has passed a very quiet day and now he has 
dropped off to sleep. He generally gets restless 
toward evening, but that passes away, and he sleeps 
well." . 
"How has the weather affected him to-day?" 
"Not at all. We manage to keep the room about 
rhe same temperature all the time. Of course the 
cold air apparatus is not pumping into the room all 
the time. This morning we had it working for a 
short time. It was not blown over the ice. Then 
we shut one of the windows and the room has been 
comfortable ever since.'' 
"How is the wound doing?" 
"The discharge continues copious. It comes from 
the entire channel of the wound. The drainage tube 
is inserted about the same distance each day. To- 
day there was discharged with the pus a thin piece 
of the rib, about one-eighth of an inch in 
length, with some cotton fibre adhering to 
it. These particles were driven by the bullet into 
the lower part of the wound and had just now 
worked out. , 
THE PRESIDENT THANKS GOD AGAIN. 
The Doctor said the President was gradually gain- 
ing in strength, but that the future progress would 
be slow and subject to ups and downs. The Presi- 
dent has ceased to ask about going out as the doc- 
tors will not give him a final answer, but always 
tell him that it depends on circumstances. He is 
always told of the important news of the day and 
to-day he was informed of the election of Mr. Lap- 
ham. The President said with a good deal of fer- 
vor:-"Thank God!" but made no further comment. 
He made the same remark when told of the election 
of Mr. Miller. 
"How does a rainy day affect the occupants of the 
sick room?''the Herald representative inquired of 
Dr. Susan Edson, the President's nurse, to-day. 
"The rain does not bother us any up there. The 
temperature of the sick room is so uniformly pleas- 
ant that the effects of a storm of either heat or 
cold are lost on us. However, the President is too 
busy getting well to worry over anything else." 
"How is he progressing to-day?" 
"He is doing well. Everything is going along 
favorably and that happy day when we can say he is 
convalescing is getting delightfully certain and near 
at hand." 
"The White House is evidently not a very attrac- 
tive spot to him now?" 
"Not very. He would bid adieu to it with a happy 
mind. The doctors will not wait for him to be on 
his feet again, however, before they attempt re- 
moving him. Just as soon as his strength and con- 
dition will allow' it he will be moved on a stretcher 
and conveyed on ship board. The same means of 
keeping the temperature uniform and pleasant as is 
employed now could be used on ship board too. 
There is no doubt that a trip to sea at the proper 
time would be eminently beneficial. The arrange- 
ments, however, have not been made yet or any pro- 
gramme at all mapped out. 
"Is the President still annoyed by the pain in his 
feet and limbs?" 
"Since the fever has not put in an appearance the 
past ten days he suffers much less pain. Still a 
tingling sensation in the toes worries him a good 
deal most of the time. That is soothed by rubbing 
and sometimes bathing the feet. , This pain in the 
feet makes him quite restlehs at times, but he bears 
K as patiently as possible," 
"He is not losing interest in public matters?" 
"Not much. If he could only have an uninter- 
rupted talk with some people we have all heard of a 
a good deal of late, he would rather enjoy it. But 
he feels that business is not going to help toward 
recovery any. Everybody has heard something of 
his remarkable will power. One wquld think it 
might desert him during all these days of suffering. 
It has not, though. The President is the most pas- 
sive patient in the hands of his physicians. In full, 
accord with and Knowledge of their movements and 
perfect sympathy with their efforts in his behalf." 
"He is still enjoying the assassination literature?" 
Washington, J uly 20,1881. \ 
* Editor Keystone-Dear Sir & Bro.: 
I' " Out of the abundance of the heart the 
, mouth speaketh"-hence it is impossible 
to give a just impression of passing hours 
at the capital of the nation, unless it be 
tinged with a trace of sadness, arising 
from the condition of our President, Bro. 
the Hon. James A. Garfield. Though his 
case is very hopeful, we must bear in 
mind that he has yet to endure weeks, 
which may lengthen into months, of 
weariness, ere the roseate hue of health 
shall again visit his cheek, or the fur- 
rows of paiil be removed from his brow. 
The lessons taught by this bitter experi- 
ence have a moral as well as a medical 
aspect. The results of the continuous 
watch and record will be of incalculable 
value to the profession. The four physi- 
cians who attend the case are equal to ahy 
in the land. As there has been some fetel- 
ing evinced in the newspapers regarding 
the medical treatment of the President, I 
will briefly indicate who these gentlemen 
are. 
Dr. D. W. Bliss, the chief physician, 
has a large private practice in this city, 
where he is well known and highly es- 
teemed-. Ue was in the army as a surgeon 
duriiig the war, and was recognized as 
among the most skillful and successful in 
the treatment of gunshot wounds. 
Dr. J. K. Barnes is the Surgeon-General 
of the Army, of whom it is not too much 
to say, he is without a superior as a sur- 
geon, securing his present eminent posi- 
tion by reason of his large experience, hie 
judicious practice, his sound judgment 
and his high degree of conscientiousness. 
Dr. J. J. Woodward is a native of the 
goodly city of Philadelphia, and a gradu- 
ate of the University of Pennsylvania. 
Entering the army as a surgeon at the 
opening of the war, he was in active ser- 
vice till its close, during which time he 
became familiar with all forms of disease 
arising from wounds and exposure, which 
he treated with praiseworthy care and 
eminent success. At the close of the 
war he took charge of the Army Medical 
Museum in this city. He was appointed 
to prepare " The Medical History of the 
War." In this great work he displays 
his genius for careful research, and his 
painstaking talent in the discovery and 
classification of facts. To this he adds a 
graphic power of description, gracefully 
presented to the reader. Dr. Bliss pro- 
nounced him " the best pathologist in the 
United States"-an opinion which will be 
fully endorsed by the profession. During 
the current year he is President of the 
American Medical Association, and of the 
Washington Philosophical Society. 
Dr. Robert Reyburn is prominent as a 
physician and surgeon; has had marked 
success in his private practice, and has 
the confidence of Dr. Bliss, who has 
known him for many years. It is to these 
(distinguished gentlemen that the Presi- 
dent has committed the care and keeping 
of his physical condition. The report of 
their clinical experience, thus gained, 
will be a great accession to medical 
knowledge. 
THE KEYSTONE. 
PHILADELPHIA, SATURDAY. JULY 23, 1881. 
"THE KEYSTONE" NEW YORK HERALD 
' lighten the public; at bast nothing that the average 
man could place any r iiance upon as indicating the 
all-important question whether or not the President 
was in danger and if so was the danger immediate, 
or what were the probabilities as to how it 
would end. This absence of direct information 
caused much uneasiness and created the impression 
that there was something in the case that the physi- 
cians desired to conceal. Instead of quieting the 
excitemt-nt, they increased it, though the physicians 
when spoken to individually about the case ex- 
pressed opinions, but abstained from doing so in an 
authoritative, or, as it has become to be known, ofli- ■ 
cial way. 
THE ALARMING CHILL. 
Mr. Crump, steward of the Waite House and one 
ot the President's constant attendants, says that at 
about ten o'clock last night fie noticed a change in 
the President. The President hud passed a very 
comfortable day, and his afternoon fever 
was slight as usual. Between the hours of 
eight and ten he was restless and had some fever, 
which was very unusual at that time in the day. 
The doctors, however, attributed it to a slight fluc- 
tuation and did not regard it as of much importance. 
For the remainder of the night he was quiet and 
slept a good deal. At seven o'clock this morn- 
ing Private Secretary Brown came to the 
White House, as has been his custom 
ever since the sickness of the President, ip order to 
prepare a special bulletin to be sent to the Cabinet 
officers at eight o'clock. About half-past seven 
o'clock Mr. Brown saw the doctors to ascertain the 
condition of the President. He was told that he ; 
was doing nicely, and he made out a bulletin stat- - 
ing that "He is as well now as at the 
same hour yesterday morning." He sent off 
his bulletin at eight o'clock. Some time after he saw 
the doctors again, and then found that a serious 
change had taken place. The chill had seized the j 
President unexpectedly even to his medical i 
attendants. They found that the pus was not dis- 
discharging from the wound. His pulse and temper- 
ature bad gone up as they had not done since 
the day he was shot. They were naturally alarmed 
and there was quite a flurry among the attendants. 
In the meanwhile outside the sick room and the doc- 
tors' room everything was as quiet and peaceful 
as the beautiful summer day. The people 
were going to their daily round of duties 
unconscious or the great peril in which the head or 
the nation lay. Mr. Brown's bulletin had satisfied 
the desire to know how the President was doing. 
But when the time for the doctors regular morning 
bulletin came around and it did not appear there 
was some inquiry made. Now and then a mes- 
senger came to the White House after a bul- 
letin and was told that it would not 
be issued until ten o'clock. This created 
some remark, which soon grew into all sorts of 
rumors. The appearance of the bulletin served to 
intensify the slowly growing excitement. Pres- 
ently "extra" papers were called on the street, and 
then the rush to the White House began. At once 
the regulations that had been allowed to become 
rusty were brought into force, and no one was ad- 
mitted to the grounds without a pass. 
SUPPRESSING THE NEWS. 
The armed sentinel that had been idly pacing 
under the shade of the trees for the pist week all . t 
once assumed a new meaning, and the entire 
appearance of things had suddenly assumed that 
never to be forgotten aspect of the first 
four doubtful days. Strange as it may 
• seem, all this stir and bustle did not occur until 
about one o'clock. It was almost five hours after 
the President's attack before the people seemed to 
realize the danger. Up stairs Mr. Brown received 
the visitors and the rooms were thronged. 
Everybody seemed to know that the President was in 
great danger, but no one seemed to know ex.<ctly 
what was the matter. The doctors gave but little 
information, and when asked about the cause of the 
chill said that they did not know exactly. They 
were evidently worried and this had the natural et- 
rect of increasing the public uneasiness. There was a 
rumor that pyaemia had set in. This, however. , 
Dr. Bliss denied and said that there were no in- 
dications of it. A telegram, summoning Drs. 
Hamilton and Agnew, increased the general 
uneasiness. Private Secretary Brown, who was 
inclined to take an optimistic view of the 
matter, said that this was only the ordinary thing 
to do, as they were the consulting surgeons, and 
ought to be called in when a change had taken 
place. 
Postmaster General James came out to get in his 
carriage about two o'clock, and he said witu a smile:- 
"Oh, he is all right now. His i>ulse and tem- 
perature have gone down aud he is doing nicely." 
All the Cabinet officers left at this time, and that 
fact was somewhat reassuring. But still there 
was a great deal of excitem-nt and the 
rumors on the street had the President 
in a dying condition. To further increase the ex- 
citement a false report was circulated that Vice 
President Arthur had been summoned. After the 
Cabinet retired affairs quieted down in the White 
House and the crowd began to dwindle away. 
explanation of the trouble. 
At six o'clock General Sheldon came out, and 
upon being asked about the condition ot the Presi- 
dent he said:-•' 
"I have ju-t had a talk with Drs. Bliss and Hey- 
burn. They tell me that the chill was caused by 
the collecting of pus in the track of the 
wound. This was due, they thought, to the 
healing of the wound which hid been in 
progress and which had closed up the 
lower p rt of the wound, shutting the pus in. I 
was greatly encouraged by their telling me that they j 
would now be able to control the healing ot the I 
wound so as not to prevent the pus from discharg- I 
ing. They will use a longer tube." 
The people that came to the White House did not 
seem to be able to understand the cause of the 
chill. Some thought that it was malaria, but after 
constant repetition all finally settled down to the be- 
lief that it was due to the formation of the pus. 
A feature ot the discussion of this new phase 
of the President's case were the criticisms heaped 
upon the doctors. One gentleman of prominence 
said:-"There has been entirely too much politics 
and newspaper reading in the sick room. The Presi- 
dent has been trea'ed too much as if ho was a 
well man. He should be kept perfectly quiet and 
not think of New York politics or any other poli- 
tics." Others thought that the doctors had been 
too sanguine and allowed the President too many 
privileges. When the free discharge of pus was 
announced, Mr. Brown said that it filled 
about an men in an o'rdiuary glass tumbler and 
that the quantity was quite equal to the discharges 
on previous days. Some of the pus had been ab- 
sorbed in the dressing about the wound. Its ap- 
pearance indicated that the stoppage in the wound 
had disappeared and now the only question was, 
Would the doctors be able to keep the wound open? 
THE CAUSE AND NATURE OF FYJEMIA. 
A representative of the Herald called this even- 
ing upon Dr. N. S. Lincoln, one of the surgeons 
who attended the President soon after he received 
the wound. 
"Is it your opinion, Doctor," he asked, "that the 
symptoms of the President, as they are stated in 
this morning's bulletin, would indicate pyasmia?" 
"So far as I can judge* from what 1 read and hear, 
the symptoms are inure like pyaemia than anything 
else." 
"What is the real cause of pyaemia?" 
"Well, pyaemia means pus in the blood. It means 
pus taken up by the blood vessels, especially by 
veins opening upon the suppurating surface." 
"Do persons affected with pyaemia ever recover?" 
"Sometimes they do, though, of course, very 
rarely. It is not necessarily fatal, although exceed- 
ingly dangerous. It is a very unfortunate condition 
for the patient to be in." 
"But can't they counteract its progress?" 
"Sometimes it can be counteracted to a certain 
extent by supporting the powers of life and using 
remedies to frustrate the depressing effect." 
"The opinion prevails to some extent that the 
tube for draining the wound has been applied in- 
judiciou-ly and has caused more inflammation and 
trouble than the ball itself?" 
"Well, I think not. I am inclined to give the 
physicians credit for knowing how to use this 
article. It is composed of a very pliable, so!t mate- 
rial and in the hands of an efficient surgeon surely 
should not work harm in the slightest degree." 
OPINION OF ANOTHER MEDICAL EXPERT. 
Dr. Walsh, editor of the Retrospect, a medical 
quarterly, stands high in the profession as a writer. 
A Herald correspondent called on him to-night at 
his house in this city and had a conversation with 
him respecting the change in the President's condi- 
tion to-day. The correspondent inquired:- 
"Doctor, what do you think the "rigor,' or chill, \ 
this morning and increased pulse, temperature and 
respiration in the President's case indicate?" 
"Judging from experience >n army cases and other 
cases of a like kind coming under my observation I 
should say that it probably indicated pyaemia, blood 
poisoning or possibly peritonitis. 'Do give an intel- 
ligent opinion upon this point would necessitate a 
more intimate acquaintance with the President's 
case, appearance of his skin and general condi- 
tions." 
"If the ball had encysted in some secure place, as 
has been the supposition, from what other causes 
could the alarming symptoms of to-day have oc- 
curred?" 
"In my opinion it is not possible for a ball to 
have become encysted at this early day." 
"Then how do you account for the continued fa- 
vorable symptoms of the President up to this time?" 
'•The physical strength and great vitality of the 
President at time of receiving the wound; his care- 
ful nursing; non-absorption of pus, according to 
reports, and no change in location of ball, are all 
factors in aiding the favorable symptoms which 
have been reported up to this hour. Bear in mind, 
however, I am speaking of a case which I have 
never seen." 
"Doctor, if the ball had imbedded itself in the 
muscles or in the anterior wall of the abdomen, i 
would such symptoms be likely to follow?' 
"Not so long as the bail remained imbedded be- 
tween layers of muscle, unless located so near the 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YOKK. SUNDAY. JUDY 21. 1881. 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HEBALD.l 
Washington, July 23, 1881. 
The confidence f$lt by the officials and public 
here concerning the condition of the President were 
greatly disturbed this morning when the first bul- 
letin was issued by the attending physicians. It 
had been the uniform custom to issue the first 
daily bulletin about eight o'clock in the morning; 
but no news was promulgated from the sick room 
this forenoon until ten o'clock. Its detention was 
in itself a bad omen ; but the confidence generally 
felt in the President's ultimate recovery was so 
great that little heed was paid to so small an 
irregularity. lu fact the public had grown indif- 
ferent to the changes of a few points in temperature, 
pulse or respiration, and had made up its mind that 
if something extraordinary did not appear upon the 
face or the bulletin outside of these indications all 
was well. The places where bulletins have been dis- 
p'ayed have been almost deserted during the past 
six or eight days. 
HOPES RUDELY DISTURBED. 
But to-day they were surrounded by an eager 
crowd. Even to-night men stop <me another on the 
street aud inquire if anything further than is pub- 
lished is known. A lively buzz is heard in the hotel 
lobbies. In a word, the excite cent of two weeks 
tgo is gradually renewing anu deep concern pervades 
Hie minds of people. During the week the police- 
men and soldiers guarding the approaches to the 
Executive mansion had become languid and weary, 
and t e attendants inside the White House betrayed 
a worn and tired, but cheerful appearance. To-day, 
however, all is animation. Everyone bestirs him- 
self actively. Strings of carriages have roiled up to 
the entrance of the White House and the number of 
visitors has bceu suddenly augmented. The 
faces of Cabinet officers, well known offi- 
cials and friends, that had for the past 
few days hope and confidence depicted in 
jvery feature wore to-day the wrinkles of anxiety 
md doubt. When the hour of twelve o'clock ar- 
rived a host of newspaper men and other interested 
persons had congregated lu the house. They had 
gone thither to learn the latest news of the Presi- 
dent's condition. But the doctors refused to com- 
municate anything further than was indicated in 
the bulletin until, as they stated, another examina- 
tion had been made. This was promised within a 
short time, but for some unaccountable reason it 
was postponed from time to tim •, and not until 
seven o'clock in ihe evening was the proposed ex- 
amination made.' 
ANXIETY AND FEAR. 
In the meantime anxiety increased and the average 
citizen prepared himself for the worst. All kinds 
of speculation was indulged in and the usual wild 
rumors were afloat. Meantime the doctors, the 
Pre tdenl's private secretaries and the attaches 
of the house maintained a confident demeanor and 
assured all inquirers that the President had steadily 
improved since the new complications had shown 
themselves in the morning, and was fast recuper- 
ating from his depression. Indeed, it seemed to be 
their desire to keep the unfavorable symptoms from 
being known. The morning bulletin gave but a 
faint idea of the real condition of the President. It 
did not state halt the facts. The truth is that the 
Pres dent had two "rigors," or chills. The dfs- 
cha- ge from the wound had ceased. The surround- 
ing integument presented a dusky hue and the col- 
liquative sweat was heavy. All these symptoms ac- 
company pyaemia and are unmistakable signs of 
blood poisoning. While theso complications might 
bo the result of an abcess forming in the wound, or 
follow the discharge ot the same after formin", 
still, the leading pnysicians of this city were in- 
clined to the opinion that in this instance it was 
pyaemia. 
SUSPICIOUS SILENCE OF THE DOCTORS. 
One of the remarkable facts in connection with 
the excitement of the d >y has been the utter barren- 
ness of the bulletins sent out from the White House 
as far as the real facts in relation to the condition 
of the President are concerned. They have 
actually contained nothing. Indeed had it 
not been known from other sources that 
there had been grave changes it would not have 
been learned from the bulletins. As far as figures 
are concerned the bulletins reported an increase in 
the figures relating to the pulse, temperature 
and respiration, but the public had got 
so accustomed to reading the explanations given 
by the physicians, who declared that a,ter all 
there is not much importance to be 
attached to these indications, that they have of late 
paid but little attention to them. The bulletins 
during the day, contained no information to en- peritoneum as to cause inflammation of that mem- 
brane." 
'•Do you think the unfavorable symptoms depend 
upon location or change in location of the ball?" 
•'It would be impossible to answer that question 
intelligently." 
''If the President escapes pyaemia now what will 
be the dangers he must encounter hereafter?" 
"Until the location of the ball is definitely settled 
it would be impossible to say?" 
THE QUARREL OF THE DOCTORS, AGAIN. 
The Retrospects next number will appear on 
Monday next. Advance sheets of this magazine, 
which have been furni-hed exclusively to the 
Herald correspondent, con lain the following lead- 
ing editorial on the subject, "A Violation of Medi- 
cal Ethics," referring to the President's case: - 
It is most unfortunate that to the horr ble attempt 
at assassination tuere should be added a scandal cal- 
culated to throw discredit upon the medic 1 pro es- 
sion. We well know tha; public opinion catches at 
as a c oice morsel anything that may or seemingly 
may tend toward its disparagement. Hogarth's pic- 
ture of the dying patient and quarrelling doctors 
has long stood as a favorite expression of this im- 
pulse. And now there has been a violation of medi- 
cal ethics at a time and place calculated t > do the 
profession harm. Sections 5 and S of the code of 
ethics of the American Medical Association read as 
follow s: - 
Section 5. When a physician is called to an urgent case 
becau e the fain.ly attendant i-not at hand be ought, un- 
less his assistance in consultation be desired, to resign 
the care ot the patient to the latter immediately on his 
arrival. 
Sue. 6. ft often happens in cases of sudden illness or of 
rarent accidents and injuries, owing to the alarm and 
anxiety of friends, that a number of physicians are simul- 
taneously sent for. cuuer there circumstances courtesy 
shou d ass gn the patient to the first who arrives, who 
should select from those present any additional assist- 
ance that he may deem necessary. In all such cases, how. 
ever, the practitioner who officiates should request the 
family physician, if there bo one, to be called, and. unless 
his further attendance be requested, should resign the 
ease to the latter on his arrival. 
Immediately alter the wounding of the President 
messengers were despatched in all directions for 
nnysicians. Dr. Smith Townshend was the first to 
reach the patient and prescribe appropriate rem- 
edies. Dr. Purvis was next in attendance, and atter 
mm l>r. D. W. Bliss, who at once assumed formal 
charge, which he retained, undisturbed, until the 
arrival at the White House ot Dr. J. H. Baxter, the 
President's family physician, who requested Dr. 
Buss to take him to the patient. This Dr. Bliss 
refused. We give Dr. Baxter's statement of 
relationship to the President and interview 
with Dr. Bliss in his own words, as follows:- 
[Already published in the Herald]. 
"A MISERABLE PROFESSIONAL SCANDAL." 
In substantiation of Dr. Baxter's claims to the po- 
sition of familv physician, the following letter from 
Dr. J. Pomer ne, of Ohio, formerly surgeon of the 
President's old regiment, is given:- 
National Hotel, Washington. D. C. July 6,1881. 
J. H. Baxter. Surgeon. U. S. A., Washington, D. C. 
Dear Doctor-On n>y arrival in the city the evening of 
the 3d lust. 1 expected to find you m charge of President 
Garfield as he staled to me two years ago. and also in De- 
cember last pa t. teat you weie his family physician. I 
W !1 rethrn lo my home in Ohio to morrow moruiug. Our 
dear President will iecover from his wound mid the com 
plications which may arise. Very respectfully, your 
fr.euU. J. POMERINE. 
From the above statement of facts we can but 
draw these conclusions:-Birst, that Dr. Bliss was 
not the President's family physician, and by assum- 
ing formal charge of Dr. Townshend's patient 
treated that physician with proiessional discour- 
tesy and violated the spirit of that portion of section 
6 which r. ads:-"When a number ot physicians are 
simultaneously sent for, cour esy should assign the 
p i lent to : he first who arrives " Second, not being 
; tue family physician, but simply an accidental ai- 
I tend n , a position belonging to Dr. Townshend, Dr. 
I Bliss, by refusing to permit Dr. Baxter, the lamily 
i phy ician, to see tue President, was guilty ol great 
I prot< esional discourtesy, and grossly violated tue 
1 spirit ot section 5, which reads:-"When a phy- 
sician is called to an urgent case be- 
cause the family attendant is not at 
hand, he ought, unless his assist mce in 
consultation be desired, to resign the care of the 
oatient to the latter immediately on his arrival." 
ue nave no wish to dwell upon this disgraceful 
affair, but desire to cad attention, as a bright con- 
trast,'to the forbear ng ana gentleman^ conduct ot 
Drs. Townshend and Baxter. Dr. Townshend, not 
wishing to rrnke a scene at the depot besi le the sup- 
po ed dying President, quietly permitted himself o 
be bustl d by Dr. Bliss into a secondary position. 
Dr. BixeV, though he had the right to demand the 
immediate charge of his patient, simply requested 
Dr. Bliss to take him in to see the President. He 
hail upon reaching the White House purposely re- 
frame i from going into the President's room with- 
out first seeing Dr. Bliss, and the only request he 
made of Dr. Bliss was that he should be taker 
ju to seo the President. The request met 
w.th insult, to which he gave the He, ant 
seeing the impropriety of further disturbance 
iie >r the wounded man he retired. Just here: 
o uery suggests itself. At ihe consultation on Sun 
uay morning, where Dr. Baxter first made his ap 
vearance. a second consultation was appointed to 
seven P. M. Before that hour had arrived a numbei 
of the consulting physicians received over the sig 
nature of Dr. Bliss a circular letter of dismissal 
Of this number were Dr. Townshend, first in at 
tendance; Surgeon General Wales, of the navy 
whose advice at the morning consultation was, we 
understand, most timely, and Dr. N. S. Lincoln, one 
of our most prominent surgeons. Doe« it not seem 
singular that such men as Drs. Townshend and Lin- 
coln and Surgeon General Wales should be dismissed 
and distant physicians sent or about the time 
Dr. Baxter appeared upon the scene and asked to 
be taken to his patient? Were the dismissed physi- 
cian o inferior talent to the gentlemen from a dis- 
tance? or, were the friends ot Dr. Baxter? and is it 
customary for the attendant phi sician to inform the 
consultants that their services are no longer needed 
between consultations? Other questions equally 
per inent might b ■ asked, but we strongly su peel 
that B xter's Banquo was too much tor Bliss' Mac- 
beth, and that is why the gentlemen were toU tc 
stand not upon the order of their going but to go al 
once. We do not c.ire to further discuss this mis- 
erable professional scandal wh ch has been so un 
scrupulously attached to the great public calamity 
THE RELAPSE A GRAVE MATTER. 
Dr. J. F. Hartigan, one of the prominent physi 
cians ot this city, said tins evening to a represent! | 
tive of the Herald that the relapse in the Presi- ' 
dent's condition to-day is of grave import. Up to 
this time the case had run an unusually favorable 
course for a wound of such a nature. 
"I have already expressed myself at length in the 
Herald of the 12th," said the Doctor, "and only de- 
sire now to refer to the present exigency. Every one 
understands that an abscess is a collection of pus, ol 
which there may be four kinds-namely, laudable or 
healthy, sanious or bloody, putrid or offensive, and 
ichorous or thin and acrid. Now, if there is a cessa- 
tion of discharge from a healthy wound, it is gener- 
ally a precursor of evil, and pyaemia may follow. 
Pyaemia, as we know, is an affection of the blood 
characterized by a peculiar form of fever and result- 
ing in the formation of secondary abscesses, caused 
by the absorption into the blood of putrefying mat- 
ter. It begins with fever, rigors recurring at ir- 
regular intervals, followed by perspiration, a bilious 
aspect of the countenance, especially when the liver 
is wounded, a frequent thready pulse, sometimes 
accompanied with delirium, diarrhoea and irregular 
breathing." 
"Can the symptoms be accounted for in any other 
way t" 
"Yes. The rigors and fever might be caused in the 
present exhausted condition of the President by in- 
flammation of the track or cavity of the abscess. 
This is not as ser.ous as if the abscess, having been 
previously hedged in, had leaked into the abdominal 
cavity, say from a secondary formation around the 
ball. One more condition, however, may exist- 
namely, hemorrhage from the wall of the abscess, 
which often occurs while granulation is progressing. 
Unless one of these affections exists it is difficult to 
account for the President's symptoms this evening. 
The probabilities point to pyaemia." 
THE PRESIDENT ASLEEP AND BETTER. 
Dr. Reyburn, one of the attending physicians, 
came out of the sick room shortly after nine o'clock 
this evening, and was immediately surrounded by 
an eager host of news gatherers. He said that it 
had been deemed advisable not to disturb the Presi- 
dent by making an examination to-night, and 
the consulting physicians, Drs. Agnew and 
Hamilton, coincided with the attending physi- 
cians in this decision. The condition 
ot' the President at this hour was 
as favorable as at any time within the past two or 
three days, and the discharge of pus in the after- 
noon had materially decreased the febrile symp- 
toms. In replv to an inquiry as to whether any 
attempt had been made recently to probe for the 
ball Dr. Reyburn said that tor the past weekit had 
been deemed best not to disturb the President by 
making such an examination, but to leave that 
operation to the future. Drs. Agnew and Hamil- 
ton, the consulting surgeons, were telegraphed for 
this morning, and arrived at the White House 
a few minutes after the wound had been 
dressed for the night by the attending physicians. 
A consultation was then held between the tour at- 
tending physicians and the consultants, which 
lasted nearly two hours. The case was carefully 
gone over, and Messrs. Agnew and Hamilton ex- 
p .essed themselves net only satisfied with the treat- 
ment of the case, but also with the progress of the 
President since morning. So well pleased were 
th(ey with the symptoms of the President that 
they did not visit the sick room, as the pa- 
tfent had been in a deep sleep since their 
arrival. At ten o'clock Attorney General MacVeagli 
took the two consulting physicians to his house for 
the night and Drs. Bliss and Woodward remained 
with the President. Dr. Reyburn and Surgeon Gen- 
eral Barnes left for their homes at the same hour. 
Attorney General MacVeagh stated this evening 
at half-past nine o'clock that the consultation be- 
tween the four attending physicians and the two 
consulting physicians, Hamilton and Agnew, 
had just ended; that it was concluded 
to be unwise to disturb ihe President at this time 
tor the purpose of examination; that the visiting 
doctors had not yet even seen the President, but 
were perfectly satisfied with the treatment fol- 
lowed. He stated, further, that the President's 
wound again had been dressed and three-sixteenths 
of a grain of morphia administered, since which 
time he had slept and was then sleeping; 
that the changes in pulse, temperature and* 
respiration had been favorable; that the 
President would not be disturbed until to-morrow 
morning, at seven o'clock, when the next examina- 
tion would take place. Upon being asked if any 
change was apprehended during the night the Attor- 
ney General replied m the negative. 
VICE PRESIDENT ARTHUR ADVISED. 
Secretary Blaine, when asked to-night if he had 
telegraphed for Vice President Arthur to come 
to Washington, answered that the condition 
of affairs was not such as to warrant any- 
thing like that. He also said he kept the. 
Vice" President constantly advised and had just 
wired him a message at ten minutes before ten 
o'clock ot a very favorable nature. Secretary Lin- 
coln at a quarter to ten o'clock said:-"The doctors 
are extremely cautious in giving information to the 
members of the Cabinet, but what we have heard is 
very reassuring. They do not manifest the anxiety 
that the p ublic do, as they are of the opinion that the 
symptoms manifested are merely natural and fear no 
dangerous consequences. The last thing Dr. Bliss said 
to me a few minutes ago was that the condition of 
the President was decidedly more favorable than it 
was at nine o'clock this morning. His pulse at nine 
o'clock to-night was 106, a fall of twelve beats in- 
side of two hours. This afternoon, between three 
and tour o'clock, the bandage (three-ply thick) was 
removed, and it was lound that the discharge of pus 
had been unusually copious, the linen being thor- 
oughly saturated and nearly a teacupful of pus re 
moved. Upon examination the pus showed a good, 
healthy condition, which gave perfect satisfaction to 
the doctors." 
At half-past ten o'clock the President was still 
sleeping and a renewed feeling of content character- 
ized the surroundings at the White House. The 
large crowd that had gathered at the entrances to the 
executive grounds began to thin out at this hour, as 
it was evident the good news justified a moderation 
of the serious forebodings that were rife earlier in 
the day. The White House was closed at eleven 
o'clock an 1 the announcement made that no more 
bulletins would be issued until morning. 
At midnigBt the President was still sleeping 
quietly. His pulse had fallen and respiration 
and temperature were reported correspond- 
ingly decreased. Dr. Bliss retired for 
rest about half-past ten o'clock and the 
watchers on duty during the remainder of the 
night were Dr. Wood yard,. Colonel Rockwell and 
Steward Crump. Airs, Garfield, after receiving the 
reassuring news of the improvement in 
the President's condition, seemed cheerful 
and bade her friends good night. The Cab- 
inet officers and their wives who had remained 
at the White House up to this time left for their 
homes in good spirits. The President is sleeping 
from the effect of a hypodermic injection of mor- 
phia, and it is not probable that he will awaken 
until a la e hour. 
Doctors Agnew and Hamilton were waited upon at 
their quarters at the residence of Attorney General 
MacVeagh to-night by your correspondent, but he was 
informed that they had retired tired and weary ana 
had left orders that they should not be disturoed. 
The servant added tha> she had been instructed to 
say to newspaper callers that they were not alarmed 
at the President's condition, although they had not 
as yet made any personal examination of the wound. 
MUST THE BULLET BE CUT OUT? 
Some physicians here express the opinion that the , 
treatment has not been as heroic as it should 
have beet? and would have been were 
any other than the President the sub- 
ject. ' There are many who think that if 
the treatment suggested by Dr. Sims, of Paris, 
which was communicated to the physicians by a ' 
cablegram in the Heeald on July 4, that an incision ] 
be made and the bullet taken out, had been followed 
much of the serious apprehensions now felt would 
have been prevented. 
An official in the Pension Office, who has to pass 
upon all applications for pensions arising frem 
wounds during the war, and who has 
therefore had to examine thousands of cases 
said to-night that the result of all his experience 
had been that if pyaemia had set in it would take 
irom one to five days before any fatal result would 
be manifested. 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Official.] , 
Executive .hansion, July 23-10 A. M. 
The President was more restless last night, but 
this morning, at seven A. M„ while preparations 
were being ma le to dress his wound, nis tempera- 
ture was found to be normal. Pulse, 92; tempera- 
ture, 98.4; respiration, 19. At half-past seven he had 
a slight rigor, in consequence of which the dressing 
of his wound was postponed, lieaction followed 
promptly, and the dressing has now just been com- 
plete . At present his pulse is 110; temperature, 
101; respiration, 24. 
D. W. BLISS J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:30 A. M. 
Dr. Boynton, who just came from the Pr sident's 
chamber, attributes the sod leu rise in the Presi- 
dent's pulse and temperature to some obstruction in 
the way ot a tree discharge of pus from the wound. 
Symptoms of granulation were noticed along the 
track of the ball yesterday, and it is possible that 
this healing process going on at some point compar- 
atively near to the external surface of the body has 
dammed up a quantity ot pus in the deeper part of 
the wound, and that the chill and increased fever are 
to be thus ac ounted for. The discharge this morn- 
ing, although per; ectij' norma] and healthy in its 
character, was unusually scanty, which would seem 
to indicate that its flow has been in some way im- 
peded or interrupted. The chill mentioned in the 
official bulletion commenced about eight o'clock a d 
lasted until nine, being quite severe, the pulse run- 
ning up at one time to 130. At this hour the fever is 
S lid to be gradually disappearing, and the patient's 
condition is considered better than when the bul- 
letin was issued. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-1:30 P. 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 has not materially 
chang'd. The attending surgeons have just tele- 
graphed doctors Hamilton and Agnew to come to 
Washington at once for consultation. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2:20 P. M. 
Secretaries James, Kirkwood and Hunt, who have this momeut come from a consultat on with the at- 
tei.ding surgeons, requested the statement to be 
made upon th ir authority that the President's 
Dulse and temperature are falling, and that ins 
general condition is improving. Doctor Bliss 
authorizes the denial of the truth of a reported in- 
terview with him to-day in which ho is said to have 
stated that an abscess lias formed, and that a second 
chill has occurred. He has made no such state- 
ments. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-3:30P. M. 
Dr. Bliss reports that the condition ot the Presi- 
dent h is much improved since noon. His pulse is 
now below 100, and his general symptoms show im- 
provement. There is not the slightest indication of 
; pyaemia, which is the danger most to be feared. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4 P. M. 
There has been no recurrence as yet of the unfa- 
vorable symptoms which manifested themselves in 
the earlier pari of the day. The President is now 
asleep, and his pulse remains at about 100. It is the 
opinion of the attending surgeons that the chill and 
subsequent fever this morning were caused by the 
formation ot a pus cavity at some point along the 
track ot the bullet, but th;s cannot be positively as- 
serted until after the evening examination. Dr. 
Bliss says that he has in his practice had cases 
where the formation ot a pus cavity in a wound was 
followed by a much 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. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-5:30 P. M. 
A special train, conveying Dr. HamiUon, one of 
the consulting surgeons, lef< Jer ey City at fifteen 
minutes to three P. M. and ai rived at Phila lelphia 
at twenty-five minutes past four P. M., where a sec- 
ond special train, with Dr. Agnew on board, awaited 
the arrival ot Dr. Hamilton. The train left Phila- 
delphia after half-past four and is expected to ar- 
rive in Washington about hilf past seven. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion, 7 P. M. 
After the bulletin of ten A. M. the President's 
fever continued. At halt-past eleven A. M. he had 
again a slight rigor, and his temperature subse- 
quently rose until at hall-past twelve P. M. it was 
104, with pulse, 125; respiration, 26. Between this 
time and one P. M. perspiration made its appear- 
ance, end the temperature began to fall gradually. 
It is now 101.7; pulse, 118; respiration, 25. There has 
b en a ree discharge of pus from the wound during 
the day. 
D. W. BLIS«, J. J. WOODWARD. 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-8 P. M. 
Doctors Agnew and Hamilton reached the Ex- 
ecutive Mansion at five minutes to eight P. M., and 
are now in consilltaiion with the attending surgeons 
in »he latter's room. It has not yet been decided 
wnetner another examination of the patient shall be 
made this evening or not. He is restingquietiy now, 
a d in view of his improved condition it mav be 
thought best not to disturb him at present by allow- 
ing Doctors Hamilton and Agnew to see him. 
. [Unofficia .] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 P. M. 
In reply to a telegraphic inquiry Attorney General 
MacVeagii sent the following despatch at 8:20 
P. M.:- 
"The President's condition has slowly improved 
for several hours past, but is still a cause of anxiety. 
The consulting physicians have arrived." 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, 10 P. M. 
The explanation given by the attending surgeons 
of the unfavorable symptoms which manifested 
themselves in the Presidents case to-day is briefly as 
follows:- 
Some time during the night or early this morning 
the patient's wound, which had for several days been 
dis barging freely, became obstructed at or near ths 
i ner end of the drainage tube while the 
process of suppuration in the deeper parts 
ot the wound continued. A parual or 
complete pus cavity was thus formed aud 
tne discharge from the mouth of the wound 
nearly ceased. The natural result ot this sta e of 
th ngs was a chill, followed by higher fever, the pa- 
tient's pulse rising to a maximum of about 130 ana 
his temperature to 104. As rigor, followed by in- 
creasea fever, is a symptom of pyseinia, or f ihe 
formation of an abscess and of other urfav irable 
complications, it caused at first a good deal of anxi- 
ety. A careful examin dlon, however, of tue pus 
discharged by the wound showed that its 
character was pertectly normal aud healthy, and so 
far as appeared from toe patient's general conditio i 
al the indications of p.i aemia weie absent. These 
facts relieved at once tne tear of bwod poisoning. 
An external examination was then made of the ab- 
dominal* and hepatic regions with a view to aecer.aiu- 
ing whether there were any signs of an abscess at 
the supposed location of the bullet. No unusual 
i tenderness was found in that part of the body, or 
। any other indication of a changed eonmtioi:. 
from these tacts, taken in connection witu 
the scanty outflow of pus, the conclusion was 
drawn that an oustructiou existed near the inner 
eun ot the drainage tune which prevented a free dis- 
cha'ige. This imprisonment ot me pus, technically 
kuowu as the formation of a "pus cavity," is en- 
tirely adequate to explain the chill and the incri ased 
fi ver, since they are its natural and almost iuevna- 
bte consequences. It was at first thought that the 
obstruction might be the result of a process of 
healing wuicn had wholly or in part closed 
the wound between the end of the drain- 
age tube and the deeper suppurating sur ace. 
Early in Hie afternoon, however, the obstruction 
wholly or partially gave way, the outflow of pus be- 
came freer, the nausea from which the patient bad 
suffered subsL ed, and ne obtained relief. This 
proved that the obstruction had not been ot a per- 
manent chara ter. At the evening dressing of the 
wound the uiscuarge of pus was quite as copious as 
usual. Since that time the patient's fever has been 
steadily abating, and at the present hour (ten P. M.) 
his puise has tallen io 106 aud he is sleeping quietly. 
The consulting surgeons, Agnew ana Hamilton, do 
not regard his situaiion as so grave as they had. 
feared and express renewed confidence. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11 P. M. 
The President's pulse has fallen to 100 aud he is 
now s eeping, witnoui any mani estations ot rest- 
I je-snesa and without any disquieting sympiom.-. 
j Doctors Agnew and Hamilton cud not think it best 
i to disturb him by making an examination to-night 
and did not even see him, but had a cou^uitaton ot 
an nour and three-quarters with the attending sur- 
geon-. They express gratification at finding his 
symptoms much more favorable ihau they antici- 
pated. All the surgeons have now left tile mansion 
except Doctors Bliss and Woodward, who are on 
duty. 
SECRETARY BLAINE TO MINISTER LOWELL. 
The following cable messages were sent by the 
Secretary of State to Minister Lowell, Loudon: 
About noon to-day the President's condition be- 
came very suddenly wor.-e. He had chills, alternat- 
ing with lever, increased pulse . nd very higu tem- 
perature. His symptoms ai hal -past lour are better 
and he. is much easier in every respect. The con- 
sulting surgeons. Dr. Hamilton, of New York, and 
Dr. Agnew, of Philadelphia, have been summoned 
ami are now en route to Washington by special train 
At ten o'clock to-night tn- President's symptoms 
are better. Pulse, emperature and respiration are 
improved. The distressing nausea has left and 
there is no reappearance ot chills. 
THE EARLY MORNING REPORT TO THE CABINET. 
The following was sent early in the morning to 
each of the Cabinet officers by the President's pri- 
vate secretary:- 
Executive Mansion, July 23-8 A. M. 
The slight fever wh:cii made its appearance be- 
tween eight and ten last evening, but woich sub- 
sided during the night, is not noticeable this morn- 
ing. 'This febrile rise was due to local and tempo- 
rary causesratiier than to anv genera! unfavorable 
change in the President's condition. He is as well 
now as at the same hour yesterday morning, 
and this, taken into consideration with the fact th it 
he did not sleep so well as on the previous night, 
seems to indicate a gain in his favor. 
Tlie Bad News from Washington. 
Another and more marked recurrence of 
the bad symptoms of Monday gives to the 
President's case at the present moment a 
graver appearance than it has presented at 
any time since he was shot. His pulse, 
temperature and respiration suddenly 
changed on Monday from the nearly normal 
condition they had reached, and this change 
was associated with an arrest of the dis- 
charges from the suppurating surface. We 
said in reference to those symptoms that 
we should be extremely sorry to see many 
repetitions of that change; and the condi- 
tion contemplated in that observation is 
before us now. 
At the end of the twenty-first day of the 
case the President was seized with a rigor- 
a severe and extended chill ; a chill tliat 
appears to have continued an hour. This 
chill followed a bad, restless night, and 
was succeeded by a great and sudden in- 
crease of the pulse, which went from 90 to 
130. Simultaneously the temperature rose 
to 101 and the respiration to 24. There was 
a scanty discharge from the wound, if not, 
indeed, a total arrest of the discharge, and 
the peculiar system adopted in this 
case of forcing a discharge by exer- 
cising pressure on the abdomen was 
without result-for the simple rea- 
son, apparently, that .there was no pus 
there. Coincidently with the other changes 
the hitherto pyogenic surface had ceased to 
suppurate. As the day wore on there was 
little amelioration ot the condition, but, on 
the contrary, at half-past eleven there was 
a second chill, and the temperature on this 
occasion rose to 104 and the respiration to 
26. This was followed by a colliquative 
sweat, or, in the deceptive words of the 
bulletin, the President "perspired freely." 
The discharge was re-establish ed during 
the day, at what hour is not mentioned in 
the reports. 
All sorts of interpretations of this change 
are reported as coming from the President's 
doctors. One says "an abscess has formed 
another, that the bullet is "now causing ir- 
ritation another, that the "granulations 
in the mouth of the wound impede the dis- 
charges," and another lays down the notable 
dictum that a chill in these circumstances 
gives no just occasion for alarm. Far 
stranger than the bad change in the case is 
the fact that these symptoms-these plain 
utterances of the morbid condition-should 
be so little understood by those near 
the patient. In so far as the people 
speak of these conditions in a loose way 
there is no reason for surprise, for they are 
not supposed to know ; but it is somewhat 
nonsensical for any one to speak of the 
formation of an abscess somewhere in the 
course of what is, in fact, an absciss in its 
; whole length. As the consulting surgeons 
• have been called to Washington they will 
at least initiate a more correct statement of 
the tacts of the case, and their assistance 
may, perhaps, not go much beyond that. 
Their position is not a pleasant one, as 
they are apparently called mainly to justiiy 
what has been done. Whitewashing is 
never a very pleas mt function, but this 
sort of surgical whitewashing in a case of 
this nature is rather a mockery of the pro- 
cess of consultation. 
Pyiemia is the word that covers all this 
change. Beyond reasonable doubt puru- 
lent absorption has taken place, and the 
President's constitution, worn down now 
by twenty-one days of trouble, is to be put 
to the severest test that can happen in the 
history of any wound. It may carry him 
through, but once again it must be said, as 
it was said in the days whi n it was believed 
that the billet had possibly cat an in- 
testine, the probabilities, as derived from a 
consideration of the percentage of cases, 
are against recovery. Readers of the 
Herald may remember that we sketched 
at the time the President was hurt the 
sequence of dangerous events in a case of 
this nature. Shock-prolound perturba- 
tion ot the nervous system-is the firs 
danger, and often kills; hemorrhage is the 
next, and peritonitis is the thir l. These 
are the dangers of the first two or three 
days, and, as is now well known, the Presi- 
dent went through almost uniuffled by any 
one of them. There was a slight shock, no 
hemorrhage, a trivial circum-cribed peri- 
tonitis. Within fourt en days secondary 
hemorrhage may occur, but in this case i 
did not. Beyond all these comes the peril 
of purulent absorption or pyiemia or septi- 
caemia-so many names for the same condi- 
tion. But it was rationally assumed 
that a system which h id borne itself so 
well through the manifold dangers preced- 
ing this-a system that had shown an ex- 
cellent degree of en lurance and a vigorous 
readiness in all reparative processes-might 
fairly be counted as one likely to be ex- 
empt from the dangers ot pyaemia, which 
are always hast where health and constitu- 
tional vigor are at their best. 
There is nothing peculiarly mysterious in 
the nature of this trouble. The word "pv- 
aemia" is composed from two Greek words, 
one of whicu signifies pus and the other 
blood, and it is employed to indicate the 
morbid condition < f the system that results 
from the fact that pus has acquired an 
entrance into the current of the circulation, 
aid that the system is pois med by the 
presence in the blood of tins foreign and 
decomposing substance. Pyaemia is a com- 
mon cause of the fatality of wounds. It is 
the scourge of military hospitals, and a 
markedly bad case of it is almost neces- 
sarily fatal. But it is a trouble 
that does not commonly follow where 
the system of the wounded man is 
sound and where he is well attended, 
with good surroundings. This, it was sup- 
posed, gave in the President's case almost 
a guarantee against such trouble, and con- 
sequently it was but little speculated upon 
in counting up the perils of his position. 
It may fairly be said that his case cannot be 
one of the worst sort of these cases, b cause 
these do not occur where the pus is healthv, 
as it is reported to be with him, but it must 
also be said that abso utely healthy pus can 
only be formed in an absolutely healthy sys- 
tem, and that the system cannot be in that 
condition when the reparative process in 
a wounded vein has given way and thus 
made tne absorption of pus possible. 
Some wounded vein had, in the natural 
reparative progress, been plugged up by 
the coagulable lymph; but that dympn nas 
not gone on to complite organization, but 
has broken down, and thus reopened the 
vein and made a way for the entry into the 
blood vessel of the pus in which the open 
orifice lay. That is about the process of it. But what caused the arrest of the steps by 
which nature had begun to guard the system 
against this danger ? Exhaustion may do it; 
but he was not exhausted. An irritative 
treatment may do it, and it will be for the 
consulting surgeons to know how far such a 
method is concerned in the result. Pyae- 
mia has sometimes been treated with 
success and may be again; but 
if the surgery that in twenty- 
one days has brought this physical 
giant to a state that puts him in reach of the j 
pyaemic contamination is continued we do 
not see how medication can be of much 
advantage. NEW YORK HER ALD 
"What will be the ultimate effects of this re- 
lapse?" 
"Unless more dangerous symptoms set in imme- 
diately the President will have recovered from the 
effects of yesterday's relapse in four or five days." 
"Then the theory of malaria advanced by some 
has nothing to do with the condition of the Presi- 
dent?" 
। "There is no malaria about the case or likely to 
be. Every symptom is the natural result of a wound 
as bad as his, and though his condition for the two 
or three days prior to Friday warranted the strong- 
est hopes that no grave phases would manifest 
themselves the surgeons have never lost sight of the 
fact that such were entirely probable. But it is 
hardly possible to put malaria-the fashionable 
Washington disease-down for what the President is 
suffering from now." 
"Was there much alarm about the White House 
yesterday, as the case continued so grave?" 
"Yes, aud very strong reasons for it. The second 
chill was very discouraging to everybody, though 
we had no idea within doors that the anxiety out- 
side was so great. But I see now the entire country 
had a chill of nervous dread while the President had 
his yesterday." 
"What did he seem to think of it himselt?" 
"He was inclined to be rather down-hearted, still 
with the idea uppermost, as it has been all along, 
that there was a chance, and a very good chance, for 
him yet. The physicians have never cheered him 
up so but that he could recognize in their opinions 
that his condition has always been grave. It was 
fortunate, therefore, for him that he was mentally 
prepared to meet the dragers of yesterday. He was 
too sii k, of course to bo cheerful or animated, but 
still he never entirely lost heart." 
"Did the more favorable examination in the even- 
ing brighten him up any?" 
"Very much. With the rest of those about him 
he was at once inclined to take a more favorable 
view of the case. He watches always the state of 
his pulse and temperature with interest, frequently 
inquiring about them. Naturally, therefore, when I 
the facts were told him yesterday he became at once 
conscious of his condition, but was not alarmed 
over it. He expressed himself as being very tired 
and worn out with the day's sufferings. He got to 
sleep about the usual time of the night after a hypo- 
dermic injection had been given him, but had a bad 
night of it taken altogether." 
MBS. GARFIELD'S ANGUISH. 
"How did the unfavorable news affect Mrs. Gar- 
field?" 
"Badly, indeed. She had been so buoyed \ip with 
the encouraging look of things for the week past that 
the occurrences of yesterday alarmed her very much 
Still, all that is outside the sick room. She never 
allows the slightest trace of the anxiety which she 
must feel-the greatest of all those around the 
couch-to be manifested in the presence of the suf- 
ferer. She preserved the same hopeful disposition 
that she has shown from the first shock of the meet- 
ing with her husband, and cheered him up by her 
presence and ministrations during the weary hours 
of prostration that ensued. This is the more re- 
markable since the events of the day 
must have suggested the nameless dread and anxiety 
of the day of the shooting. All were looking forward 
to a pleasant little anniversary, as the President had 
named his Saturdays when he jokingly referred to 
the events of the shooting at the end of the two 
weeks. The wife of the President, though, is the 
woman for the situation. No matter how she feels, 
as long as her strength will keep up she will re- 
main outwardly calm, and the charm of her presence 
will smooth away the despondent feeling to which 
the sufferings of the President might make him give 
way." 
"Do you think the President will finally recover?" 
"We have not lost hope; but this relapse will de- 
lay his recovery considerably. However, we still 
hope to pull through all right provided no other 
dangerous symptoms show themselves." 
The attending physicians are beginning to appre- 
ciate the natural solicitude which is everywhere 
manifest among the people for proper bulletins 
about the nation's patient. Privately they speak of the 
deep concern they feel for his recovery and for more 
robust signs of recuperation. The President fixes 
his eye so intently upon them that it is in the 
order of good nursing that they should as far as 
possible be free from dissimulation at his bedside, 
and so by their manner and conversation they in no 
wise betrayed the anxiety his symptoms had aroused. 
THE Six DOCTORS IN CONSULTATION. 
The dawning of this Sabbath morning found the 
occupants of the White House resting under as great 
a burden of anxiety and suspense as this time three 
weeks ago. The ordinary routine of the household 
had gone on much as usual, but there was the awful 
shadow of impending calamity resting upon every 
face and restraining the pleasant social intercourse 
that has been the feature of the past two weeks. 
The seriousness of the crisis was observable, not only 
in the faces of the members of the family, but 
among all the employes. Outside everything looked 
so beautiful and peaceful that it seemed as if nature 
was mbeking at the distress of humanity. After 
'the chill at midnight the remainder of the night 
was passed by the President in troubled sleeii 
under the influence of morphia. The consulting 
surgeons were at the White House early and they at 
once went in to see the President and made a thor- 
ough examination. While this was going on the 
anxious people outside were left in a state of great 
anxiety. Private Secretary Brown, who had evi- 
dently passed a bad night, looked worn and pale. 
The Cabinet officers began to come. They were too 
much concerned to speak and their information was 
as indefinite as that of the others. The strange look 
which was observed in Mr. Blaine's face three weeks 
ago had again made its appearance. He 
showed the effect of the uncertainty more 
than any of his Cabinet associates. Another 
element added to the peril of the situation. 
Four of the employes of the White House had been 
seized with chills and were unable to attend to their 
duties. This was due partly to the anxiety and ex- 
tra work of the past three weeks which had made 
them in their weakened condition more lia- 
ble to the malarial breezes which blow directly 
from the river flats into the house. The natural 
query was, What effect will this air have upon the 
President, now so much reduced in strength, and 
who has insisted, when the nights were warm, on 
having the Southern windows open? This is a mat- 
ter for further consideration in the features of his 
case. At the present time ho is battling with a 
more powerful foe. 
The result of the examination and the effect of 
the operation performed soon found its way outside 
of the doctors' room, and everybody drew a freer 
breath. The doctors said:- 
"We have met this difficulty and conquered it. 
What may happen in the future wo kuow not, 
but we hope to be equally successful." 
The operation was an incision in the flesh of the 
back three inches below the wound to let the pus 
out. Dr. Agnew made the incision. He was obliged 
to return to Philadelphia to attend to some private 
business, and was driven to the Baltimore and 
Potomac Depot in Secretary Brown's carriage. Your 
correspondent found him seated upon the rear 
platform of his special car, which was 
the rear car and was attached to the Phila- 
delphia regular train. It was backed up close 
to the entrance of the depot. He had found the car 
locked and the porter away, as he was not 
expected until ten o'clock to-night. He sat 
with his head resting upon his hand, gazing wearily 
upon the floor. On the seat on the other side of the 
platform was a small yellow satchel, marked plainly 
with his name. From where he sat he could look 
directly through the window of the depot upon the 
place where the President was shot. As your corre- 
spondent approached and introduced himself he 
looked up and smiled pleasantly. He is a tall, spare 
man, about sixty years of age, with white hair and 
long, white side whiskers and mustache. His face 
is thin, but has a rather ruddy color. The first 
question asked was, "How is the President to- 
night?" 
"Oh, he is doing nicely. His unfavorable symp- 
toms have abated, and he is resting quietly." 
"What was the nature of the operation performed 
to-day ?'' 
TIIE OPERATION WITH THE KNIFE. 
"It was an ordinary knife incision three inches in 
a direct perpendicular line below the mouth of the 
wound. It was about two and one-half inches from 
the surface of the skin, and there the abscess was 
struck which has caused all this trouble." 
"How did the abscess come to form at this 
point?" 
"Well, you know that the ball did not hit the rib 
directly opposite the point where it entered the 
body, but it went down obliquely. The rib was 
shattered below the course of the wound, and this 
caused an abscess to form around it." 
"Did ibis cavity form a part of the course of the 
wound?" j 
"Not at all. It was entirely separate from it. But 
the pus of the wound worked its way down and 
formed in this cavity, and that accounts for the 
falling off in tho quantity of the pus discharged 
from the wound." 
"But if there was no connection between this 
cavity and the wound how did the pus get into it?" 
"The fact is, the pus did get into this cavity. We 
dealt only with the fact. We ascertained the loca- 
tion of the cavity by external pressure upon the 
body with our hands, and thus were able to locate 
the point of incision." 
"What are tho President's prospects. Doctor?" 
"Well, if another abscess forms the same opera- 
tion will be repeated, if the same condition that he 
has just been relieved from makes its appearance." 
"But what is the prospect of the formation of 
another cavity?" 
"1 can't say; but I can say, however, that there 
was more chance for an abscess to form where it 
did than anywhere else. But another abscess may 
form at any place along the wound." 
"What was the character of the pus that was dis- 
charged?" 
"There was quite a copious discharge, and it was 
healthy looking. It gave to the eye no unfavorable 
indications; but, of course, it will be examined 
under a microscope." 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YOHK. MONDAY. JULY 25. 1881. 
[by telegraph to the herald.] 
Washington, July 24, 1881. 
The day opened oppressively warm and the sun's i 
torrid rays kept many people within doors, not- 
withstanding the excitement attending the condi- 
tion of the President. The closing reports the pre- 
vious night having been hopeful, if not wholly sat- 
isfactory, comparatively tew people were to be seen 
Upon the streets until evening. Toward sunset, ; 
however, the fresh bad news got out and the excite- 
ment was renewed. Bulletins and information con- 
cerning the last condition of the President were 
again eagerly sought and a repetition of the scenes 
of yesterday took place. The dressing of the 
wound, the examination of the patient, the consulta- 
tion of the doctors and the issuance of the morning 
bulletin followed each other in due course, but 
owing to the length of time occupied in the con- 
sultation and in the operation subsequently per- 
formed the interval to the posting of the bulletin 
was quite protracted. 
FALSEHOOD AND DECEPTION. 
Contrary to the expectation that was based upon 
the flattering assurances given at the White House 
the night before the President's condition showed 
but little progress in the direction of recovery. The 
news from the sick room, especially the suppression 
of the fact of a chill at midnight, afforded poor con- 
solation to those who looked for something better, 
and a serious feeling pervaded all circles. The gen- 
eral impression seemed to be that a favorable 
change should take place soon, or the President 
could not long bear up under so many weakening 
assaults, as every hour he labored under such de- 
pression registered a reduction in vitality and 
strength. It was, indeed, feared that the crisis of 
his sickness was near at hand. The de- 
ception practised upon the public has quite 
unsettled confidence in anything that the 
bulletins may say henceforward. And an- 
other "peculiarity" of the statements published 
was noticed in one made by Dr. Bliss yesterday. He 
authorized the denial of the truth of a reported con- 
versation in which he is said to have stated that an 
abscess had formed. Through the same channel 
that conveyed this denial he to-day announced 
that yesterday he discovered that a slight sac 
or pus cavity had formed. Again, Dr. Beyburn, 
speaking of the discharge of pus from the wound 
on Friday preceding the feverish condition of the 
President, says that "it at one time exceeded four 
ounces and was perfectly laudable. Eminent 
physicians who have accepted the bulletins of the 
President's attendants say now that the sudden 
change was not at all unexpected. Oue of the num- 
ber in conversation said that for three weeks the 
amount of nourishment taken by the Presiaent has 
been barely sufficient to repair the ordinary wa-te 
of the tissue. Add to the nervous strain the 
absolute repose of the body and the large 
discharge of pus and you have a patient 
whose condition is exceedingly weak. There is 
a natural demand upon the arterial system 
for the supply of new matter to uphold bodily 
strength, and the danger now is that this hunger 
will become so great that the reduced system will 
fail to throw off the greater part of the pus of the 
wound, and that it will be absorbed as putrid mat- 
ter and hasten pyaemia." 
Mrs. Susan Edson gives interesting details of what 
happened m the sick chamber when all was reported 
''well'' by the bulletins. Being asked if the reports 
to-day were any way reassuring after the alarm of 
yesterday, the President's faithful nurse said, the 
inquiry being made with some of the same interest 
that prompted a similar question on Sunday, three 
weeks ago:- 
"Well, yes; but all through Friday night and Sat- 
urday there was good reason for alarm." 
"Were the symptoms of Friday indicative of the 
change of yesterday?" 
THE RELAPSE TO HAVE BEEN EXPECTED. 
"Yes. Throughout the entire day the President 
was restless, and what sleep he got was short and 
not refreshing. The pain was wearisome and the 
day altogether a bad one. At night the fever kept 
him from sleeping, aud consequently the chill and ' 
fever of yesterday found him in rather a weak con- 
dition. He has always been so bright in the morn- 
ing that the change yesterday alarmed us very 
much." 
"How can. you account for these grave symp- 
toms?" 
"They are the natural results of the wound, noth- 
ing more or less. Wo had every reason to hope that 
the wound would not cease discharging, but at the 
same time feared such a result as possible." "Are there any indications of blood poisoning?" 
'•None at all. The discharge of pus averts that 
danger." 
"Was the condition of the President as critical as 
has been stated?" 
"The President was in a very dangerous condi- 
tion," replied the Doctor, gravely. Dr. Agnew, who 
had repeatedly inquired of the conductor and others 
during the conversation when the train was going 
to start, was rejoiced to hear the bells ring and the 
ongine blowing off steam. He said that he was very 
anxious to get home. As the train moved off he 
called out in response to a question, "I am not 
coming back unless I am summoned by a telegram." 
Dr. Heyburn, however, said to-night that Dr. Ag- 
new would return to-morrow evening, and then Dr. 
Hamilton would go home, and one of the consulting 
surgeons would be here every day as long as it was 
deemed necessary. 
THE SHATTERED TENTH RIB. 
The son of Dr. Bliss, who is in constant attendance 
with his father, says that the examination made 
to-day fully revealed the fact that the tenth rib was 
badly shattered, which would account for the ball 
not penetrating as deeply as it was supposed it 
would have done at the short range from which it 
was fired. The attention of the attending physi- 
cians having been called to the fractured member 
an attempt will be made to set it or 
straighten its remnant just as soon as the 
President's condition will permit. The President 
himself is exceedingly solicitous lest the wound 
should in some way impair his physical strength or 
deprive him of the freedom of movement that he 
had enjoyed prior to the devilish act of Guiteau. 
The physicians fully sympathize with him in this 
matter and are not unmindful of their promise 
to the President to set him on his feet with- 
out let or hindrance. The relief afforded 
by the surgical operation this morning 
has already freed his body from one source of pain 
and relieved the shock to his nervous and muscular 
system. Though still weak and helpless he was 
fully conscious of his condition, while he was en- 
tirely free from the exalted condition of mind which 
was a marked characteristic of his symptoms ten 
days ago. Nature had now to struggle to overcome 
the enervating effects of the rigors and the sweats 
which followed them. The reiterated statement 
that the patient showed no signs of pyoemla were 
accepted as a good sign. 
The President was reported as resting easier after 
the operation and sleeping, but his symptoms only 
slowly began to show a favorable change. Still the 
suspense of what would be the result of the doctors' 
conference was allayed. The Cabinet officers went 
away, but returned frequently during the day. A 
large number of prominent men called and the 
crowd bung about the gate persistently all day, 
although the bulletins were meagre. Mrs. Garfield 
remained in the sick room. She did not betray 
outwardly her great anxiety, but she had an ab- 
sorbed air which was significant of the inward 
agony. The children remained quietly in the pri- 
vate portion of the house and the boys did not 
come out into the public offices as much as they 
have been accustomed to do. 
At half-past two o'clock in the afternoon the Pres- 
ident was reported to be still sleeping quietly. The 
operation by which the pus was let out of the ab- 
scess is expected to permanently relieve the Presi- 
dent of further rigor. At half-past five o'clock ad. 
vices from the sick room were that he was resting 
comfortably, his pulse beating 102, and respiration 
and temperature standing about normal. At seven 
o'clock an official bulletin was issued to the effect 
that the President was getting along comfortably, 
that pus was discharging freely from the incision 
made this morning, and that his pulse was 104 and 
temperature 99. 
the president's stoicism under the knife. 
Your correspondent had a short conversation with 
Colonel Rockwell, who was present when Dr. Agnew 
performed the surgical operation on the President. 
I To quote his own words: - 
••The fortitude of the President under the trying 
ordeal was simply immense. He was not under the 
influence of any anaesthetic and bore the cutting 
without wincing. An hour afterward he dropped off 
into a peaceful slumber and continued to doze at in- 
tervals during the day. Just before the wound was 
dressed to-night he had been sleeping fifty minutes, 
and this without the use of any opiates whatever. I 
heve just left his bedside and he seems composed 
। and cheerful." 
just as Colonel Rockwell disappeared down stairs 
I Dr. Ellis Bliss, the son of Dr. Bliss, who was also 
present and assisted in the operation, came out of 
the sick room on an errand. His description of the 
operation of the morning in detail was as fol- 
lows:- 
"This morning Dr. Agnew decided that a pus 
cavity had formed which hindered a tree discharge 
and that the patient must be relieved by an incision. 
Upon examination it was found that the cavity had 
formed outside the ribs in the fatty part of the 
back. Anesthetics were applied to the wound to 
render it less sensitive to the knife, and Dr. Agnew 
then made two incisions. The operation did 
not last five minutes and was similar to the 
lancing of a boil. The cavity was soon discharging* 
freely and the relief to the President was instanta- 
neous. The new opening, which is lower down than 
the opening of the wound, enables the pus to dis- 
charge' more freely and without any pressure being 
exerted. Hitherto the pus had been forced upward 
before it could find an outlet. The dressing of the 
wound to-night was very satisfactory and the pus 
was discharging freely. You can safely say that the 
President has had no anaesthetic to-day and none 
will be given him unless absolutely necessary to 
produce sleep to-night. His condition is very favor- 
able, the pulse being 104, temperature 99 2-10, and 
respiration 23." 
Colonel Corbin was asked if the President was im- 
proving any in his strength. He replied that he was 
not and that he was a very weak man. "In fact, 
few know how enfeebled his condition is." 
"Can he raise his leg!" 
"No, indeed; he can hardly exert a muscle." 
"Can he raise his head?" 
"Not the least. It has to be propped up every I 
time he takes a mouthful of food or water." 
"Can he lift his arms?" 
"No more thau his legs or head. He has to be 
turned in his bed, and when the bedding and linen 
are changed he has to be lifted by main strength on 
the sheet that is under him. He is very, very weak, 
and the recent rigors have made a perceptible 
change in his countenance. He has with 
all these drawbacks a great amount of 
vitality at the command of his will and an 
earnest desire to get well. There is no 
let down to this resolve. Of course, a man 
who has been able to take but little nourishment, 
and has wasted so much tissue and has discharged 
so much pus would necessarily be a weak man, yet 
with all this physical exhaustion his mind is clear 
and his will obedient to the direction of the sur- 
geons. Such a patient deserves all the blessings 
that healthful recuperation can bring to him." 
THE DANGER OF ANOTHER ABSCESS. 
When Dr. N. 8. Lincoln was asked to-day if the 
operation performed on the President would entirely 
overcome the pus difficulty he replied that an abscess 
of this character is very apt to spread in various 
directions, disseminating itself among the tissues, 
and that it may be the operation would relieve but 
one branch of it. However, this is the best thing 
that can be done. When we are certain 
that matter has accumulated a short distance 
from the opening of the wound we deem 
the cutting the proper thing to be followed, 
if it can be done without wounding important 
organs. The great object in such cases is to furnish 
an exit for accumulated matter that its discharge 
may be facilitated. The retention of pus produces 
ill consequences. If not released it accumulates in 
large quantities and, like all fluids, presses in every ' 
direction making headway where there is least 
resistance. It burrows among the organs and layers 
of muscles, often reaching the surface of the body 
at a great distance trom the place of formation. At 
the same time there is great danger of its penetrat- 
ing some cavity like the peritoneum, which causes 
speedy death. 
"By what method do you ascertain the presence 
of this matter?" 
"We detect the fluid.by the sense of fluctuation 
when the fingers are pressed over the part. An ex- 
perienced surgeon can detect the presence of the 
fluid at a very considerable distance from the sur- 
face and with great certainty." 
"Do you favor the use of the tube for carrying off 
the discharge from the wound?" 
"I do; it is now constantly used by all surgeons 
when they have to deal with accumulations of pus 
in any great cavity of the abdomen and chest, 
and it is used with the best results in various 
deep seated wounds where it is impracticable 
to cut a shorter and wider opening- Where 
the wound is deep there is danger in many cases of 
the matter gathering in large quantities, as the 
mouth of the wound has always a tendency to con- 
tract and thereby retard the discharge of pus. Still 
this pus, remaining in the cavity exposed through 
this small opening to the action of the ear. under- 
goes putrefaction, and this leads to what is called 
septicemia. This putrefied matter is especially 
dangerous. Now, this drainage pipe keeps the mouth 
of the wound open, assists nature in the discharge 
of pus and enables the lower part of the wound to 
heal. It can certainly do no harm, but, on the other 
• hand, does great good. 
DRESSING THE WOUND AT EVENING. 
Toward evening the doctors began to arrive to 
make the usual evening dressing of the wound. 
After this was completed the President's symptoms 
were found to be very favorable and the discharge 
of pus liberal. The natural reaction upon the re- 
ceipt of this favorable news made itself at once ap- 
parent. Mrs. Garfield, accompanied by Governor 
and Mrs. Sheldon and Miss Mollie Garfield, went out 
for a drive. Dr. Barnes came out, and as he was 
passing down stairs he said:-"The Presi- 
dent is better now than he has been for the 
past thirty-six hours. There is no danger 
of pysemia." soon afterward Dr. Heyburn poked 
his head out of the room. He wanted to see Private 
Secretary Brown and evidently did not care to come 
any further. After some moments of uncertainty 
he finally stepped into the outer room. Your corre- 
spondent approached and asked, ''How is the Presi- 
dent?" 
■'He is doing very nicely now and is asleep. Dur- 
ing the day we have given him beet tea principally. 
As soon as the operation was performed he felt bet- 
ter. His appetite returned, and all his symptoms 
were more favorable, inis thing has been coming 
on for several days, and we telegraphed tor the doc- 
tors in order that we might have their moral sup- 
port, at any rate." 
•'Were any anaesthetics administered to the Presi- 
dent during the operation?" 
''No. we used ether spray to freeze some of the 
parts. The President bore the operation very well. 
It was not very painful. We made the incision 
about three inches below the mouth of the wound 
to the abscess which had been formed at that point, 
forming, so to speak, a sort of a delta. The pus 
had worked its way through the muscles and had 
made this cavity for itself. In such wounds this is 
very apt to be the case and sometimes an abscess is 
formed further away from the wound." 
''Is there danger of another abscess?" 
"We cannot tell. We have bridged the difficulty 
for the present time. Drainage pipes are now in- 
serted in both openings and the pus comes out 
freely. It is healthy pus, too. Of course, there was 
some blood at first, but that was caused by the in- 
cision. There are no indications of pyaemia at all. 
The pus is perfectly healthy. I 'suppose that the 
upper part of the wound is closing up slowly by 
reason of the healing process now going on. The 
President is, of course, very weak; but his condition 
is now very favorable." 
DR. REXBURN BELIEVES THE CRISIS PAST. 
In another interview, at eight P. M., Dr. Keyburn 
expressed the opinion that the crisis of the dis- 
turbance caused by the formation of the pus cavity 
has passed, and that there is now every reason to 
expect an abatement, if not an entire disappearance, 
of the unfavorable symptoms of the last thirty-six 
hours. In explaining the nature of the opera- 
tion performed by Dr. Agnew this morning 
and the necessity for it Dr. Reyburn made m sub- 
stance the following statement:-"The direction 
taken by the ball after it entered the body was for- 
ward ana slightly downward until it struck one of 
the ribs. It was thence deflected still further 
downward and a little to the right, so as to make an 
acute angle with the line of the back. In other 
words, when a probe was introduced into the wound 
to a depth of three or three and a half inches, its 
direction was such that its inner end was only about 
an inch and a half from the outside of the body at a 
point lower down. The examination, which was 
made in the presence of Drs. Agnew and Hamilton 
this morning, showed that a pus cavity had formed 
in the tracii of the ball near and beyond where it 
glanced from the rib, and that this cavity could 
be reached by a direct incision three inches 
below the mouth of the wound. It was decided 
at once to perform the operation. With the aid of 
a probe and a pair of forceps a drainage tube, which 
is a small, flexible tube of rubber, perforated with 
holes, was then introduced into the wound made by 
the ball, and, after being carried through the pus 
cavity, was brought out through the newly madeiu- 
cision. One end of the tube then projected from 
the cut made by the surgeon's knife and the other 
from the mouth of tiie original wound. As the pus 
oozed into the tube through the perforations it could 
escape from either end, and was repeatedly 
washed out with a weak solution of carbolic 
acid and water, which was thrown through the tube 
in a stream. The discharge which followed the 
opening of the pus cavity was entirely satisfactory 
to the surgeons, and was soon followed by relief to 
the patient. The drainage tube has been left as it 
was originally placed, and will remain there for the 
present. If the wound discharges freely through 
the new opening the tube may perhaps be withdrawn 
from the old one in order to allow the latter to heal. 
The incision made to-day is in a direct line with the 
deeper parts of the wound, and it is thought that 
the pus will escape through it without any of the 
obstructions which impeded its outflow along the 
track of the ball aud which caused the pus cavity." 
Dr. Hamilton, however, persistently declines to 
express an opinion in regard to the President's con- 
dition, though he was applied to for that purpose 
many times to-day and to-night. Your correspon- 
dent called on him at the residence of Attorney Gen- 
eral McVeagh to-night. Ho was found discussing 
the case with that official, the two gentlemen 
sitting in the parlor. When informed of the 
object of the call the Doctor made no 
answer. Mr. McVeagh, however, spoke for 
him, saying that Dr. Hamilton did not desire 
to say anything in connection with his visit 
here. When informed that the call was more to 
get an authorized description of the operation 
than an opinion as to its probable result, Mr. 
McVeagh said that was what the Doctor would not 
speak about. He said all the opinion ho would ex- 
press was expressed in the bulletin, in which he 
had concurred. 
THE CABINET MEMBERS ALL AT THE WHITE HOUSE. 
AU the members of the Cabinet and their wives were in attendance at the White House during the 
evening and remained in the Cabinet room until 
about ten o'clock, when they left tor their respect- 
ive homes. Attorney General MacVeagh was accom- 
panied by Dr. Hamilton, who will be his guest dur- 
ing Uis sojourn here. Before leaving tor the night 
Secretary Windom said to your correspondent:- 
J "The indications are very favorable. The President 
i was sleeping when I last heard from the sick room, 
which -was about fifteen minutes ago. He continues 
: to perspire moderately, and I feel very much en- 
couraged by the reports from the attending physi- 
cians/' 
Secretary Lincoln said :-"I have just left Surgeon 
i General Barnes, who told me that if the President 
| did not have another chill before midnight he felt 
safe in predicting that he would not again be 
troubled in this respept during the next twenty-four 
hours. We feel much better to-night than we did at 
! this time last night," were the parting words of the 
Secretary to the knot of interested auditors. 
Mr. Blaine said:-"The latest intelligence that I 
have is that the President is doing very well; in 
fact, as well as we dare hope for under the circum- 
stances." 
Dr. Bliss came out of the sick room, and in answer 
to a question as to the condition of the Presi- 
dent replied:-"He is sleeping quietly now. | 
There has been no perceptible change j 
since the last official bulletin, and we do . 
not propose to disturb him again to-night to 
take his temperature or respiration." At half-past 
ten o'clock the President was resting quietly. At 
that hour Mrs. Garfield retired in better spirits than 
sho had the previous night. The usual allowance of 
three-sixteenths of a grain of morphia was adminis- 
tered to the patient about eight o'clock, and he par- 
took of his last nourishment of the day, consisting 
of beef juice and toast at nine o'clock. Mr. Crump 
and Judge Advocate General Swaim will watch with 
the President through tlie night, and Drs. Heyburn 
aud Bliss wid be id attendance. The White House 
doors were closed at eleven o'clock. 
SCENES AND INCIDENTS. 
Three large army tents have b^en put in pesition 
for the use ot the military on the east side of AVhite 
House, and the scene in the vicinity is very ani- 
mated. 
The increase in the number of people who eagerly 
congregate around the gateway of the Executive 
grounds has caused the watchmen and attendants 
on duty there to exercise more scrutiny with regard 
to the examination of passes and the persons pre- 
senting them. This care may be taken for the pur- 
pose ot guarding against the slipping in of "cranks." 
A gentleman present at the operation to-day says 
that when the President was informed of what was 
about to be done he quietly assented. He was 
placed in a suitable position, his face downward, 
and after Dr. Agnew, the operating surgeon, had ; 
carefully and thoroughly examined the por- 
tion of the body in the neighborhood of 
which the incision was to be made, feeling 
for and pressing against the muscles and sinews 
for the purpose of avoiding them in performing the 
operation, a point three inches directly below the 
wound was decided upon as being the best for the 
purposes of the operation, and the knife was in- 
serted perpendicularly ana run in about an inch 
and a half and then a twist cutting made. A groove 
director was used by Dr. Agnew and the physicians 
present pronounced the operation a very skilful and 
highly successful one. 
WAS THE TROUBLE PYJKMIA? 
In view of the doubt expressed in some quartersas 
to the accuracy of the theory of blood poisoning, the 
following extract from a well known medical work 
has an important bearing upon the case. It will be 
remembered that the President's temperature 
reached 104 and his pulse 130 during the 
period of his attack yesterday morning. In 
volume I. of Holmes' work on "A System of 
. Surgery,'' recognized as a standard work of the 
; highest authority, under the head of "Pyremia," 
| the President's condition is accurately described. 
The author says:- 
The secondary complications which may follow the 
local disease (but are often dependent upon condi- 
tions different from any of the preceding) are 
marked by symptoms sufficiently characteristic. 
The patient, weak and enfeebled by previous dis- 
ease, or influenced by other predispositions already 
described, complains suddenly of cold and is pres- 
ently attacked with rigors. In nearly all surgical 
instances, for example, in twenty-eight out of 
thirty-three of Amotte's reported cues, the patient 
is described as going on well when the symptoms 
first become declared. If a wound is suppurating 
at the time the discharge often ceases, its surface be- 
comes dry and the surrounding integument acquires 
a dusky hue. The rigors of varying severity are re- 
peated at brief intervals, or, though this is the 
exception, a day or two may elapse before they 
recur, no symptoms arising in the interval. Per- 
spirations sometimes profuse and causing considera- 
ble exhaustion, sometimes scanty, succeed the rigors. 
The skin soon becomes dry and harsh, but toward 
the close of the case, if it terminate fatally, there 
breaks out a clammy sweat. The temperature fluctu- 
ates, but rarely reaches above 104. The pulse, rising 
rapidly to 100 or 130 beats in tne minute, is feeble, 
sometimes intermitting, and though jerking, is 
easily compressed. The tongue, at first but little 
altered from its condition prior to the at- 
tack, soon grows dry on the dorsum, 
and is covered with a brownish fur. At 
the same time there is a remarkable 
sense of depression. The countenance is anxious 
and oppressed, the eyes sunken. Thore is often 
pain about the head; the patient, restless and irrita- 
ble, fails to obtain accustomed sleep and becomes 
rapidly emaciated. With tfiese-symptoms there exists 
a tawny discoloration ot the integument almost 
characteristic of the disease, requiring, however, 
to be distinguished from the jaundice tinge 
with which it is sometimes complicated. 
Without the intercurrence of other symptoms, the 
patient may pass quickly into a typhoid state, and 
thus, in a lew days, the disease may terminate 
fatally, or, less rapid in its progress, may tend to 
gradual sinking, the patient fingering for several 
weeks. 
A foot note referring to the word "lingering," 
says:-"After operations the symptoms of pytemia 
have commenced any time from tho second day to 
the third or fourth week." Discussing the prognosis 
of pyaemia tho author says:- 
What is to be said of the prospect of recovery 
from the secondary complications? Taking those 
cases in which no doubt has existed of the na- 
ture of the disease, is it probable that a 
fatal result invariably ensues? It is true 
that some cases are recorded in which patients have 
recovered, but in few of these 'is the exist- 
ence of pysemia certain. It is probable that 
a fatal result must generally be anticipated, 
for all practical surgeons acknowledge that very 
little chance remains for the patient who after an 
operation is attacked with the symptoms of this 
disease* 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 24-6:30 A. M. 
The President rested very well last night'up to 
midnight, sleeping quietly at times. Soon after 
midnight be had a slight chill, which passed away 
in a few moments, and since that hour ho h: s slept 
but little, although resting quite comfortably. A 
casual examination, made early this morning, 
seemed to indicate a considerable rail in his tempera- 
ture since 1 st night at seven o'clock, when It stood 
at 101.7. He has taken some beef tea this morning 
with relish. The morning consultation-at which 
both Drs. Agnew and Hamilton will be present-is 
expected to commence at eight o'clock, and a bulle- 
tin 'will be issued soon after. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-10 A. M. 
The President was more restless than usual dur- 
ing the night, and had another rigor just before 
midnight. This morning at a quarter past eight his 
pulse was 98; temperature, 98.4; respiration, 18. A 
consultation was then held with Dr. Hamilton, of 
New York, and Dr. Agnew, of Philadelphia, after 
which a counter opening was made through the in- 
tegument of the back, about three inches below the 
wound, which, it is hoped, will facilitate the drain- 
age of pus and increase the chances of recovery. 
The President bore the operation well. His pulse is 
now 112. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-10:15 A. M. 
The President's physicians, who met at eight 
o'clock, are holding a very prolonged session this 
morning. Whatever conclusions they may have 
arrived at relative to the President's condition 
and symptoms have not yet been divulged. No fur- 
ther details can be obtained concerning the progress 
of the patient's case during tho night other than 
that his temperature this morning is about normal 
and his pulse 98. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-10:45 A. M. 
Information has just been received from the 
President's chamber that the examination which 
commenced about eight o'clock has just been con- 
cluded. It is understood that, at the instance of 
Dr. Agnew, an incision was made in the President's 
body a few inches from the original wound for the 
purpose of reaching what is thought to be a pus 
cavity in the track of the wound. After the opera- 
tion had been performed the drainage tube was in- 
serted, and a small quantity of pus, it is said, soon 
made its appearance. It cannot be ascertained at 
this writing what effect the operation had upon the 
patient or what his condition is at the present t'me. 
The surgeons are now in consultation in their own 
room and a bulletin will probably be issued very 
soon. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-10:50 A. M. 
The President bore the operation this morning 
very weU. His pulse is now 112. 
[Unofficial.) 
Executive Mansion-12 M. 
Dr. Bliss, during the course of conversation in re- 
lation to the operation which was performed on the 
President this morning, said that during his exam- 
ination yesterday he discovered that a slight sack or 
pus cavity had formed immediately at the turn in 
the track of the bullet, and at once decided that the 
proper thing to do was to make an incision which 
would straighten the track and permit the pus to 
discharge more freely. It was determined, however, 
that before performing the operation it would 
be best to notify the consulting surgeons 
and request their attendance, which was done 
torthwitii. The formation of a pus cavity, the 
Doctor says, is a very ordinary occurrence in similar 
instances and there is no doubt in his mind that the 
incision will tend to lessen the frequency and se- 
verity ot the rigor. He says, however, that the 
patient may have more slight chilis. "The result 
of the examination this morning and the President's 
present condition," continued Dr. Bliss, "are reas- 
suring. When 1 left him fifteen minutes ago he was 
steeping quietly. During the operation his pulse 
reached about 120. Since that time there has been 
a falling ofr' of about 15 beats. Tho President 
did not move a muscle while the operation was be- 
ing performed and it was not found neces- 
sary to administer any alcoholic stimulants." 
The counter opening is about three inches below 
the wound. It was necessary to cut to the depth of 
about one inch before the connection with the 
original wound was complete. A local anaesthesia 
was administered, causing a numbness of the parts 
operated upon, which obviated the experience of 
any pain. Shortly alter the operation the patient 
partook of nourishment with a relish, and ex- 
pressed himself as feeling much relieved by the 
operation. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-1:30 P. M. 
At this hour the President's pulse is 102, which 
indicates a gradual decrease of the fever. His tem- 
perature is 99.5. He has taken a second allowance 
of beef tea and seemed to relish it. He has beert 
resting Very quietly since the operation was per- 
formed, dozing at intervals. His condition now 
shows very clearly that he has experienced a reac- 
tion from the Incision, and he is considered better 
at the present time than he has been during the 
past three hours. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-3 P. M. 
There has been no perceptible change in rhe Presi- [ 
dent's condition eince tho last unofficial bulletin 
was sent. The favorable reaction which followed 
the operation is very encouraging to the surgeons, 
and they consider the patient's condition improved. 
Colonel Rockwell, who came from the sick room a 
few minutes ago, savs that the President is restins 
quietly. He says further:-"We all feel greatly re 
lieved and hopeful." • 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-3:30 P. M. 
Dr. Agnew, one ot the consulting surgeons, will 
leave for his home near Pniladelpbia on the 5:40 P. 
M. train to-day. Dr. Hamilton, the other consulting 
surgeon, will remain here for the present. The lat- 
ter says:-"We feel encouraged at the President'* 
present condition." Just before the operation was 
performed this morning, it is said that Dr. Bliss, 
the surgeon in charge, handed Dr. Agnew the instru- 
ment, at the same time inviting him to make the in- 
cision. Tho offer was accepted by Dr. Agnew and 
the operation at once proceeded with. Colonel 
Rockwell says the President is still resting quietly, 
and that his pulse and temperature are going 
down gradually. The Colonel feels and believes 
that the President will "pull through." Postmaster 
General James just said that Dr. Bliss told him a 
few moments ago that the President's condition thus 
far to-day was more favorable; that he is resting 
well and that his general appearance is better. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-5:45 P. M. 
Tho President is resting quietly. He continues to 
sleep at intervals. Mrs. Garfield just remarked that 
he is feeling more comfortable than he has lor two 
days. His pulse remains at 102. Dr. Agnew, who 
lolt for Philadelphia at a quarter to six P. M., ex- 
pects to return to Washington to-morrow. The 
evening examination will be made between six and 
seven o'clock, after which an official bulletin will be 
Issued. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-6:80 P. M. 
The President's wound has just been dressed and 
tho surgeons feel still more encouraged. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has been much relieved by th* 
operatiou of this morning and the pus has been dis- 
charging satisfactorily through the new opening. 
At noon to-day his pulse was 118; temperature, 99.8; 
respiration, 24. At present his pulse is 104; temper- 
ature, 99.2; resniration, 23. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-7:30 P. M. 
It has been stated this afternoon, and it is believed 
that the story has been telegraphed out of town, 
that Dr. Hamilton, the consulting surgeon from 
New York, had expressed the opinion that the Presi- 
dent's case is utterly hopeless. Dr. Hamilton has 
not made any such assertion and authorizes an em- 
phatic denial of it. 
[Unofficial.] 
Exective Mansion-10:30 P. M. 
Secretary Blane and Postmaster General James 
have just left the Mansion for the night. They said 
in response to an inquiry' that the President con- 
tinued to rest comfortably and that his condition 
was as favorable as it possibly could be, considering 
the recent complication. Secretary Blane remarked 
that he was doing as w ell as they dared to hope that 
he should do. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:30 P. M. 
The attending surgeons report at this hour that 
the President is resting quietly, and that although 
they have not thought it best to disturb him by tak- 
ing his pulse and temperature, they believe he is 
entirely free from fever. There are no indications 
of a recurrence of rigor. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 25-12:30 A. M. 
At this hour the President is believed to be rest- 
ing quietly. There is no one accessible and there is 
nothing occurring within earshot of the sick room 
to indicate that his symptoms have in any way 
changed for the worse. 
SECRETARY BLAINE TO MINISTER LOWELL. 
The following cablegram was sent in the afternoon 
by Secretary Blaine to Minister Lowell, at Lon- 
don :- 
At midnight the President had-another chill and 
was restless ana uncomfortable till near morning. 
At a consultation of all his physicians, at eight 
o'clock, a surgical operation was resolved upon, 
and an incision made in his back, below the wound, 
to facilitate the drainage ot pus. The result was 
very favorable, and at twelve o'clock noon, his con- 
dition is improved. The President endured the 
knife without ether and without the slightest 
tremor. We are anxious, but hopeful. 
And the following at six o'clock:- 
At six o'clock P. M. the President's symptoms 
continue favorable. The result of the surgical 
operation of this morning has proved beneficial. 
The following was sent to-night:- 
At eleven P. M. the President's condition is im- 
proved. He has much less fever and a general sub- 
sidence of unfavorable symptoms. 
'Elie President's Condition. 
All the reports from Washington indicate 
a very decided improvement from yesterday 
in the state of the nation's invalid. It is 
greatly to be hoped that the amelioration 
will be permanent, and there is some rea- 
son to believe that it will be. Dr. Agnew's 
operation has saved the President's life - 
for the time. Grave purulent contami- 
nation kills rapidly when a patient has 
been enfeebled by continued illness, as 
the President has been, and when the con- 
dition which made the absorption of pus 
possible is not interfered with. If the 
opening made yesterday gives such free 
issue to the pus that no more is absorbed, 
then that which has been absorbed already, 
however it may complicate the case 
with a new impediment to speedy recovery, can scarcely prove fatal. 
It appears that a sort cf pocket had 
formed in the course of the wound 
in which pus accumulated, and from which 
it was not regularly discharged, in spi'e of 
all the drainage tubes. That has been 
opened and emptied. It remains to be 
seen whether there are any more such pock- 
ets. That such a cavity could form within 
three inches of the mouth of the wound 
and escape detection until it had caused 
pyaemia does not give a happy im- 
pression of the acuteness of the doc- 
tors about the President. The incision 
for opening this pocket was made, it 
appears, at three inches below the point 
where the bullet entered, was only an inch 
deep, and the cavity was found outside the 
ribs. It appears, therefore, that the bullet 
went down outside the ribs for at least 
three inches below the point of entrance. 
How does Dr. Bliss reconcile this with his 
great theory that the bullet pierced the 
liver? But it also appears that the discov- 
ery was made yesterday that the President's 
tenth rib is fractured. It seems incredible 
that with four surgeons about him for three 
weeks this discovery was not earlier made. DB. HAMILTON BELIEVES THE L1VEB NOT WOUNDED. 
It was expected that Dr. Agnew would arrive here 
this evening about ten o'clock, but he failed to 
come, and his non-appearance is accounted 
for by the report that between this point 
and Philadelphia a railway delay of an accidental 
character has occurred. At the urgent request of 
Mrs. Garfield, reinforced by the request of the mem- 
bers of the Cabinet, Dr. Hamilton has consented 
to remain here until Dr. Agnew's return. 
Dr. Hamilton said this afternoon that the President 
is doing well under the circumstances, and there 
were no evidences of the wounding of the 
liver, as the ball struck against the tenth rib 
and fractured it, diverting its course. Ho does 
not think the ball has gone into the abdominal 
cavity, but is inclined to think it is outside of that 
cavity and passed down and that it will be found in 
the iliac region. The incision made, he said, is 
discharging freely, which makes the case, in his 
opinion, very hopeful. 
LOCATING THE BALL BY TELEPHONE. 
Your correspondent called upon Professor Graham 
Bell to-day for the purpose of learning the progress 
he had made toward bringing the induction balance 
to the standard necessary for ascertaining the loca- 
tion of the ball in the President's body. It was as- 
certained that he had not, after continuous experi- 
ments and untiring application day and night for 
the past week, succeeded in tracing lead metal but a 
slight distance beyond two inches. It is thought 
by the surgeons, however, that perhaps this is as 
far as will be requisite, for they are inclined to think 
that the bullet has lodged about this distance from 
the wall of the stomach. The professor has re- 
moved his app ratus from his laboratory to the 
Wh te House. The telephonic connection and ex- 
ploring coil are in the apartment occupied by the 
physicians which adjoins the sick room and the in- 
terrupter and battery are in the basement. Wires 
connecting the different parts of the contrivance run 
from the surgeons' room through the window, 
thence on the outside of the building to the battery 
below. A practical test was made this morning in 
the basement of the Executive Mansion upon a 
tailor residing in Georgetown. While this man was 
in the army during the late war he had sustained a 
gunshot wound and still carries the bullet. None of 
the doctors were present during the trial, it having 
been conducted by Professor Bell and his assistants, 
the result was highly satisfactory. All the physi- 
cians in attendance have examined and tested this 
electrical wonder and look upon it with favor, and 
say it is well worthy consideration. Drs. Ham- 
ilton and Agnew have also examined theinstrument. 
They seemed much pleased with it and think it suf- 
ficiently powerful to locate the bullet. Professor 
Howland, of Johns Hopkins University, arrived in 
town to-day. and in company with Professor Bell 
visited the White House. The visiting professor 
has made some valuable suggestions which will be 
carried out when the apparatus is applied to the 
President. 
It has been decided to use the apparatus upon the 
President at the first favorable opportunity. The 
present condition of the patient will not admit of 
his being disturbed any more than is actually neces- 
sary. Although the instrument works painlessly 
and noiselessly the stir and bustle about the vicinity 
of the bed in manipulating it would be such as to 
make it prudent to postpone any experiment for the 
present. 
THE PBESIDENT'S DIET. 
The President has not been eating much recently. 
He is given milk and beef tea at intervals during 
the day, but only in small quantities. The doctors 
regulate the amount of food by his powers of as- 
similation, and try to avoid overloading his stomach. 
The beef tea which is such a prominent article in 
the nourishment allowed him has beeu prepared all 
along by "mine host''of Wormley's Hotel, widely 
and familiarly known as "Jim Wormley." Mr. 
Wormley, who is an authority on table viands in 
general, has a peculiar talent for getting up diet 
for the sick, having nursed Daniel Webster, Stephen 
A. Douglas and Charles Sumner, and was one of the 
few present at the deathbed of Lincoln. Mr. Worm- 
ley, on hearing of the attempted assassination of the 
President, at once tendered his services as nurse, 
but Mrs. Dr. Edson having already volunteered 
with Mr. Crump, Dr. Bliss asked Mr. Wormley to 
superintend the preparation of the diet. Since 
then whatever food the President has eaten has 
been prepared at his hotel. To make the beef tea, 
or more properly beet juice, Mr. Wormley secured 
the finest tenderloin possible. The steak, placed on 
a broiling iron, is taken to the fire, not to cook it in 
the least, but merely to singe the surface. Then it 
is subjected to a pressure of three or four hundred 
pounds in a peculiar machine, made for the purpose, 
until every drop of the juice is extracted. The beef 
emerges from this ordeal as dry as chips, while the 
juice, after slight seasoning to suit the President's 
taste, is ready for use. A spoonful of this is equal 
in nourishment to a pound of meat. To-day the 
apparatus for preparing it has been removed to the 
White House, as it was better to have it more con- 
venient. The chickens for broth and broils that 
were used last week were raised on Mr. Wormley's 
farm, a fair stretch of land north of the city, near 
Price's Mills. 
To-day a southerly wind wafted the hot air into 
the President's room, raising the temperature above 
80 degrees. The cooling apparatus in the basement, 
which has been idle for several days, was ordered 
into operation, and in a few minutes the tempera- 
ture was reduced to 75 degrees, the standard tor the 
sick room. There was some criticism, it is reported, 
about using air artificially cooled. It was argued 
that such a low temperature made it cooler under 
and about the bed of the patient than the natural 
inflow of air from the windows. Mr. Jennings, 
who still remains in charge of the apparatus, said 
to-day that such criticism could not be well founded, 
as the President's room is connected by telephone 
with the engineers in the basement, and they have 
a regular code of signals by which the volume of 
fresh air is regulated so that there is never any un- 
evenness in the current introduced through the 
register. 
HOPES AND FEABS. 
The favorable bulletin given to the public at 
three o'clock this morning allayed much of the un- 
easiness that the citizens carried with them to bed 
last night. Throughout to-day the general impression 
prevailed that the President's condition was beyond 
danger, and this idea continued until seven this 
evening, when another bulletin was posted which 
showed that the patient's pulse had risen to 110, 
respiration to 24 and temperature to 101.8. This 
was a great disappointment, and the large crowds 
that assembled in the neighborhood of the White 
House and other points where bulletins are dis- 
played, were not slow in manifesting their appre- 
hension. The anxious people would collect in knots 
and discuss the report from the attending physicians 
and unfavorable criticism were heaped upon those 
gentlemen for the manner in which they reported 
the President's condition. At the entrance to the 
White House throngs of people made inquiries of 
the officers on duty if they had heard anything fur- 
ther than was contained in the bulletin, but they 
could obtain no more satisfaction. For several 
hours after the bulletin was posted the streets were 
filled, and the anxious expressions on the 
people's faces showed that they had begun 
to lose faith in the news which is 
given oat by the attending surgeons. This 
feeling was not confined to one class of citizens, but 
physicians declared their contempt for the meagre 
reports furnished the public and they, too, ex- 
pressed themselves plainly concerning those from 
whom something more definite was expected. 
At the corner of Fifteenth street and New York 
avenue, some minutes after the seven o'clock bulle- 
tin was given out, there congregated a num- 
ber of prominent citizens, who, from their 
conversation, had evidently been reading the 
Hebald editorials on the conduct of the 
case. At other points in the city similar 
crowds congregated and there was but one senti- 
ment, namely, that the physicians were unfairly 
treating the public. At a late hour the crowds dis- 
persed from about the windows where bulletins are 
displayed, but around the Executive Mansion there 
still lingered an excited throng of people endeavor- 
ing to avail themselves of any opportunity to hear 
from inside. But as each person came out his lips 
appeared to be sealed against any disclosure further 
than:-"The President is resting quietly,'' a phrase 
which has taken the place of that of-"The Presi- 
dent's condition continues favorable." 
SOMETHING TO BE EXPLAINED. 
A noticeable feature of the announcements made 
by the physicians to the public of the President's 
condition is that on Monday evenings his pulse, tem- 
perature and respiration rise, and during the re- 
maining portion of the week go down almost to 
normal condition. The record of the doctors shows 
that on Monday, July 4. at seven P. M. the pulse 
was 124; temperature, 101; respiration, 24. This 
was the second day after the wound. On the even- 
ing following at seven P. M., Tuesday, July 5, his 
pulse was 106; temperature, 100 3-10; and respira- 
tion, 24. Monday, July 11, at seven P. M., pulse, 
108; temperature, 102 8-10, and respiration, 
24. Monday, July 18. at seven P. M., pulse, 
102; temperature, 100 7-10, and respiration, 
21. Monday, July 25, at seven P. M., pulse, 110; 
temperature, 101 8-10, and respiration, 24. The 
periodicity as well as regularity with which these 
fluctuations have occurred suggests that there is an 
intermittent condition of the President's system 
which appears to have been entirely overlooked and 
which indicates malarial influences. 
db. bliss' statement. 
In an interview at ten o'clock to-night Dr. Bliss 
says that the President has had no anodynes 
through the day, but the usual hypodermic 
injection of about one-eighth of a grain 
of sulphate of morphia was given after 
the dressing of the wound this evening. There has 
been a fairly copious discharge of pus from the new 
incision made by Dr. Agnew yesterday, and its 
character has been perfectly healthy. About 
two and a half tablespoonfuls were 
obtained when the wound was dressed 
this morning and an equal quantity to-night, be- 
sides that taken up by the absorbent cotton during 
NEW YORK HERALD 
BROADWAY AMD ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YORK. TU/.SDW. JUtY 26. 188L_ 
(BY TELEGKAPH TO THE HEBALD. | 
Washington, July 25, 1881. 
The excitement that outwardly prevailed at the 
White House for the past two days has nearly sub- 
sided and everything is resuming its usual appear- 
ance. The symptoms of the President, which, of 
course, are the gauge of the rising and tailing state 
of feeling, had at one time to-day reached the normal 
point. "He is doing very well under the circum- 
stances,'' say the doctors, and his weakened con- 
dition is about the only remaining indication of his 
recent attack. The discharge of pus continues 
very liberal, and it is thought that the 
cavity has been cleared out. Ho passed a 
very comfortable day up to two o'clock. The 
afternoon fever began a little earlier than usual. 
He became quite restless, but this subsided again, 
and after the dressing at six o'clock he went to sleep, 
with the prospect of spending a comfortable night. 
During the day there were but few visitors at the 
White House. The Cabinet officers came during the 
evening, but did not remain long. There was in 
general a more cheerful feeling concerning thePresi- 
aent's condition. Dr. Bliss was reported as having 
said during the day that it the President passed the 
hour of two o'clock without the recurrence of a 
chill he would be better. The Doctor came out 
shortly after and accompanied Dr. Hamilton down 
stairs to the carriage which was to take the latter to 
the New York tram. 
THE PUS SACK EMPTIED. 
When Dr. Bliss came back to the room he stopped 
and talked very freely about the condition of the 
President. He said that when they dressed the 
wound in the evening the quantity of pus dis- 
charged was about two and a half tablespoons. It 
was healthy, and he believed that they had gotten 
all the pus out of the cavity. The President then 
went to sleep, and the prospect of passing a very 
comfortable night was good. 
"Is he so very weak. Doctor?" 
"Well, of course he is quite weak, but he is not 
helpless, and when you approach the bed he 
stretches out one hand to grasp yours. He has 
never been so weak that he could not lift hishead, 
as has been reported." 
"How about the wound?" 
"The incision has enabled us to tap the pus cavity 
that was formed, and we were able to empty it. This 
new opening will now be the main one, although 
the old mouth will be kept open and both used as 
far as possible. We know' nothing of the upper 
part of the wound, except that the pus is not form- 
ing there. If it had formed the fact would at once 
be indicated by certain signs which we could per- 
ceive, and then we would take steps to remove the 
disturbing cause." 
"Is there any prospect of other pus cavities form- 
ing along this part of the wound?" 
"Not that we know of now; but of course it is 
possible that such cavities could form at any point 
along the track of the wound and possibly some lit- 
tle distance from it, but there are no indications of 
anything of the sort." 
Dr. Bliss was asked if he had any reason to change 
his theory about the location of the ball. 
THE LOCATION OF THE BALL. 
"You must remember that we never said we knew, 
but to our best judgment that was the course taken 
by the ball. A bullet plays curious pranks in a 
body, it is so liable to be influenced by the yield- 
ing tissues and other parts. Sometimes it is almost 
impossible to tell where it goes." 
As an instance of this peculiarity of balls he 
related an instance that came under his ob- 
servation during the war where a man was shot 
in the breast, and the ball after a circuitous 
passage lodged in the joint of his shoulder. 
It was impossible to locate the ball, and it 
was found after his death by an autopsy. 
This diversion of the conversation to the subject of 
location of the ball brought to mind the electrical 
experiments now in progress with the view of 
ascertaining its location. The Doctor said the 
practical application of these experiments to the 
President would be considered by the doctors if 
they thought it was necessary. He did not regard 
the presence of the ball in the body as an active 
agent for harm. 
On the other hand. Dr. Boynton, the President's 
cousin, who has been by his bedside nearly every 
day since the wound was received, has given a great 
deal of personal attention to the President's condi- 
tion, and has availed himself of his position to study 
the case carefully. He expresses the opinion that 
the liver was not penetrated, and possibly not 
touched by the ball. the day. Slight pressure upon the front wall of 
the abdomen increases the outflow, and for 
that reason the amount discharged dur- 
ing the examinations is much greater 
than that which flows out naturally in the interven- 
ing intervals of time. The track of the ball is now 
open to observation through the new incision as far 
as the point where it passes between the ribs, and 
when pressure is brought to bear upon the abdomen 
pus may be seen welling out from tne deeper pari of 
the wound. Communication between the mouth of 
the old wound and that of the new incision is 
still maintained by means of the drain- 
age tube, which passes in through one and 
out through the other, and which at 
every examination is cleared or pus by a stream of 
carbolized water from a fountain syringe. In reply 
to questions Dr. Bliss said that there is a possibility 
of the formation of another pus cavity, although 
there is no reason at present to expectit, because the 
discharge is now free and uninterrupted. Should, 
however, another cavity form its existence would 
be at once indicated by the general constitu- 
tional disturbance which it would cause. 
"There is no danger," he said, "of the forma- 
tion of a pus cavity without an accompaniment 
of warning symptoms, such as a haggard and de- 
pressed expression of the face, rigor and greatly 
increased fevor. These symptoms would at 
once show the nature of the disturbing 
influence." Being asked whether the blood 
could become poisoned by the reabsorption of 
pus from a hidden and enclosed cavity. Dr. Bliss 
said:-"Healthy pus is not taken up by the blood 
and cannot contaminate it. It is only when pus be- 
comes disorganized and diseased that it is reab- 
sorbed so as to cause pyaemia." 
The Doctor went on to say that pyaemia generally 
manifested itself before the end of the fourth week 
it at all. "We have no especial reason to apprehend 
it in this case, and there has certainly 
been no indication of it as yet." Dr. Bliss' 
attention was then called to the fact that five of the 
employes at the Executive Mansion are suffering 
from malarial fever or from malaria in some of its 
forms, due to the condition of the Potomac flats 
below the city, and the question was asked 
him whether the President were not to some 
extent similarly affected, and whether the apparent 
periodicity of the afternoon fever did not indicate 
malarial influence. He replied that no symptoms 
of malaria had been observed in the President's 
case, and that the regular recurrence of his 
fever between three P. M. and midnight is 
due to other causes; that surgical fever is 
always highest in the afternoon and evening and 
lowest in the morning. About ten grains of quinine, 
he said, had been given to the President daily for 
two weeks past, but this had been done rather to 
tone up his nervous system than to counteract any 
supposed influence of malaria. 
THE DANGER OF ANOTHER ABSCESS. 
"Doctor, is there any danger of an abscess forming 
at the other end of the wound?" 
After a little hesitation the Doctor replied:- 
"Well, no; we cannot exactly tell. If such an acci- 
dent were to happen I think it would make itself 
apparent." 
"Was the fracture of the rib a new discovery?" 
"Oh, no. If you recollect that was published the 
first day of the shooting. I put my finger in the 
wound down yonder"-meaning the depot- 
"and discovered that. I have seen it stated that 
the incision made by Dr. Agnew was 
two inches deep. Now, that is not the 
case. It was about three-quarters of an inch deep. 
By looking into the cut you can see the walls of the 
abdominal cavity. The pus is discharged almost 
altogether through this incision. I notice that we 
extract as much pus while dressing the wound as we 
do all the rest of the day put together." 
"If the bullet could be located by means of an 
electrical apparatus would you attempt to extract it 
at this time?" 
After toying with a little ivory lead pencil at- 
tached to his watch chain for a few minutes 
the Doctor said, with a great deal of deliberation:- 
"Well, I don't know. Understand me. We have 
never said that we knew the exact location of the 
ball. Balls, as I before told you, play queer tricks 
in the human frame." 
SURGEON GENERAL WALES' OPINION. 
Your correspondent met this evening Surgeon 
General Wales, of the navy, taking a stroll with a 
professional brother, and drawing him aside into 
the lobby of a hotel induced him to talk 
about the Presidential wound, which, it will 
be remembered, he probed with his little finger. The 
doctor is averse to talking about the matter at all, 
but when he speaks it is with a directness and clear- 
ness that fully justify the high opinions expressed 
of his professional skill by his associates. After re- 
ferring to the editorial criticism in to-day's Hebald, 
with reference to the hitting of a rib by 
the ball m its passage, remarking that it 
was not only known shortly after the 
President was wounded, but was as quickly pub- 
lished, he added:-"You know that pieces of the rib 
have come out. Oh, yes," he continued; "one piece 
yesterday and two to-day." 
"I would like to have you give me a rough dia- 
gram, Doctor, indicating as nearly as possible the 
point of entrance of the ball and the direction it is 
supposed to have taken." 
With a pencil on the leaf of a note book he 
rapidly sketched the figure of a human trunk, plac- 
ing in position four or five of the lower ribs to fa- 
cilitate the illustration. 
"The ball entered here," indicating a point just 
below the tenth rib, "and here, three inches below, 
is where I understand the incision to have been 
made yesterday." 
"And the direction taken by the ball is?-" 
"Supposed to be in a downward direction, toward 
the abdominal wall, anyhow, and I believe this has 
not been stated. Right here where I have my finger, 
just after the shooting occurred, the flesh seemed 
to have hardened to the touch and the sound 
was hard, not like the one I now produce." The 
Doctor put his left hand flat upon his groin, about 
four inches from the right hip bone and to the left 
of it, and tapped it with the fingers of his right 
hand. "The sound," he continued, "was altogether 
different from that." 
"The ball may at that time have been lodged 
there?" I suggested. 
"It may have," he answered. 
"But," said his compnion, who is a physician, 
"it is very hard to tell where it is now." 
"Is there a possibility of the ball in time working 
its way toward the artificial opening made yesterday 
and being extracted more easily through that chan- 
nel?" 
"Oh, yes. There's a possibility of it. 
Now, I think, the President may suffer 
from pieces of the fractured rib. They 
are floating around about here," indicating with 
dottings of a pencil on the diagram before men- 
tioned. 
As Dr. Wales had not seen the distinguished pa- 
tient recently he politely declined further conversa- 
tion regarding the case. 
ABE THE DOCTORS CONCEALING ANYTHING? 
From the best information that can be gathered 
to-night the condition of affairs is one of uncer- 
tainty. Nothing new can be ascertained from the 
attending or consulting surgeons, nor do they ap- 
pear to have anything to tell more than the public 
already knows. That much has been suppressed is 
doubtless true, but that the treatment of the pa- 
tient has been improper or imprudent doe-< not ap- 
pear. This case has apparently taught the surgeons 
some lessons. Among them not the least that may 
be mentioned is the undesirability of expressing a 
professional opinion based upon bulletins of the 
character that have been issued here from time to 
time. The outside surgeons say to-night that no 
satisfactory opinion can be based upon the record 
as heretofore given, as they are not cognizant' 
of the condition or color of the patient's skin, the 
nature or frequency of the movement from 
the bowels, the analysis or appearance of the 
urine or even the appearance of the tongue, 
and, with the exception of the high perspiration 
occasionally noted in the bulletins, no notification 
has at any time been given of the condition of the 
skin. In such circumstances it is not surprising 
that many an opinion has been expressed by emi- 
nent surgeons and promulgated by correspondents 
and others at variance with the facts. This sup- 
pression of a portion of the symptoms has hereto- 
fore caused an undue sense of security 
and feeling that the President was past dan- 
ger. Although it has been steadily and mys- 
teriously announced that the patient was not 
out of danger, no expression has at any time been 
given to lead one to suppose that this opinion was 
based on any facts not known or given in the 
bulletins. The fact that one of the attending 
surgeons had on S iturday last authorized a denial 
of the report that an abscess was forming has placed 
him in a very unenviable position. The symptoms 
telegraphed Saturday night were those of an acute 
rigor or chill, lollowed by excessive perspiration ana 
a great rise in temperature, and are symptoms laid 
down in all surgical works as an indication of 
pyaemia. The public, therefore, waited with great 
anxiety a further announcement, which was made 
later in the evening, that the President was do- 
ing very well. Notwithstanding this the next 
morning it was announced that he had 
parsed a very restless night and that 
shortly after midnight he experienced another 
riyor. This was accepted by a majority of the sur- 
geons as proof positive of the existence of pysemia, 
although it is well known the formation of an ab- 
scess in a locality remote from the surface is usually 
accompanied by a chill or rigor, as in cases of an ab- 
scess of the male breast. 
THE QUESTION OF PYAEMIA, 
However, it is customary for abscesses of this 
character to bo accompanied with but a single chill, 
whereas in pyaemia there may be chills twice daily, 
or even as often as once in two or three hours, 
Pjannia chills are invariably followed by pro- 
fuse sweating. Knowing this the surgeons of 
this city greeted the announcement of Dr. Reyburn 
that the President was much relieved by the per- 
spintion with considerable surprise, but not hav- 
ing iu their possession a full knowledge of all the 
symptoms it is not surprising that they were mis- 
led. Dr. Hamilton, of New York, has said that 
there were no symptoms of pytomla; that the 
chill seemed to have arisen from confined pus. 
Dr. Hamilton did not say the danger from pysemia 
was passed, nor. indeed, can any one say so 
at this time, for it will not be passed 
until the wound shall have entirely closed and 
the fistular track healed. It is as yet doubtful 
whether all of the clothing has been discharged 
from the wound and the location of the ball 
is yet in loco incognito. While it has been reported 
that certain pieces of linen and other 
clothing have been discharged, no one except 
perhaps the attending surgeons know how much 1b 
still missing, and as any portion of the same re- 
tained in the wound is an element of trouble, how 
great danger from that source may be cannot bo 
determined. The location of the ball, i 
it be as at first stated by Dr. Bliss, 
lodged^r. the muscles of the front of the abdomen 
will b'e a fortunate circumstance. But even in this 
matter circumstances so far seem to point to the 
conclusion that it is not located anywhere in the 
wall but rather in the general abdominal cavity. The 
effect upon a projectile of a small charge of powder 
would be that after shattering the ribs the ball 
would become flattened and roughened after strik- 
ing the bone and its specific gravity would induce 
it to burrow its way to the dependent portion of the 
abdomen. This spot would, of course, depend 
upon the position the patient occupies in 
bed. Its track being necessarily tortuous would be 
followed by pus which would be likely to accumu- 
late at one or more points along its 
course. Each one of the accumulations may 
in its turn give rise to additional rigors and 
all the distressing symptoms accompanying 
them. Hence, as the outside doctors say, 
the outlook is one of utter uncertainty. The great 
reticence of all connected with the case makes any 
positive statement hazardous. From the various 
statements given it may ce gleaned that the Presi- 
dent's condition is one of very great weakness. He 
is said to be unable to raise his head 
unassisted; that his limbs are helpless, and that his 
food is confined to meat juice and the like. It is a 
notorious fact that while life can bo pro- 
longed by a diet of this character strength 
cannot be given, nor until the appetite returns 
and the patient's condition is such as to enable him 
to eat with relish and heartily is it possible for him 
to gain strength. The opinion here is that if the 
symptoms of Saturday and Sunday recur grave re- 
sults may be anticipated. 
Drs. Bliss and Woodward will remain on 
duty to-night. Dr. Hamilton left for New 
York on the evening train. Dr. Agnew's 
train, after a delay at Wilmington, caused 
by a fire, arrived here about throe hours after he 
was expected. He went at once to the residence of 
the Attorney General and will see the President the 
first thing to-morrow morning. 
THE WHITE BOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 25-7 A. M. 
Dr. Bliss says he feels very much gratified at the 
condition he finds his patient in this morning. The 
President, he says, had no chill and slept well dur- 
ing the night. A casual examination just made 
shows little or no lever and his pulse at 98. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President has passed a more comfortable 
night and has had no rigor since that reported in 
the bulletin of yesterday morning. He is doing well 
this morning. Pulse, 96; temperature, 98.4; respi- 
ration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BABNES, ROBERT REYBUuN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-10:45 A. M. 
The President's condition continues favorable, 
and at this hour he is very comfortable. No 
material change has occurred in his pulse or tem- 
perature since the last official bulletin was issued. 
He has partaken of lime water and milk alternately 
with meat juice this morning with a relish. When 
the wound was dressed the cotton was found well 
saturated with pus of a healthy character. The 
surgeons say there has been a gradual and very sat- 
isfactory discharge of pus ever since the incision 
was made. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-12 M. 
Thirty-six hours have now elapsed since the Presi- 
dent had his last chill, and there are as yet no indi- 
cations of another. With the exception of the 
slightly increased weakness caused by the relapse of 
Saturday his condition to-day does not differ mate- 
rially from that of the early part of last week. The 
surgeons are now assembling for the noon consul- 
tation, and within the next hour an unofficial report 
will probably be made of the patient's pulse and 
temperature. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-1 P. M. 
The President's condition at this hour is regarded 
by the surgeons as extemely favorable and encourag- 
ing. His pulse is 104, and his temperature and 
respiration are normal. The discharge of pus is as 
copious as could be expected, and its char cter is 
perfectly healthy. There is no indication of fever at 
present, but it is probable that the usual slight 
febrile rise will occur this evening as it did last 
week before the formation of the pus cavity. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2:15 P. M. 
Doctor Bliss at a quarter past two reports:- 
"Everything is going well. There has been no re- 
appearance of fever, and the President is sleeping 
quietly." 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4 P. M. 
Dr. Reyburn reports that the condition of the 
President has not materially changed stuce noon. The febrile rise which has always occurred in the 
latter part of the day is now becoming noticeable, 
but the fever is not high and is not accompanied by 
any particularly unfavorable symptoms. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has done well during the day. His 
afternoon lever did not come on until after three 
o'clock. It is somewhat higher than yesterday, but 
there has been no chill. At noon his pulse was 104, 
temperature 98.4, respiration 20. At seven P. M. his 
pulse was 110, temperature 101.8, respiration 24. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD. 
J. K. BAHNErf, ROBERT HEYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-10:30 P. M. 
The condition of the President to-night is said by 
Dr. Bliss to be in every way favorable and encourag- 
ing. The afternoon fever, which came on about 
three o'clock, has nearly subsided, and the patient's 
pulse and temperature are both at this hour below 
100. He is sleeping quietly and all the surgeons 
have left the Mansion except Drs. Bliss and Wood- 
ward, who are on duty. 
MB. BLAINE TO MINISTER LOWELL. 
The following despatch was sent to-night by the 
Secretary of State to Minister Lowell, at London :- 
The President has passed a fairly comfortable day. 
Toward nightfall his pulse and temperature rose 
higher than was anticipated, and the flow of pus was 
not quite so free as desired. At eleven o'clock P. M. 
his symptoms are more favorable, giving promise of 
general improvement to-morrow. 
DR. AGNEW'S HOPEFUL WORDS. 
Philadelphia, July 25, 1881. 
"I am very hopeful to-dav," said Dr. D. Hayes 
Agnew this afternoon to your correspondent, who 
met him at the West Philadelphia Railroad station, 
whither he had gone to take the regular 5:40 train 
for Washington. The famous physician was in the 
best of humor and conversed freely about the case 
of the wounded President. 
"Yes, indeed; I may say that I am more thor- 
oughly hopeful to-day than I have been since I saw 
the injured President. It is a great thing to get a 
desperate case of this nature thoroughly in hand 
and to know just what is the cause of each unfavor- 
able symptom, in order that relief may be at once 
applied. The incision of the abcess ordered by the 
unanimous voice of all the physicians in attendance 
has brought about the most satisfactory results. 
We shall now, I see every reason to hope, 
be able to control the drainage of the wound and to 
ward off all danger of blood poisoning. I have no 
idea that this or any similar surgical operation will 
have to be repeated. I see that I am quoted in this 
evening's papere as having become a convert to 'the 
heroic treatment' in President Garfield's case. This 
Is an error. 1 see no present or past excuse for the 
extraction of the bullet. As the case stands I should 
be very averse to having it undertaken. In the fu- 
ture, when convalescence has well progressed, it 
will be time to discuss that phase of the case." 
"There seems to be considerable anxiety regard- 
ing the threatened paralysis of the lower limbs, 
Doctor. Do you fear any such result?" was asked. 
"Not in the least. Mr. Garfield is a very weak 
man. Think of the suffering he has endured during 
the cast three weeks! But he is a brave man-his 
own master yet, in every sense of the word. There 
are no signs of paralysis. Weakness is one thing, 
and absence of all feeling or control by the mind of 
the extremities is another. No physician 
can mistake weakness for paralytic symptoms. 
If President Garfield recovers, and the odds 
are absolutely in his favor, he will be as hale and 
hearty as ever. There is no reason, judging from ex- 
perience, to believe that this wound will make him 
an invalid.'* 
"There is, also, considerable talk about malaria 
at the White House. Do you think the President 
has been unfavorably affected by it?" 
THE LIVEB LACERATED. 
"Candidly, I don't believe there is a particle of 
malaria about the White House." replied Dr. Agnew, 
smiling. "It is entirely unnecessary to seek for 
malaria as a cause for his fever, after the discovery 
of the pus sack. He will have no more chills unless 
obstructions occur or cavities form, and these events, 
I have previously said, are not likely to recur. The 
physicians feel that they have 'a control of the 
wound,' if I may so express myself, which they did 
not have before. Indeed there were not a few rays 
ot encouragement imparted to us all during the op- 
eration. Regarding these surmises I have a particu- 
lar wish not to speak just now. It would be prema- 
ture and unfair to others who have expressed 
opinions. I remember to have told you that I be- 
lieved, from an examination made with my finger 
and with tne probe, that the liver was lacerated. I 
| can only say that I shail be the first to admit my 
; error and one of the happiest men in this nation to 
: announce it." 
"Tell me about the experiment on the old soldier 
which you are credited with having made yester- 
day." 
"There is no further foundation for it," said the 
good humored physician, "than exists in the fact 
that an inmate of the Soldiers'Home at Washing- 
ton, who thinks he has a bullet in him, has gen- 
erously offered himself to Professor Bell for experi- 
ment with his electrometer. I have not seen the 
man, but it is a generous act on his part, and I 
nope both science and himself may be benefited." 
"You relieve Dr. Hamilton, do you not?" was 
asked. 
"Yes; he returns to New York to-night. Oue of 
us will remain at Washington until the crisis is 
past." 
The engine whistled and Dr. Agnew moved off 
toward Washington on his errand of mercy. The 
following is the newspaper report above referred to. 
It is from the Philadelphia Evening Telegraph: 
DM. AGNEW AND THE BULLET. 
Dr. Agnew, it has been learned, is very anxious to 
locate the bullet, and thinks it important that it 
should be removed from the body if it can possibly 
be done with safety. He experimented yesterday 
upon an old soldier from the Soldiers'Home, who has 
a bullet in his body, but was not altogether satisfied 
with the electrical apparatus of Professor Beil. The 
electricians thought that they had definitely located 
the bullet in the old soldier's body, but Dr. Agnew 
did not agree with them. Some of the physi- 
cians are beginning to think that the ball, after all. 
may not have touched the liver, and that it is lodged 
in the muscles of the lower portion of the back or 
in the spine. There are said to ba some indications 
that Dr. Agnew was ot that opinion, and he has 
never yet expressed the belief that the bullet did 
pass through the liver. Professional courtesy, of 
course, would prevent him from saying that, as, 
according to the diagnosis of the attending physi- 
cians, the ball passed through the liver and by some 
circuitous way, without injuring the intestines, 
reached the anterior wall of the abdomen. 
db. Hammond's views. 
The opinion expressed by ex-Surgeon General 
William A. Hammond immediately after the shoot- 
ing of the President that his wound would prove 
fatal gives interest to that physician's present view 
of the case. Dr. Hammond was just going out of 
town last evening when he was called upon, but he 
stopped for a few minutes to express his serious 
misgivings as to the past treatment of the Presi- 
dent's wound. 
"The Hebald has been perfectly right in its stric- 
tures upon the treatment of the case." Dr. Ham- 
mond said. "It certainly is a great pity that the 
President has not had the best talent and treatment 
available in the country. Dr. Bliss is probably a 
very fair surgeon, but as to Barnes, I don't think he 
has seen a gunshot wound since the Mexican war, 
and as to Woodward, he has probably never seen 
one in his life. Wales was the best man they had, 
and he was dismissed by Bliss." 
"In what respects has the treatment been wrong?" 
"The surgeons have never male search for the 
bullet, which was the very first thing they ought to 
have done, and they have never made the slightest 
endeavor to extract the bullet.- They have evidently 
been afraid to treat the President as they would treat 
an ordinary man, and that is all wrong. It seems to 
me that everything that wis essential to the salva 
tion of the President has been neglected. Just hoar 
what T. Longmore, in his 'Treatise on Gunshot 
Wounds,' says on the subject." 
"Is he an authority?" 
"There is none higher. He is one of the four 
Surgeons General of England, Deputy Inspector 
General of the English Military Hospitals and Pro- 
fessor of Military Surgery at Fort Pitt, Chatham. 
During the war. when I was Surgeon General, I had 
the book republished here and a copy placed in the 
bauds of every one of our surgeons as a guide in the 
treatment of gunshot wounds." 
NO EXAMINATION MADE. 
Dr. Hammond read from the book, which he took 
from one of the shelves of his ample library, the fol- 
lowing passages, interspersing his own comments 
in making the application to the present case:- 
"On arrival at the hospital-'in this case,' the 
Doctor explained, 'the White House'-where com- 
parative leisure and absence of exposure afford 
means of careful di gnosis and definite treatment, 
the following are the points to be attended 
to by the surgeon:-First, examination of the 
wound, with a view to obtaining a correct knowl- 
edge ot its nature and extent-'now that has never 
been done,' the Doctor declared-and second, re- 
moval of any foreign bodies which may have 
lodged." "That has never been done," was again 
the Doctor's declaration. 
"The diagnosis should be established as early as 
possible after the arrival at the hospital. 'In this 
case at the White House," the Doctor again re- 
marked, and he added that no diagnosis in this case 
had ever been made, "an examination can then be 
made with more ease to the patient and more satis- 
factorily to the surgeon than at a later period. Not 
only is the sensibility of the parts adjoining the 
track of the ball numbed, but there is less swelling 
to interfere with rhe examination, so that the 
amount ot disturbance effected among the several 
structures is more obviously apparent." 
AN IMPORTANT PRECEPT NEGLECTED. 
"One of the earliest rules for examining a gunshot 
wound is to place the patient as ne irly as can be as- 
certained in a position similar to that in which he 
was in relation to the missile at the time of being 
struck by it. In almost every instance the exami- 
nation will be facilitated by attention to this pre- 
cept. Occasionally it will at once indicate the prob- 
able injury to vessels or other important structures 
in cases where the mutual relations of the wounds 
of entrance and exit in the erect or horizontal posture 
of the body would had to no such information." 
"Could that have been done in the case of ths 
President, Doctor?" 
"Undoubtedly' he could have been raised in bed, 
and, by the assistance of the witnesses to the shoot- 
ing, the direction of the bullet could probably have 
been ascertained. But no efiort ever was made to do 
that," the Doctor added, with an expression of in- 
finite disgust. 
"SEARCH MUST BE MADE." 
' "When only one opening has been made by the 
ball,' the Doctor continued, reading, 'it is to ba 
presumed that it is lodged somewhere in the wound 
and search must be made for it accordingly.' ' 
"You see," the Doctor exclaimed, "the direction 
is imperative-must-but no search whatever was 
made in the President's case. Now, listen to what 
he says about the further treatment:- 
• "As soon as the presence of a ball or other foreign 
body is ascertained it should be removed. If it be 
lying within reach from the wound of entrance it 
should be extracted through this opening by main* 
ot some of the various instruments devised for the 
purpose." 
This finished the reading and the Doctor made 
some hurried preparations for his departure, but 
was asked, "Do you think the bullet could have 
been taken out?' " 
"Cert inly," the Doctor replied; "it should have 
been cut out, and that would probably have done 
i the President no harm." 
"And what do you think of the present condition 
of the President?" 
"Well, I should say he has ninety chances out of 
one hundred against him." 
The President's Condition. 
"Everything is going wall," says Dr. 
Bliss. Everything going well-with the 
i pulse at 110, the tem perature 101, the res- 
piration 24, and the patient growing daily 
and houily weaker, with no immediately ob- 
vious end to the regularly progressive loss 
of ground. Everybody will not be able to 
agree with Dr. Bliss' opinion that the as- 
pect of the case is a cheerful one. It be- 
comes hourly apparent that the good 
effects of the operation of Sunday are 
not so complete as it was hoped tiny 
would be, and as, in fact, they gave promise 
to be. One experienced surgeon in this 
city has said that but for the issue given to 
the pus on that day the President would be 
now already dead-an opinion that is based 
on fair inferences. But that operation al- 
leviated and did not remove the grave con- 
dition, and Dr. Barnes seems to us to use his 
words with accurate perception when he 
speaks of the good conditions subsequent 
to the operation as "seeming'y more favor- 
able." For robust reading on this important 
point we refer the reader to the very cut- 
sp< Ken opinions of Dr. Hammond, given in 
another column. 
THE EVENING CRITIC, 
Published Daily (Sundays Excepted) 
BY THE 
EveningCritic PublishingCompany 
511 NINTH STREET NORTHWEST, 
Washington, D. C. 
The Medical Ethics Question. 
To the Editor of The Evening Critic : 
In reading a number of yesterday's edi- 
tion of your able and interesting paper, I 
notice that over a column is occupied by 
what is entitled "A Violation of Medical 
Ethics," and purports to be an extract from 
the advanced sheets of the "Retrospect of 
American Medicine and Surgery," referring 
to the difficulty between Dr. Bliss, who has 
charge of the President's case, and Dr. Bax- 
ter, who endeavored to obtain charge of it. 
In reading this article, written by a doc- 
tor, one is especially struck with the fact 
that from his medical standpoint the wishes 
of the patient as to who is to attend him 
seems to be a subject entirely subordinate 
to the decrees of the Medical Association. 
To one not a doctor the first question which 
would suggest itself is, who does the sick 
wish ? but not so to the medicated intel- 
lect. To it the inquiry arises, whom does 
the Medical Association direct that the 
patient shall have ? And forthwith, nolens 
volens, that doctor takes control of the pa- 
tient, whose wishes are not to be regarded 
for an instant. In fact, the whole proceed- 
ing is similar to a story told by Lever of a 
traveler who, landing in Ireland, was seized 
upon by a car-driver as his property, and 
on remonstrating was told, "an' shure don't 
ye belaug to me; didn't me and the other 
boys throw dice for ye, and I won ye. " 
It is to such an 
Unreasonable and Untenable Posi- 
tion 
that the writer of the article in question is 
forced by ignoring the fact that the Presi- 
dent has been perfectly conscious from the 
time he was shot, and had he desired the 
attendance of Dr. Baxter could, of course, 
have had it at any time by simply request- 
ing it, which he has not done. 
It is evident that the writer of the article 
obtained his facts from Dr. Baxter. Indeed, 
he plainly tells us that he gives Dr. Bax- 
ter's statement of what passed at the inter- 
view between himself and Dr. Bliss, and 
also prints in full a private letter written 
to Dr. Baxter, which was, of course, fur- 
nished by the person to whom it was ad- 
dressed. Weare justified, therefore, in re- 
garding this article as Dr. Baxter's presenta- 
tion of his version of the difficulty, and, 
accepting it as such, it is evident that Dr. 
Baxter has made an exceedingly poor case 
for himself. 
In referring to the sections of the code of 
ethics of the American Medical Association, 
given in the article, we see they read: 
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1881. " Sec. 5. When a physician is called to 
an urgent case, because the family attendant 
is not at hand, he ought, unless his assist- 
ance in consultation be desired, to resign 
the care of the patient to the latter imme- 
diately on his arrival." 
Pausing to consider this section we see 
that it is, when the physician is called, 
Because the Family Attendant is Not 
at Hand 
that he is to resign on the arrival of the 
family physician. Now this necessarily in- 
volves the idea that some attempt has been 
made or will be made by the sick man or 
his family to obtain the services of the 
family physician, if he has one. No gentle- 
man in the medical profession, unless he 
were sent for, would proceed to call on and 
tender his services to a person who was 
taken sick or injured, for the sole reason 
that upon some past occasion, or generally 
in the past, that person had sent lor him as 
a medical advisor. A gentleman certainly, 
in any profession, would not thrust himself 
forward unless he received some intimation 
that his services were desired; and Dr. Bax- 
ter, from his own statement, has received 
no such intimation. 
The next section of the American Medical 
Association, however, very wisely and prop- 
erly provides that the matter of selection 
shall be left to the patient. Its language is: 
" Sec. 6. It often happens in cases of sud- 
den illness or of recent accidents and in- 
juries, owing to the alarm and anxiety of 
friends, that a number of physicians arc 
simultaneously sent for. Under these cir- 
cumstances courtesy should assign the pa- 
tient to the first who arrives, who should 
select from those present any additional as- 
sistance he may deem necessary. In all such 
cases, however, the practitioner who of- 
ficiates should request the family physician, 
if there be one, to be called, and, unless his 
further attendance be requested, should re- 
sign the case to the latter on his arrival." 
It is apparent from this section that the 
Medical Association intended that an op- 
portunity should be given to the patient to 
call in his family physician, if he had one, 
or, on the contrary, if he preferred to retain 
the attending physician to allow him to so 
state. 
I have too high an opinion of the 
Wisdom of the Gentlemen of the 
Medical Association 
to imagine for an instant that they intend- 
ed, what the writer in the " Retrospect " 
endeavors to show; that is, that the patient 
must yield his preferences and wishes and 
be compelled to send for whatever doctor 
he had been in the habit of considering his 
family physician. Such an interpretation is 
not only absurd, but would be laying down 
a tyrannical rule to which the public in 
this country would not submit. 
The intention of the rule is plain. It is to 
enable the patient without hesitation to 
send for or call in his family physician. 
Now comes the pertinent question: Was 
Dr. Baxter sent for by the President? Not 
at all. According to his statement he does 
not claim that he received any summons or 
that he waited to receive one. He was, he 
says, out of town when he heard that the 
President had been shot, and, returning on 
the first express train, hurried to the White 
House without pausing to inquire whether 
his presence there had been requested. Now, 
if he had paused long enough to read the 
sections five and six of the code of ethics, 
under which he thinks he can claim he has 
been ill-treated, he would have seen that 
all those sections require is that the physi- 
cian who has been summoned hastily or ac- 
cidentally shall request the patient or his 
family 
To Send for the Family Physician, 
if there be one, and if the family physician 
is sent for, then as the patient has thus 
shown his preference, the first summoned 
doctor is to retire on the arrival of the 
family physician. Now there is nothing in 
Dr. Baxter's statement to show that Dr. 
Bliss has in any way violated the ethics. 
Dr. Baxter claims to have been in the past 
the family physician, but on this oc- 
casion, as neither the President nor 
his family had sent for him, or 
expressed any desire for his presence or at- 
tendance, he had no right to expect or de- 
mand that Dr. Bliss should retire on his 
uncalled-for arrival at the White House, 
and when he informed Dr. Bliss that he was 
the family physician, and proposed to see 
the President as such, he was 
Usurping a Right 
which the ethics of the Medical Association 
have given to the patient or his family- 
that is, the right of hisselecting the attend- 
ing physician he desires, and by so doing 
became a violator of the ethics of the 
profession; and by persisting in his endeavor 
to force himself into the case merited the 
treatment he received. Some persons have 
to be kicked out before one can get rid of 
them. 
So far I haye been treating Dr. Baxter's 
statement that he had been the President's 
family physician as true, but this claim will 
not bear out very much investigation. 
What does he mean by family physician . 
He tells us that he did not attend Mrs. 
Garfield. He does not state that he ever 
prescribed for any of the children, and as far 
as we can learn his attentions were con- 
fined to the President himself, who has cer- 
tainly never been to any great extent an 
invalid, for his splendid physical structure 
and force is the constant theme of admira- 
tion. A few prescriptions given by Dr. 
Baxter to the President in the past cer- 
tainly would not entitle him to claim the 
President as his property, in a medical sense. 
Now, if the English language means any- 
thing, family physician means the physi- 
cian who attends the family, and surely 
Mrs. Dr. Edson, and not Dr. Baxter, can 
claim the position in the President's 
family. She has made no complaint as to 
unethical treatment, and is in attendance 
with Dr. Bliss. So, notwithstanding Dr. 
Baxter's loudly uttered complaints, the 
family physician of the President is per- 
fectly satisfied. 
It is true that Dr. Baxter produces a let- 
ter from Dr. Pomerine, in which the last 
doctor states that the President had told 
him that Dr. Baxter was his family physi- 
cian. This letter has certainly the suspi- 
cious appearance of being written by re- 
quest, but giving it full weight, it does not 
affect the question, for the reason that the 
President, -who has been perfectly con- 
scious at all times since he was shot, has 
not designated Dr. Baxter as his family 
physician or desired to call in as such. 
Dr. Baxter Criticised. 
Finally, in considering the language used 
by Dr. Bliss in his interview with Dr. Bax- 
ter, we must remember we have only the 
latter's statement; it is true that he has 
been publishing this statement ever since 
the occurrence, detailing it to all the news- 
paper correspondents who would put it in 
print; in fact, losing so little time that it 
was printed the next day aftei' the inter- 
view occurred ; still this does not make his 
statement correct, and we must remember 
it is ex parte, and not fully make up our 
minds until Dr. Bliss is heard from, who so 
far has preserved a dignified and contempt- 
uous silence on the subject. Taking, how- 
ever, Dr. Baxter's statement for what it is 
worth, we must consider what grounds 
Dr. Bliss had for suspecting him of im- 
proper motives. On inquiry it seems 
that Dr. Baxter's reputation among his 
professional brethren for observing the 
ethics has not been above suspicion. On 
the contrary it has been most seriously 
questioned. He has failed to follow Wol- 
sey's advice to Cromwell to "fling away 
ambition ; " on the contrary, his utmost en- 
deavors for years past have been to attain 
the position of Surgeon-General of the 
Army, and it is an open secret that he has 
used his place and every means at his com- 
mand to forward his object, crooking the 
pregnant hinges of the knee wherever, 
in his opinion, thrift would fol- 
low fawning. Cultivating persons 
in authority and tendering services 
gratis is a means to rise not unknown in 
Washington, and accusations of such pro- 
ceedings arc not unfrequent against this 
self-appointed family physician of the Presi- 
dent. Dealing with such a man, the lan- 
guage of Dr. Bliss was fully justified, and, 
of course, Dr. Baxter knew he was protected 
by the place if he made the retort he says 
he did. 
In conclusion, the writer of the article 
has endeavored to bring in Dr. Townshend 
as another ill-treated person. Under the 
sixth section of the ethics Dr. Townshend 
possibly might charge discourtesy on Dr. 
Bliss; no more. We have not heard, how- 
ever, what Dr. Bliss has to say. But it is 
hardly to be supposed that so important a 
patient would bo permanently intrusted to 
a gentleman of the necessarily limited ex- 
igence of Dr. Townshend. It is evident 
that he is added to assist Dr. Baxter's 
cause, as the writer of the article plainly 
and rightly thought that it needed assist- 
ance. It cannot but be remarked that the 
President and Mrs. Garfield appear satisfied 
with their attending physicians, and have 
not so far expressed any regret at Dr. Bax- 
ter's absence. X. / NEW YORK HERALD 
critical operation upon the President created great 
excitement. In a short time the story was greatly 
exaggerated, some saying that the bullet haff been 
found and taken out, leaving the patient extremely 
weak, and it was thought that he would not rally. 
THE WOKE or JACKALS. 
It is believed from what lias transpired that the 
story was deliberately started for tho purpose of 
affecting the stock market, inasmuch as it 
was telegraphed from the city by persons 
who had every facility for obtaining the 
facts in the case. The excitement occasioned 
by the rumor subsided as rapidly as it started, being 
promptly denied by those near the President. For 
instance, an intimate friend of the family saw Mrs. 
Garfield, who told him that her husband's condition 
was quite encouraging; that he was certainly 
better than he was yesterday, and that he 
was resting comfortably. About the time the 
exciting rumor was circulating here advices from 
New York were received by a number of govern- 
ment officials and others that the excitement in 
that city was intense and requesting the latest 
news. Treasurer Gilfillan received a telegram from 
Assistant United States Treasurer Hillhouse at New 
York stating that there was great excitement on the 
streets, and that all sorts of rumors were afloat 
concerning the President's condition, some of which 
indicated that he would live but a short time. The 
Treasurer had just returned to his office from the 
White House when he received the telegram and at 
once replied, stating that the President's condition 
to-day was more favorable and that, generally 
speaking, he was better. 
LIFE IN THE PRESIDENT'S SICK ROOM. 
Mrs. Dr. Edson, the President's nurse, maintains 
her early opinion that the chances are still good for 
the President's ultimate recovery. She says ho is 
table to partake of very little nourishment and that 
niainiy the beet juice. Milk was given him, but it 
produced a slight nausea and was discontinued on 
that account. The beef juice agrees perfectly with 
turn, but the stomach is very sensitive and the least 
overcrowding now would give great discomfort to 
him. 
"Does he complain nowjof the pain in the limbs or 
feet?" 
"No; that has ceased entirely, lately." 
"Does the dressing of the wound hurt him now 
since the operation?" 
"If it does he does not allow it to be noticed. 
Sometimes, if you watch his face, you can see that 
he is suffering. Occasionally he jerks his foot as if | 
in pain, but that is the only indication of suffering 
that he gives while the wound is being dressed." 
"Have the bulletins been read to him lately?" 
"No, not for several days. He asks, as usual, for 
their purport, and always asks the physician who 
counts his pulse how it stands. With that and 
knowing the marked symptoms of the bad days he 
is content, without having the entire bulletin read." i 
"Did he ask Drs. Hamilton and Agnew for their 
opinions?" 
"Yes; they gave him a straightforward account 
of his case, and he felt as encouraged by their opin- 
ions as they did themselves." 
"What do you think now of his condition?" 
"He is much better now than before Friday last. 
It is not likely that the relapse of Saturday will 
greatly retard his recovery. He was cheerful to- 
day, and is already beginning to manifest an inter- 
est in things. He insisted as usual that his -wife 
should take a drive, but as she did not wish to 
leave him she said she did not want to go out, as it 
was too hot." 
"Is the President aware how the relapse alarmed 
everybody?" 
"Yes, he must have been thinking over that yester- 
day, for he spoke to me when I came in about some- 
thing of outside affairs, and said, 'What do they 
think of this?' Ho had been told previously how 
eagerly the bulletins were waited for and what an 
effect an unfavorable one had, so he naturally fell 
to thinking about it, knowing those of Saturday 
and Sunday were not very bright at least. How- 
ever, a bad day or good day looks about the same in I 
the sick room. No one allows either his hopes or 1 
fears to show, and though we know the thoughts of 1 
millions concentrate about that room it is as quiet . 
there as it is possible to make it. Some verses that ; 
appeared in a country paper, in his own old Con- 
gressional district, were read to him last week and 
greatly affected him." - 
"But the verses did not cause the relapse?" 
"Oh, no!" 
Between three and four o'clock in the afternoon 
Dr. Agnew paid a visit to the cold air machine at 
work in the lower hall. He was accompanied by Dr. 
Woodward. Dr. Agnew made the test and found the 
air going into the machine at 83 degrees and coming 
out at 52. Twenty thousand cubic feet per hour of 
washed and dried air at this temperature was sup- 
plied to the sick room to-day. Dr. Agnew expressed 
himself as pleased with the success of the ap- 
paratus, 
"MY WORD FOR IT." 
Private Secretary Brown states positively to-night 
that there has not been the slightest cause for the 
panicky feeling which has been created by tele- 
grams concerning the President's condition to-day. 
He says that the President up to five o'clock had 
been resting easily, and that at that hour his pulse 
I was below one hundred and temperature and respir- 
ation almost normal. He says the severe criticisms 
which have been put upon the attending surgeons 
have made them almost indifferent to giving out 
statements other thin the regular bulletins, since 
their information is distorted and their opinions 
misquoted. There is plenty of additional testimony 
on this point-namely, that the unfavora- 
ble criticisms which have been passed 
upon the management of the President's case 
have made the attending physicians very angry. It 
Is understood that it was decided to-day not to make 
public any more expressions of medical opinion 
other than those to be furnished in the daily bulle- 
tins. The doctors seem to think that in such an 
important case they should be the recipients of 
commendation from the press instead of harsh 
strictures from those who lead public opinion 
Their affable and communicative spirit has given 
place to brusqueness and silence. Unless there is a 
reconsideration of their resolve the President's con- 
dition is likely to become hereafter the subject of 
some very painful rumors, to deny which will 
keep the doctors busy. This restiveness under 
criticism has become more marked since Saturday 
last, when it was necessary to send tor 
Urs. Hamilton and Agnew. The attending 
physicians seem to be aware that the 
presence of either one of the consulting 
surgeons inspires greater confidence among the 
people, blow that either Dr. Hamilton or Dr. 
Agnew will be in attendance until the crisis has 
passed, and as their presence has been asked by Mrs. 
Garfield and the members of the Cabinet, it may be 
that it is not unfavorable criticism that has caused 
the quartet of home doctors to seal their lips, but a 
natural pique, better explained by the old proverb, 
"A prophet is not without honor save in his own 
country." It will be remembered that on Sunday 
Dr. Agnew performed a very slight operation by 
connectipg the track of the wound with an aperture 
on a level with its general course. It was so slight 
an operation that Dr. Agnew declined to speak of it 
as such. It amounted to little more than a sharp 
puncture of the flesh to open a pus cavity which 
had iormed several inches below the mouth of the 
wound and to the existence of which was ascribed the 
rigor and consequent depression from which the 
President suffered. Now the question is asked by 
physicians. If the existence of this pus cavity was 
known two days before the perilous event of Satur- 
day, as is claimed, and it was so easily reached, why 
was not the cause removed by the attending sur- ' 
geons and the President saved the strain and draw- 
back caused by the formation of this pus cavity? 
BOWING TO PUBLIC OPINION. 
It is understood that Dr. Agnew has advised his 
associates to have the bulletins give more particu- 
lars of the President's condition, and let the press 
derive information from them and not from the 
doctors. This was evidently the policy to-day, and 
it is believed that it will be continued. The evening 
bulletin, the first issued under this ar- 
rangement, was one of the best that 
has ever been issued. It really conveyed 
some idea of the President's condition, and instead 
of narrating dryly that "the President had passed a 
comfortable day, pulse, &c.," it gave some particu- 
lars of ills symptoms, what the treatment has been 
and to some extent what has been done. If the issue 
of this kind of a bulletin is continued it will be satis- 
factory alike to the public and to the press, and 
will accomplish what ought to have been done long 
ago. The most important feature of the bulletin I 
was the statement that the discharge of pus had been 
satisfactory. Through information from the doc- 
tors' room it was ascertained that this meant a lib- 
eral discharge and was regarded as an indication that 
the wound was still open. It was further stated that 
the afternoon fever came on later in the day than 
yesterday. The high state of the pulse was attrib- 
uted to the physical excitement due to the examina- 
tion during the day. 
The members of the Cabinet were busily engaged 
this evening in sending out telegrams in response 
to anxious inquiries from all parts of the country. 
So many telegrams have not been sent out 
from the White House since the first 
few days. All of them are of the most 
cheering character. Secretary Blaine wrote very 
hopefully, and said the President was better to-night 
than he had been for the past few days. The Cab- 
inet remained somewhat Liter this evening at the 
White House talking to the surgeons and sending 
telegrams. Dr. Agnew will return home after the 
dressing to-morrow morning and Dr. Hamilton will 
come on from New York. 
Another feature in the bulletin that gave strength j 
to the confidence was that it was signed by Dr. 
Agnew, whose name took tho lead. At some places 
the names of the last four were left oil in 
making large copies of the bulletin and none but 
Dr. Agnew's name appeared. Many persons clustered 
\iear the windows and numerous opinions were ex- 
pressed as to the cause which led Dr. Agnew to ap- 
parently assume the management of the case. In 
the White House there never has been as much con- 
fidence displayed since the President was shot as 
there was to-night. When the messenger 
bearing copies of the bulletin appeared 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YORK. WEDNESDAY. JULY 27. 1881. 
[by telegraph to the HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 26, 1881. 
It is just twenty-four days since the President was 
■hot, and yet there have been only a few or those 
days less filled with uncertainty and doubt than was 
to-day. There have been several days when reports 
of the most alarming character were in circulation, 
but in persistency and frequency the rumors to- 
day have excelled. It was an ordinary thing 
to hear men on the streets say that the President 
was sinking rapidly. It was asserted positively 
that he could not live until sundown. One man 
was heard telling a large crowd that he had just 
some from the White House and had seen Dr. Bliss, 
who had told him that the President could not live. 
Other men stood right at the gate of the White 
House and said that he was dead, and in con- 
firmation pointed to the flag upon the building 
of the Department of Justice, which was at half- 
masc out of respect to the dead Justice Clif- 
ford. These painful rumors were afloat nearly all 
lay, and there seemed to be no one to contradict 
them. They had their origin undoubtedly in 
the statement in the morning bulletin that 
the President had a recurrence of fever 
during the night. His symptoms were unfavorable, 
and cheerless faces turned away from the perusal of 
the news. While there were no actual misgivings 
expressed at the White House offices, there were 
anxious looks and a general feeling of uneasiness. 
The doctors refrained from appearing in the public 
room as they had been accustomed to do, and when 
they passed out of the White House they refused to 
talk about the President'scondition. The doctors have 
recently been using the staircase in the private part 
of the house to go in and out, thus avoiding the 
walk through the public rooms and its attendant 
annoyance of a fusillade of questions. This conduct 
on the part of the doctors was construed as a bad 
omen, and the statement made by Dr. Reyburn a 
night or two ago, that he did not wish to see news- 
paper men, as he did not have good news 
to tell them, was brought io mind. It was 
naturally concluded that the condition of the Pres- 
ident must be so bad that they were unwilling to 
tell the real facts. This state of affairs at the White 
House soon was known outside, and it gave new life 
to all the wild rumors that had been flying about. 
The continual circulation of these rumors with no 
official contradiction of them kept the mind of the 
public in a state of tho most painful suspense. It is 
safe to say that no such a day has been passed since 
the first few days after the President was shot. The 
reticence of the doctors led to the belief that the pus 
discharges had ceased, and the danger which all be- 
lieved to have been averted was again confronting 
the surgical skill surrounding the President. 
MORE BONE FROM THE WOUND. 
This was partially true. Some pieces of the frac- 
tured rib had fallen down across the new opening 
and the pus was being damned up. Dr. Agnew, who 
had remained in the city, was present at the 
morning consultation, and it was decided that 
these loose portions should be removed. It was 
found that they were not only stopping the discharge 
of pus, but were irritating the surrounding parts. 
The pieces were thin, but quite long, perhaps a half 
an inch, and it was thought at first that a larger 
incision would have to be made to get them out. 
After a rather long examination and consultation 
Dr. Agnew inserted his finger in the wound, and, 
with the aid of a small pair of forceps, 
he drew the offending pieces out. The good effect 
was at once manifest in a free discharge of pus. 
The operation had been one of some difficulty and 
quite wearing upon the patient. His pulse went up 
in consequence of the excitement, but his tempera- 
ture was nearly normal. What the doctors had been 
doing and the beneficial result to the President was 
soon after made known, and the public anxiety 
was somewhat relieved. The doctors evidently 
felt better, and so did everybody else. As Dr. Bliss 
was leaving the house he spoke very cheerfully of 
the President's condition, and said that he had not 
been, so well for tho last five days. Award evening 
Mrs. Garfield went out driving, and so did other 
members of the family. There was rather more 
confidence after this, but still there was consider- 
able anxiety to know what the evening dressing 
would show as to the condition of the wound. 
Unusual feeling was manifested throu ghout the 
Executive departments. Although there was an un- 
mistakabie evidence of the prevalence of the more 
uneasy feeling throughout the city than had been 
manifested since the first few days after the shoot- 
ing occurred, it was exhibited in a more quiet 
manner. For about an hour during the early 
afternoon the rumor on thestreeets that Dr. Agnew 
had decided upon and was performing a very on the walk leading from the White 
house to Pennsylvania avenue the crowd swayed to 
and fro, each person composing it endeavoring to be 
the first to reach the messenger when he stopped to 
place one of his copies on the tree near the east 
entrance to the White House grounds. He encoun- 
tered the greatest difficulty in getting there, 
and not until one was given to a man 
near by to read aloud did he succeed 
in accomplishing his work. During the reading of 
the copy' such' exclamations as. "That's good," 
"That's the way to put out a bulletin," were freely 
made, and when the signature of Dr. Agnew was 
announced a faint cheer went up and several clapped 
their hands, one man becoming so much excited, 
cried out, "There's balm in Gilead. The day is be- 
ginning to dawn." 
DR. HAMMOND'S HEROIC CRITICISM. 
The interview with Dr. Hammond printed in to- 
day's Herald has attracted general attention among 
physicians and laymen, and hence another question 
has arisen, Why did not the treatment of the Presi- 
dent's gunshot wound follow the established rules 
of practice in such cases? Your correspondent was 
in the office of a leading physician to-day when the 
statements of Dr. Hammond were under dis- 
cussion. There were also present two 
other promiuet physicians. Allusion was made to 
ihe professional knowledge of the attending 
physicians, and it was remarked that Dr. Barnes' 
surgical experience was gained during the Mexican 
war, and t hat probably since that time he had not had 
a dozen cases requiring surgical skill and knowledge. 
During the early part of the war he was an inspec- 
tor of hospitals and before the close of the war was 
made Surgeon General. In the eighteen years 
which have passed since.his appointment as Surgeon 
General his experience has been confined to the 
cases of President Lincoln and Frederick Seward. 
On the score of intimate knowledge of gunshot 
wounds he does not claim great distinction, and it 
is not accorded him by the medical profession of the 
District of Columbia. "Dr. J. J. Woodward," con- 
tinuedthe speaker, "the other army surgeon in at- 
tendance, is a microscopist, and has made mi ro- 
scopy a specialty ever since he graduated in medi- 
cine." 
One of the physicians here remarked:-"Yes, and 
I understand that at the first consultation held he 
said frankly that he knew nothing practically about 
gunshot wounds." "Dr. Bliss," continued the 
senior of the trio, "was during the war in charge of 
Armory Square Hospital here in Washington, the 
largest in the city, and to which a great number of 
wounded soldiers were brought. The fact is his 
charge was so great that he was more a director 
than a practical surgeon. No one will deny to him 
the merit of skill and experience in his profession. 
Yet it is a question whether in so important a case 
as the President's a surgeon of Dr. Agnew's ability 
ought not to have been sent for at once if the sur- 
geons here in Washington were not competent to 
treat the case. Dr. Reyburn stands well among the 
profession. He had charge for some time of the 
Freedman's Hospital in Washington. He is modest 
and zealous and has a delicate appreciation of the 
duties of a surgeon, but after all not one of them 
had the slightest knowledge of the President's 
condition prior to the wound. Therefore, 
to Dr. Hammond's comments about neglect 
in the treatment of the wound and the search for 
the ball may be added this important circumstance. 
One great element in President Garfield's case has 
been lost sight of by the physicians and attendants, 
who, from no previous knowledge of his physical 
condition, do not seem to have been aware that for 
the past ten or twelve years the chief cause of Gen- 
eral Garfield's ailments was dyspepsia or indiges- 
tion-the result of his army life. In view of this 
fact how necessary it was from the beginning of the 
case that his diet should have been carefully regu- 
lated and that only such food should have been 
given him as co.uld have been most easily digested. 
It is not to be wondered at that oatmeal and an ex- 
cess of farinaceous food should have increased the 
irritability of his stomach and produced the very 
condition most to be feared and guarded against." 
THE PRESIDENT A DYSPEPTIC. 
"If," remarked another of the trio, "General Gar- 
field was troubled with dyspepsia, the anxiety of the 
nine months preceding his inauguration, to say 
nothing of the worry of his office since then, could 
not have toned his stomach very much. Besides, it 
would appear that some of the articles of food 
given him were found by experiment or experience 
to be detrimental, and I doubt whether his stomach 
would have digested them prior to the event." 
Your correspondent asked why it was that so im. 
portant a fact was not known to the attending 
physicians from the beginning of the case. The 
reply was because such intimate knowledge could 
only come from the physician who prescribed for 
General Garfield's ailments from time to time, and 
he was so rudely treated by Dr. Bliss when he did go 
to the White House that he has never been near 
there since. If these statements are true it would 
appear that the nausea which has troubled the 
President has arisen from improper diet, and that 
had the attending physicians Known of the Presi- 
dent's peculiar weakness of the stomach very much 
of the vomiting, retching and flatulency from which 
he has suffered would have been avoided. It is now 
considered in order to ask who is responsible for 
depriving President Garfield of the most important 
help in the case-the kind of diet his stoiSach could 
best digest? 
The interview with ex-Surgeon General Hammond 
was, it is safe to say, read by every medical man 
here at all interested in the President's case. Your 
correspondent during the day has met a dozen 
physicians andDr. Hammond's emphatic utterances, 
coupled with the editorial criticisms of the Herald 
from the first were spoken of and variously com- 
mented upon. This line of discussion has brought 
to the surface much of the latent professional jeal- 
ousy which is sure to exist, however deeply hidden, 
when doctors disagree over so distinguished a case 
as the President has furnished. 
the theory of py.emia again. 
The high compliment paid Surgeon General Wales, 
of the navy, by Dr. Hammond, that "Wales was the 
best man they had and he was dismissed by Bliss," 
is echoed here by many professional men. I called 
at that official's residence this evening. Beginning 
conversation, he said:- 
"I can better explain, so far as words are con- 
cerned, the meaning of what I hurried told you last 
evening regarding the induration, to put it in that 
way, which was found to exist near the groin or in 
that neighborhood directly after the wounding. The 
sound was a dull percussive one, not resonant, as if 
the conditions were normal. That is a better expla- 
nation of it. This induration was pressed several 
times for the purpose of making the wound dis- 
charge pus." 
After this corrective explanation 1 called the doc- 
tors' attention to a carefully prepared table showing 
daily at about seven P. M., from the 4th inst. until 
the present time, the pulse, temperature and res- 
piration as announced by the official bulletins of the 
attending surgeons. Reference was made in these 
despatches of yesterday to the fact that a singu- 
lar and perhaps significant periodicity existed 
in the increase on Monday evening of pulse, tem- 
perature and respiration, and a perceptible decline 
in these respects toward the end of the week. A 
more extended table only bore out the impressions 
telegraphed last night, and the result of this in- 
creased inquiry, upon being presented to Dr. Wales, 
caused him to remark, after a careful examination of 
the tabulated statement:- • 
"Well, really, pyaemia runs a course just like this, 
and I'll show you that this is so by and by by pro- 
ducing an eminent authority." 
"Do you think pyaemia has set in?" 
The Doctor wasn't quite ready to answer so direct 
a question, and the expression of his face when it 
was put and the words that followed showed this 
conclusively. 
"Just so long as there is a pus discharge, just so 
long is the patient liable to pymmia. The mere 
matter of volume is neither significant nor trouble- 
some. The absorption of purulent matter is what 
causes bad symptoms and if it is dammed up the 
likelihood of pysemia is increased. Understand mb, 
throughout I am speaking of pytemia. You called 
to learn about that, I take it, from the table you 
have shown me, and not about the President's 
case. Of that it would be almost as foolish as it 
would be unprofessional tor me to speak, as I have 
not seen him since the Sunday when it was decided 
who should be the attending physicians. The dan- 
ger of pyaemia is not necessarily confined to the 
third or fourth week. It is naturally looked for at 
that time, but there is danger of it at any time 
under the conditions I have slated. But to put 
the whole matter in the briefest form-in 
a nutshell-it is indiscreet for any one to judge of 
the case by one or two symptoms. The case should 
be taken as a whole, every symptom carefully 
noted, comparisons made, conditions scrupulously 
regarded, and after an exact study of all these mat- 
ters then an intelligent judgment can be formed. 
Those in attendance have these advantages, and of 
course, however experienced others may be, they are 
placed at this disadvantage." 
"Do you think, Doctor, there are malarial symp- 
toms?" 
"It is sometimes, rarely to be sure, rather difficult 
to distinguish between malarial fever and pytemia. 
If malaria did not exist in this region my opinion 
is that this case would be less difficult of treatment. 
But the character of the wound itself and the 
peculiarity of the ranges of pulse and temperature 
eliminate from my mind any idea of trouble from 
malaria." 
TRAUMATIC FEVER. 
"How about surgical fever in the case?" 
"You might call surgical fever injury fever and 
that would more properly explain what is meant, or 
traumatic fever would be as good a word. It isI 
called surgical fever because it is linked with 
the operation itself. Following the operation 
after a wound the injured person is in a state 
of repose for a day or two. That may seem 
strange to you," said the Doctor, pleasantly, 
answering my look of surprise, "but it is so, 
and especially in just such wounds as the one I 
am sneaking of. When I say' repose I mean the 
pain is not severe, and there is a general dul- 
I ness of the system. Surgical fever, as it is 
called, generally develops within from forty-eight to 
seventy-two hours after the injury is received, last- 
ing from seven to eleven days. It is not marked by 
wide flutuations of temperature, by sweatings or by 
i icteric tinge of the skin. After surgical fever 
pyaemic fever is liable to ensue." 
"You spoke of an authority you wished to show 
me." The book was near at hand. It was entitled 
"Ericksen's Science and Art of Surgery," and after 
Dr. Wales had hurriedly run over the index he 
turned to page 458, which displayed a chart or 
"temperature table" in cases of pymaeiafor sixdavr.. 
"You will see," continued the Doctor, "that this 
chart shows sudden erratic changes. See where it 
p ps up and down for the first and second days 
and wavers for the third and fourth days, and 
bounds up above 106 on the fifth day 
and down again on the sixth day to 101. 
Do you see?" (Here the Doctor looked inquiringly 
at me, and in his manner there was more than in 
the words.) "It would interest you, perhaps, to 
compare this chart with your table. From that 
table you could make a chart like this; 
but if you want to see the uncer- 
tainties of a pyasmic case just look at this 
other chart on the next page. It is worthy of an 
examination, although it shows but four days and 
a half, when the patient died. The first day, 
you see, from 105 the temperature fell to 
99. The second day it went away up to 
106 and down again to 97, and after touching 105 on 
the fourth day the patient dies on the morning of 
the fifth day at a temperature of 98." 
"When you probed the wound, Doctor, with your 
finger, did yon discover the broken rib?" 
"Yes, I felt the fragments of the rib with my 
finger very distinctly. I shoved my finger inside 
the cavity of the abdomen, but I could not push it 
far en^gh to indicate the then location of the ball. 
And nobody now seems to know where the ball is." 
Referring to the tabulated exhibit of the change 
in the pulse and the periodicity of the changes Dr. 
Hartigan said to-nigbt:-"The table exhibited would 
'indicate a hebdomadal periodicity supposed by 
some to occur in animal phenomena. By this is 
meant an exacerbation of the symptoms every 
seventh day, and, if we except the relapse of 
Saturday, it will be observed this rule is 
followed each Monday from the 4th of July to yes- 
terday, inclusively. I have observed such periodic- 
ity in my own practice." 
Another physician to whom the table was shown 
said:-"The seventh day recurrence, that is the ac- 
celeration of pulse, increase of temperature and 
change in respiration, has been marked almost from 
the day of the wound. This shows in itself 
the existence of surgical fever, which in any form 
is very dangerous. This much may be said for 
the unfavorable symptoms. To turn to the 
favorable indications they are, first, it has 
been decided that Dr. Hamilton or Dr. 
Agnew shall be present constantly, and second, the 
superb physique of the President, which has en- 
abled him to surmount all dangers up to this time. 
To underrate this, to make light of his condition 
and to suppress the unfavorable symptoms is mis- 
leading and cruel." 
HAS THE PRESIDENT BEEN MISTREATED? 
Criticism is also turning upon the question of the 
management of the President's case. The character 
of this treatment has been set forth in various in- 
terviews with the attending doctors appearing from 
time to time, as well as in the published bulletins. A 
review of these facts is not considered by physicians 
here as reassuring. The action in discharging local 
surgeons, some of whom are eminent in their pro- 
fession, on the day following the President's mis- 
fortune, because of the prejudice against the physi- 
cian the President was accustomed to have prescribe 
for him, though still commented upon is almost 
forgotten, now that one of the two consulting 
surgeons will be present each time the 
wound is dressed. To the presence of these may 
be attributed the opening of the abscess and the con- 
sequent freeing of retained pusand the removal of the 
fragments of bone to-day. Doctors Bliss, Reyburn and 
Agnew exclude entirely the possibility of malaria 
producing the febrile rise in the afternoon and 
night, and attribute it to other causes. As it is said 
to be an undisputed fact that surgical fever is 
always highest in the afternoon and evening 
and lowest in the morning, it is concluded that Dr. 
Bliss is of the opinion that the patient is suffering 
from surgical fever. Commenting upon this point 
to-night a distinguished government physician 
said:- 
"Yet, in face of this, he says there is 
no danger. The surgical books lay down as 
predisposing causes of surgical fever the 
vitiated atmosphere of the hospital, bad hab- 
its and unhealthy occupations of patients, depres- 
sion from sudden injury, nervous shock from 
severe operation, and so forth. The fever is brought 
on by local inflammation, the inflammation extend- 
ing to neighboring places and also disseminating 
centres of inflammation. The mortality after the 
several surgical operations is enormous. The 
chances of a fatal issue after a slight operation are 
by no means few, and in five-tenths of the deaths ENTIRELY INADMISSIBLE-THE TREATMENT 
OF THE CASE UPHELD. 
Dr. Frank H. Hamilton, who reached thia city yes. 
day morning irom Washington city, was asked 
what he thought are the President's present chances 
of recovery. 
•'The chances are in the President's favor," the 
Doctor emphatically returned. 
"Do you see any indications of pyaemia?" 
••None whatever, using the term pytomia in its 
classical sense-that is, blood poisoning from the 
reabsorption of the pus or its elements." 
"What, then, was the recent trouble, Doctor?" 
"A lateral abscess had been formed constitut- 
ing a pouch in connection with the lower margin of 
the broken rib, and which abscess pointed outward 
and backward to the spine, where it became 
comparatively superficial, and it was the evacuation 
of this abscess which gave to the patient such im- 
mediate relief. On exploring the depths of this ex- 
ternal abscess, however, wo found that it communi- 
cated, as we believe, with the main channel or track 
of the ball, aud it affords, therefore, a freer exit for 
the escape of pus from the main channel." 
DB. HAMMOND'S CHARGES REPELLED. 
"What do you think, Doctor, of the strictures 
made by Dr. Hammond and others, who claim that 
search should have been made for the bullet and its 
extraction attempted immediately after the shoot- 
ing?" 
"The conduct of the surgeons who have managed 
the case from the beginning has been, in my opin- 
ion, correct, and when the case is fully reported, as 
it may be at some subsequent period, it will bear 
the severest scrutiny of experts in this department 
of surgery. Nothing, it seems to me, has been 
omitted which ought to have been done, and the 
gentlemen have especially avoided the graver error 
of doing what ought not to be done-an error which 
it is very difficult to avoid when one has in charge a 
patient whose life is so valuable as the life of the 
President." 
THE TREATMENT UPHELD. 
"But in view of the statements that have come 
from prominent medical authorities, let me ask 
you, Doctor, whether you would have treated the 
case in this manner if the wound had been that of a 
laborer instead of the President?" 
"If it had been the case of an ordinary laborer 
and if further surgical effort, by incisions or other- 
wise (for the purpose of determining the actual 
seat of the ball) than were employed in the present 
case had been undertaken, I believe that deash 
would still have resulted long before this." 
"But is not Longmore, who is quoted by Dr. 
Hammond as imperatively directing a search for the 
ball aud its extraction, a standard authority on the 
subject of the treatment of gunshot wounds?" 
"Yes; but Mr. Longmore should have added, 'If it 
can be done safely,' and you will, doubtless, find the 
proper qualifications to these apparently inexorable 
rules quoted by Dr. Hammond in other portioaaof 
the work." 
THE PRESIDENT'S WEAK CONDITION. 
"Is it true that the bulletins ot the surgeons have 
been deceptive as to the weakness of the President 
who has been reported as unable to lift his head or 
to move his arms or leg? Is the President really in 
such a weak condition?" 
"The President has evidently lost strength some- 
what since the first time I saw him as indicated by 
his general appearance. He has rather more pallor 
and he has lost flesh, but in no other way is it indi- 
cated. Hr moves his legs voluntarily and freely, 
and every time that I have approached his bed- 
side he has reached out bis arm at full length 
and given mo a shake of the hand. When I 
have come up from behind he has raised his 
arm to its lull extent over his head, which 
certainly does not indicate such extreme pros- 
tation. Another little incident I might speak 
of. Yesterday, as I passed his door, he reached out 
his arm and beckoned me pleasantly to come in. In 
short, I see nothing to indicate anything like ex. 
treme exhaustion." The doctor, after a pause, 
added with manifest earnestness, "That is a candid 
statement-just as I feel about it." 
WHAT THE PATIENT HAS SAID. 
"What has the President s ;id to you. Doctor, in- 
dicating his own view of his esse. Any little ex- 
pressions made by him would be most interesting 
at this time." 
"He has said to me. 'What do you think of my 
case, Doctor?' in a very quiet way, not at all 
anxious, and I have replied. 'The chances. General, 
are in youi- favor,' Adding, however, 'You must not 
be surprised at some relapses, however.' He said, 
with his unchanged, placid expression of counte- 
nance, expressing neither particular pleasure nor 
particular anxiety, 'Oh, no.' That's about all." 
"And how soon do you think he may reasonably 
be expected to be on a fair way to recovery?" 
"I cannot answer that at all. That would be the 
vaguest kind of speculation," was the Doctor's 
reply. 
''What is the color of his skin?" 
"Simply unusually pallid; but there is none of 
the jaundiced or leaden hue that usually accom- 
panies pymmia. His eyes are not sunken, but have a 
natural expression." 
THE PRESIDENT STILL FAT. 
"Is there much emaciation?" 
"I should say he has lost considerable flesh, but 
is still a fat man; and you know the fleshiness of 
fat men varies rapidiy, even when they are in 
health, from comparatively slight causes." 
"How is his voice?" 
The Doctor smiled with a humorous reference to 
the husky and evidently fatigued condition of his 
own organ of speech, replied, "A great deal better 
than mine, I think." 
"What is his mental condition as evidenced iby 
his manner? 
"Perfectly natural, I should say. His expression 
is quiet and his features betray no great anxiety." 
after operations or injury the cause is usually set 
down as surgical fever. Surgical fever, then, in its 
broadest sense, includes pyaemia as well as septi- 
ctetnia. Pytemia, strictly speaking, is held to be that 
form of surgical fever which proceeds from the in- 
troduction of pus into a vein, or by absorption 
through the lymphatics, reaching the circulation in 
that way. Septicaemia is that form of surgical fever 
which is produced by the disorganization of the pus i 
and the poisoning of the blood by the | 
absorption of the peculiar virus or poisoning re- ' 
suiting from such decomposition. This Dr. Bliss 
gives as the definition of pyaemia. The third form 
of surgical fever, which is by far the most extensive, 
is where the manifestations are not confined to 
the seat of the injury, but to distant organs 
of the body. Of these organs those most 
frequently affected are first the lungs and 
next the kidneys. Yet it has nowhere been stated 
that the physicians have examined the chest to see 
whether any morbid process was gqing on in the 
tissues of the lungs, or whether the urine has been 
examined carefully to ascertain the condition 
of the kidneys. Were the patient an ordinary 
person and not the President of the 
United States all these matters would doubtless 
have been looked into by the surgeons. It is not 
expected by experienced surgeons that every case of 
surgical fever, so called, should be attended by 
rigors, for in some cases they may be so slight as 
to be scarcely observable, while in others they 
may not occur at all. Sickness and vomiting 
often take place when the wound is in any 
of the abdominal organs. Dr. Chevers has pointed 
out in Guy's Hospital reports, that the kidneys, 
which are the organs principally concerned in the 
purification of the blood, show evidences of pre- 
vious infections in three-fourths of all cases of sur- 
gical fever where the record of post-mortems in 
Guy's Hospital had been kept. There is also an in- 
crease in the white corpuscles of the blood. From 
the reports in the President's case, however, it 
appears that the blood has been examined but once, 
while the surgeons have given to the microsco- 
pist repeated samples of pus. Now pus is taken to 
mean an exudation from inflamed textures, princi- 
pally albumen. This examination, it has been said 
in repeated interviews, was to determine the exist- 
ence of pyaemia. How, then, can a determina- 
tion of the quality of the blood be made 
by an examination of pus, which is not 
blood, but an exudation. Furthermore, it is best 
to take with a grain of salt the statement of a sur- 
geon who says there is nothing alarming in the con- 
dition of a patient whose pulse has averaged above 
ninety for a period of twenty-four days. As a matter 
of caution it may be noted that occasionally a 
person may be found whose pulse rate is 
nominally fast, yet this does not appear to have 
been the case with the President. Physicians have 
always attached for all ages the greatest importance 
to the frequency of the heart's action as indicated 
by the pulse. The number of pulsations of 
the heart, as stated by Dr. Milne Ed- 
wards, average seventy per minute in a 
male and from six to ten more in a female. The 
pulse of Napoleon, however, was much below the 
average. That of Sir William Congreve is stated to 
have been about one hundred and twenty-eight per 
minute even in health. But, as a general thing, the 
variations at Guy's, compiled by Milne Edwards, 
have been verified by observations.'' 
The following table of the pulse is interesting in 
this connection:- 
night his temperature and respiration were reported 
normal, his pulse below 100, with the patient sleep- 
ing quietly and soundly. His condition was 
thought by the attending surgeons to be more 
favorable now than at any time since the chill of 
last Saturday morning. 
The White House was closed at ten minutes past 
ten, at which hour Dr. Bliss said to your corre- 
spondent:-"The President's fever has abated 
and his condition ^iow is very favorable. 
All sources of irritation have been re- 
moved, and he is progressing finely. We 
have not disturbed him since seven o'clock, but 
from observation I should say that his pulse is 
about 100 and resoiration and temperature nearly 
normal. His progress to-day has been all that we 
could possibly desire. Dr. Reyburn and myself will 
remain with him to-night and Dr. Agnew has gone 
to the Attorney General's." 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 2G-7 A. M. 
Dr. Bliss says the President passed a comfortable 
night, resting well, sleeping at intervals up to three 
A. M. About three o'clock a rise in temperature was 
noticed, but it soon passed away, and afterward the 
President obtained more rest and sleep. This morn- 
ing at seven o'clock he is resting quietly, with his 
pulse at 98 and temperature apparently about nor- 
mal. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President was somewhat restless during the 
night, and the fever, which had subsided after our 
last bulletin, rose again about midnight and con- 
tinued till three A. M., after which it again sub- 
sided. He is now about as well as yesterday at the 
same hour. Pulse, 102; temperature, 98.4; respira- 
tion, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:10 A. M. 
The President at this hour is resting comfortably 
and the surgeons express themselves as satisfied 
with his present condition. A rumor has been cir- 
culated that the President had another chill this 
morning. Those who are thoroughly acquainted 
with the facts, however, deny the story and say 
that the patient has had no chills subsequent to 
those which occurred previous to the incision. Dr. 
Agnew has been here all the morning. One of the 
consulting surgeons will be in attendance daily for 
the present. Dr. Hamilton is expected to return to- 
night, at which time unless some unforeseen emerg- 
ency arises Dr. Agnew will probably again return 
to Philadelphia. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-12 M. 
Colonel Rockwell, who just came from the Presi- 
dent's chamber, says the patient is resting very com- 
fortably, and he considers that he is doing as well as 
could reasonably be expected under the circum- 
stances. In response to a question whether there 
had been or would be any further operation per- 
formed on the President, he said:-"No. There has 
been but the one operation, and judging from present 
indications we do not anticipate that any more will 
be necessitated " Continuing the Colonel said that 
at the morning dressing of the wound the surgeons 
took several small pieces of bone from the wound, 
which were supposed to be from the fractured rib. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2:20 P. M. 
The reports which have been telegraphed hence 
to-day to the effect that a serious operation was per- 
formed this forenoon for the purpose of removing 
a part cf the President's fractured rib are without 
foundation. The wound has not been touched 
since the mornipg dressing, and the only "opera- 
tion" performed then was the pulling <rut by Dr. 
Bliss with his finger of two or three small spiculae 
of splintered bone, which clogged the passage and 
impeded the outflow of pus. The surgeons do not 
admit that there is anything critical or dangerous 
in the President's condition this afternoon. On 
the contrary, they say that he has had a fairly 
comfortable day; that the discharge from the 
wound this morning, although not large, was not 
so scanty as to indicate any pew complication; that 
the patient at this hour-2:20 P. M.-is free from 
fever aud is resting quietly, and that his general 
condition is at least as good as it was yesterday. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4 P. M. 
The President has had a comfortable day, and in | 
the opinion of the surgeons is better now than he 
was at this time yesterday. His temperature during 
the greater part of the afternoon has een normal, 
his pulse not high and his general condition good. 
There has been no recurrence up to this hour of the 
afternoon fever. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has done well during the day. At 
the dressing of his wound after the morning bul- 
letin was issued a displaced spiculum of the broken 
i;ib about half an inch long was removed, the track 
of the wound at this point was dilated and a larger 
drainage tube inserted for the purpose ot facilitat- 
ing tbe discharge of pus. Since that time he has 
had several quiet naps, has taken more nour sh- 
ment than on any of the last five days without gas- 
tric irritation, and when the wound was dressed this 
evening the discharge of healthy pus was satisfac- ; 
torily abundant. At noon his pulse «was 106; tem- 
perature, 98.4; respiration, 19. At 7 P. M., pulse 
104• temperature, 100.7; respiration, 22. 
D. HAYES AGNEW, J. J. WOODWARD. 
D. W. BLISS, ROBERT REYBURN. 
J. K. BARNES, 
SECRETARY BLAINE TO MINISTER LOWELL. 
Secretary Blaine sent the following at noon to-day 
to Minister Lowell at London:- 
The President's symptoms at noon to-day are 
favorable. Several small pieces of the shattered rib 
came from the wound this morning while dressing 
i t. 
Secretary Blaine also sent the following:- 
At eleven o'clock P. M. the President's physicians 
report temperature and respiration normal and 
pulse ninety-six-best report at same hour for five 
nights. The entire day has been most encouraging, 
and a feeling of confidence is rapidly returning. 
DR. HAMILTON HOPEFUL OF THE PRESIDENT'S 
GRADUAL RECOVERY-"HEROIC" TREATMENT 
Age. 
2 to 7 
8 to 14 
Males' 
Average. 
97 
84 
14 to 21 
76 
21 to 28 
73 
28 to 35 
70 
35 to 42 
68 
Age. 
42 to 49..... 
Males' 
A ver age. 
70 
49 to 56 
67 
56 to 63 
68 
63 to 70 
70 
70 to 77 
67 
77 to 84 
71 
SUMMING UP. 
It is generally conceded now that the President 
! has been more comfortable to-day than at any time 
I since the formation of the pus cavity and 
has nearly regained the ground which he lost on 
Saturday last. The taking out of the splinters 
of bone from the wound at the morning dressing 
was a simple matter, and instead of weakening 
the patient it removed one more source of 
irritation, gave freer egress to the dis- 
charge, and, as a natural consequence, improved 
his general condition. The "operation," if opera- 
tion it can be called, was nothing more than ascer- 
taining by the insertion of a finger into 
the wound where the sharp slivers of bone 
were located, and then sliding a pair 
of bullet forceps along the finger as a guide, getting 
hold of a splinter and withdrawing finger, forceps 
and splinter together. There was nothing 
in the operation to weaken the patient 
or to cause unusual pain. The Presi- 
dent shortly afterward fell asleep and had 
a nap of half an hour, from which he awoke re- 
freshed. He took nourishment, consisting of beef 
extract, milk and lime water and toast at frequent in- 
tervals, and as he was not made restless by fever, he 
passed a quiet and comfortable day. There was 
a febrile rise late in the afternoon, and at 
the evening examination his temperature was 
100.7. It soon subsided, however, and toward mid- •■Is it such a condition of mind as would help hi* 
recovery?" 
"Yes." 
"When do youjexpect to return to Washington. 
Doctor?" 
"1 don't know, but shall have to telegraph to Dr. 
Agnew to ascertain when I shall have to relieve 
him." 
NO SEARCH FOR THE BULLET ADMISSIBLE. 
"If the President improves, as you expect him to 
do, how soon, should you think, a search for the 
bullet could be properly attempted ?" 
"To the experienced surgeon that question of ex- 
tractiug the bullet is not to be raised at present. 
I don't know how soon it may b< of course." 
"Why not at,'present. Doctor?" 
"Because there are no reliable indications of the 
seat of the ball, and no search can be made at 
present without endangering the President's life." 
POSITION OF THE BALL. 
"Where do you think is the ball, Doctor?" 
"I have a suspicion founded upon a good deal of 
evidence that it is in the right iliac region-not far 
above the right groin and probably behind the in- 
testines-a situation in which it is not likely in 
itself to do serious harm, and from which it may 
extricate itself spontaneously through some of the 
natural lower outlets of the body with much more 
safety than by the surgeon's knife. Lying where it is 
supposed to lie it is pretty sure to change its posi- 
tion gradually, and would most likely descend to the 
natural outlets-the rectum, perhaps. Many balls 
in the late war made their way to the bladder, and 
after the lapse of months or years were successfully 
removed therefrom. Still more balls, however, have 
made their way into the rectum and escaped by 
stool." 
"Do you think the ball is nearer the anterior or 
the posterior surface of the body?" 
"I think it is nearer the front of the body than 
the posterior surface." 
"What portion of the body must it presumably 
have traversed?" 
"That portion which is behind the liver and kid- 
neys and in front of the great mass of muscles 
which constitute the loins. It is impossible to say 
that in the track it may not have hit the liver, but 
there has been no evidence thus far that the liver 
has suffered any severe injury." 
"Are the intestines and kidneys likely to have 
been injured?" 
"I feel very sure that neither the intestines nor 
the kidneys have been injured in the least." 
THE "HEROIC TREATMENT." 
"You are, as I understand you, Doctor, entirely 
opposed to the so-called heroic treatment advocated 
by Drs. Sims, Hammond and others, according to 
which the ball should have been cut out at all 
hazards?" 
"Heroic treatment is reserved in all good sur- 
gery for extreme cases where death is certain with- 
out such extreme interference. It is only in that 
class of cases that surgeons apply the maxim 
'Better an extreme remedy than none.' " 
"And yet Bilbroth, of Vienna, recently cut out 
successfully a portion of the stomach of a patient, 
did he not?" 
"He did; but Billroth, who is no doubt a very 
able man, belongs to the class of heroic surgeons 
and, moreover, this was a case of cancer, in whicn 
death was absolutely assured if no operation was 
attempted, so that nothing was risked-an entirely 
different case from that ot the President." 
■And as to the famous case of Napoleon's wife 
and Napoleon's answer to Dubois, the physician, 
who had come to attend her in her confinement, 
which threatened to turn out fatally, that the doctor 
should treat her as he would a peasant woman. You 
have doubtless seen that case quoted many times 
lately?" 
"That case has been misunderstood. The facta 
were these:-Dubois feared that one of the two, 
either the mother or the child, would have to be 
sacrificed. He knew Napoleon's ardent longing for 
an heir to his great Empire, and the question that 
presented itself to him was whether the mother or 
the child must be sacrificed. Napoleon's answer 
that he was to treat the Empress as he would a peas- 
ant woman meant that he was to save her first, at 
all hazards." 
"Well, Doctor, you are hopeful of the President's 
recovery ?" 
"Yes, entirely so," was the Doctor's pleasant re- 
ply, and the interview terminated. 
General Warner, who was wounded at the battle of 
Antietam on the 17th of September, 1862, called 
yesterday on Dr. Hamilton to narrate the story of 
bis case. Two weeks after the ball had entered his 
right side and had inflicted what was viewed as a fatal 
wound in the abdomen he was at'acked with a suc- 
cession of chills from the stoppage of pus, but 
after five months the ball was extracted and the 
General recovered^ompletely. 
Tile President's Condition. 
''Who shall decide when doctors dis- I 
agree?" Well, there is one authority that 
nearly always decides in such cases-an 
authority whom the poets have described 
as "the lean fellow who beats all con- 
querors." Our earnest hope has been that 
the case of President Garfield should not 
go to the extremity of his decision, and as 
we have watched it from day to day with I 
deep and studious interest we have pointed ' 
out here and there facts that seemed 
to us of evil omen, and we have i 
protested as vigorously as we might 
against apparent faults in the treatment that ; 
seemed io us susceptible of remedy. This 
has been misunderstood ; but that is of lit- 
tle moment. Is he a true friend who, see- 
ing his friend's life in greater danger 
through unskilful electors than through his 
wounds, rather lets his Irienddie than take 
the responsibility of touching on the raw 
the ridiculous vanity of the doctors? It 
seems to us that the answer to this involves 
the true principle of the position of a public 
journal in such a case as that before us. To the 
people of this country tne lite of the Presi- 
dent of the United States is of great and 
| immeasurable importance tor many rea- 
I sons. For that they care a great deal; for the 
i etiquette of the doctors they care very lit- 
' tie. With that condition of the public 
mind we are in harmony. Yet we have 
been gentle on the doctors. Parva pars fui. 
they have made ten blunders we 
have pointed out one, and where in their 
objections to our observations they have 
opened themselves to polemical annihila- 
tion we have shown them the charity of 
silence. 
But the public will notice that our stric- 
tures upon the almost incredible faults 
committed in this case have at length estab- 
lished a salutary state of opinion in one 
particular. It is now recognized that the 
surgeons who had this case in their hands 
for many days need to be watched by 
surgeons possessed of more capacity. 
Dr. Agnew, of Philadelphia, and Dr. 
Hamilton, of this city, now regularly 
alternate in their attendance on the 
nation's invalid. Why? Because the 
resident surgeons are now ihought 
unequal to the difficulties of the occasion, 
and even seem to admit that this respon- 
sibility needs to rest upon broader 
shoulders than their own. Here we say 
is a salutary change due to the public 
criticism of the case. Only the other day 
one of the surgeons was assuming personal 
charge by dismissing everybody else ; now 
he calls for help. If he had not been 
forced to understand that every stage of 
this case was watched minutely and 
watched with such intelligence as would 
fetch home the responsibility for a bad 
result the President would have been dead 
already, and would have died without any 
appeal to that superior skill which on Sun- 
day morning instantly detected and over- 
came that trouble which, had it remained 
unremedied, would have been fatal in 
lorty-eight hours. Our great regret is that 
this change in the attendance was not 
forced two weeks earlier. 
Dr. Hamilton says that mistakes have 
been made by those who have written on 
this case because they have "made use of 
authorities while in ignorance of all the 
facts." How does he know ? For our part 
we could as well reverse this judgment and 
say that those whom he defends while pos- 
sessed of all the facts, so far as they could 
perceive them, were ignorant of all the 
authorities. But who has been ignorant 
of the facts? Let us cite a point for com- 
parison. On July 7 the President was in 
the fifth day of his injury. On that day 
not one of the surgeons near him had 
any doubt whatever but that the ball had 
gone through his liver. Yet on that day 
we said in these columns, "There is no 
evidence whatever that the ball is in the 
liver or has ever touched the liver," and 
we argued in support of the view that that 
important organ was absolutely intact. At 
the present moment Dr. Bliss is perhaps 
the only man in the United States who be- 
lieves the liver has been touched, and it is 
demonstrable on the skeleton that that ball 
could no more have touched the liver than 
it could the brain. How does the Doc- 
tor regard this as to a knowledge of 
the facts ; for what is a knowledge 
of facts in a surgical case but 
the result of a right interpretation of the 
svmptoms? But the result of this case now 
is to turn on this difficult point of pyaemia. 
Dr. Hamilton says the President has not 
pyaemia. Dr. Hammond, formerly Surgeon 
General of the United States Army, said, in 
an interview printed by us yesterday, "The 
President has pyaemia." Dr. Carnochan, in 
an interview printed in the Evening Post, 
said, "The preliminary signs of pyaemia were 
unmistakable." To these authorities we 
might safely leave this difference. Our own 
opinion is that the President is now in that 
typhoid state which is one of the stages of 
the pyaemic condition. 
duening Ml 
NEW YORK, WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1881. 
। LET THE GHOULS AND JACKALS BE 
SILENCED. 
The heart of the nation is with the 
heroic, patient and hopeful sufferer in 
the White House. There is no prece- 
dent for the prolonged concentration of 
the anxious interest, not only of a great 
nation, but of the rulers and peoples of 
all countries, on the struggle of one man 
with death, that has been uninterrCipted 
for nearly four weeks. The slightest un- 
favorable news has gone instantly to hun- 
dreds of millions of sensitive hearts; 
brought grave apprehensions to the minds 
of statesmen, at home and abroad, and af- 
fected property valuations to an incalcu- 
lable extent. 
To all men and women who have ordi- 
narily humane instincts it must seem to be a 
crime against human nature for anyone, 
directly or indirectly, to set afloat anything 
calculated to unduly or unjustly aggravate 
the alarms that are inevitable in a case like 
that of the President. A man is justly 
imprisoned for the slightest wilful bodily 
injury inflicted on another. But how in- 
finitesimal is such an offense, com- 
pared with that of the man who, 
by his opportunities as a journalist, 
or by his notoriety as a professional expert, 
is enabled to send a pang of needless alarm 1 
to millions of hearts that are quivering with 
anxiety ? A man is justly imprisoned for 
stealing a loaf of bread, though he may be 
in distress for lack of food. But a stock- 
jobber who employs Washington corre- 
spondents to depress values by sensational 
rumors that distress all his manly and pa- 
triotic associates, is a criminal of the mos 
infernal character, for whom no punish- 
ment administerable this side of eternal 
perdition is adequate. 
We have had too much experience of 
what these ghouls can do, during the past 
three weeks and more. Yesterday and the 
day before the culmination of their de- 
pravity was witnessed. The fiends did 
their worst. That they did not circulate 
reports of the President's death was proba- 
bly due to a wholesome fear of the "wrath 
to come." As it was,an "extra," with abso- 
lutely no news later than that published at 
half past 3 o'clock, was cried uptown, 
about 9 o'clock last night, in our hearing, 
by two stout-lunged boys who yelled out- 
' ' President dying. " They, probably had no 
authority to thus disturb the peace, but 
represented the 'diabolic spirit that was 
abroad in Wall street early yesterday after- 
noon, and had as good right to make money 
out of the alarm they created as the Wall 
street speculators who had been in the same 
devilish business on a larger scale. 
To the authors of all these outrages on 
public decency and on the sacred rights of 
millions of tenderly sensitive hearts, it is 
time to proclaim that no more such trifling 
with the public anxieties shall be tolerated. 
During some of the darkest and most dis. tressing periods of the late war 
law-abiding patriots, on certain oc- 
casions of great aggravation, ad- 
ministered summary punishment on those 
who, by lying or exaggerated reports of 
disaster or by malicious attacks on the con- 
duct of the war, inflicted needless pangs of 
anxiety on the hearts of loyal men. No 
such execution of the "higher law" would 
be justifiable in these times of peace, and 
we only refer to what was done in war 
times as illustrating the depth and intensity 
of a feeling that was natural and creditable. 
But let not like offenders, in these days 
of sore national anxiety, imagine that they 
can scatter alarms among the people and 
avoid the moral penalties of their offence. 
The people will not soon forget or forgive 
those who have caused general anxiety 
by unjust and malevolent condemna 
lions of the able and harmonious, 
and so far successful, physicians who have 
had charge of the President, when they 
understand the evil motives that have 
prompted these attacks. The people will 
remember the journals and journalists that 
have set afloat sensational and self-evidently 
absurd reports that have caused them need- 
less distress. Business men will remember 
the brokers who have coined money out of 
false dispatches. 
Today's news and the corroborative state- 
ments of all the best Washington corres- 
pondents show that professional jealousies 
and stock-jobbing rumors have been re- 
sponsible for the alarms of the past few 
days. Real perils have been wilfully ex- 
aggerated. Improbable stories of an alarm- 
ing character have been set afloat. Popular 
confidence in some of the ablest surgeons 
in the country has been weakened by 
venomous and vindictive assaults. Stock 
value have been depressed by wild ru- 
mors. The worst spirits of the infernal re- 
gions could not have combined for a more 
infamous revel of deviltry. 
Meanwhile, the truth has been that at 
no time since the President was stricken 
down has his case been under more perfect 
control or admirable treatment, and in no 
equal period have such serious obstacles to 
his recovery been removed. The wisdom 
of his treatment has been triumphantly vin- 
dicated and only the most brazen and noto- 
riety loving of the professional critics 
thereof is likely to come before the public 
.again with exploded theories and ignorant 
e'er-demnation. 
The World casuallyremarks: 
Dr. Hammond, in two reported interviews yester- 
day, severely criticised the conductof the Presi- 
dent's attending physicians. Did he not, however, 
forget for a moment his usual modesty and 
delicacy when he contemptuously referred to 
Surgeon General Barnes-who succeeded Surgeon- 
General Hammond under rather peculiar circum- 
stances-as "not having attended a surgical case 
of a gunshot wound since the Mexican war, in 
1849"? 
It is Dr. Hammond's own fault that the 
"rather peculiar circumstances" under which, 
to use the language of the Times' Washington 
correspondent,he was "fired out of the army,'> 
should be recalled to memory. An observance 
of that decorous and professional reticence 
which would have been maintained by most 
doctors as to a case in which officiously ten- 
dered services had been rejected, would have 
enabled him, in time, to recover from the 
effects of his dismissal by court-martial. As 
it is, public attention is aroused in just tne 
manner most unfavorable to its object. 
We find the following in the Washington 
correspondence of the Times: 
The statements designed to destroy the confi- 
dence of the public in the surgeons in charge 
have been concocted and deliberately set afloat 
by physicians who are not in the case. They have 
done this from purely personal and malicious 
motives, and those engaged in it deserve and will 
eventually receive the scorn and contempt of the 
country. The extent to which the press is being 
used in this matter is little suspected by thepub- 
lic, and the skill with which it is done is only 
equaled by its maliciousness. 
One of the most wicked attempts in this line has 
appeared to-day in the form of an interview with 
Dr. Hammond, of New York, which, by its citation 
of authorities, has all the marks of a carefully pre- 
pared publication, In this article he attacks the 
surgeons in charge, particularly Drs. Barnes, 
Woodward and Bliss. He seems to suppose that 
the public has forgotten that he was fired out of the 
army by a court-martial and that he would nat- 
urally be dissatisfied with those who succeeded 
him and those who approved of the result of the 
trial in his case. Besides this, he has offered his 
services by telegraph in the President's case and 
they have not been accepted' There have been 
other physicians who have prompted public criti- 
cisms whose personal relations quite as thorough- 
ly unfit them for censors. 
As to the above we need only say that if we 
were to add the comments of the more emi 
nent and respectable members of the medical 
profession in this city, as to Dr. Hammond's 
remarkable course, since the officious tender 
of his services was fortunately declined, we 
should diversify the columns of the Evening 
Mail with phrases and epithets which would 
be out of keeping with its character. It is 
quite likely that he will soon find that he has, 
at last, obtained more notoriety than he de- 
sired. 
Dr. Gross, the eminent surgeon of Philadel- 
phia, in his work on surgery says: "No sensible 
surgeon ever thinks of searching for a ball in any 
of the great cavities of the body; such a proceed- 
ing would be sure greatly to increase the dangers 
of the accident and cannot therefore be too 
pointedly condemned." And the extract may be 
commended to those who in the fourth week of 
the President's illness announce that it was the 
duty of the attending surgeons to have searched 
after the ball.-A. Y. World. 
Referred to ex-Surgeon-Gen. Hammond. 
It seems quite likely that the President 
will live, in spite of all the predictions to the 
contrary of doctors whose services were not 
required. Had those services been accepted 
! But we will not contemplate such a 
supposition. 
"Dr. Bliss is probably a very fair surgeon,but as 
to Barnes, I don't think he has seen a gunshot 
wound since the Mexican war; and as to Wood- 
ward, he has probably never seen one in his life. 
Wales was the best man they had, and he was dis- 
missed by Bliss."-Dr. Hammond, as reported in 
the Herald. 
"Probably a very fair surgeon" is a rather 
airy way of alluding to a man who won the 
highest professional distinction in an immense 
practice as army surgeon. The slur on the 
Surgeon-General suggests that it is in quite as 
bad taste for an ex-Surgeon-General who had 
voluntarily resigned to publicly sneer at his 
successor, as for an ex-President to sneer at 
his successor. And Dr. Hammond's de- 
parture from the office he briefly 
held was not wholly voluntary, if we 
remember rightly. As to Dr. Woodward, 
everybody excepting Dr. Hammond knows 
that be was employed on account of his emi- 
nent skill as a microscopist. Perhaps Dr. 
Hammond does not know this fact. In the 
absence of evidence we should not be certain 
as to his accurate knowledge of anything. afterward he looked up as if he wanted to talk about 
it, but I said to him, 'Don't talk now.' After a 
little while he went to sleep and was much re- 
freshed by a half hour's nap. The only complaint 
he makes is that he is so tired. Ho has no relish or 
desire for anything, but he takes what food is 
offered him. simply because he must, knowing it is 
best for him. The main reliance is on the beef 
juice still.. He also has a little milk stiffened with 
the yolk of an egg. There is no desire to force solid 
food upon him. What he drank yesterday agreed 
with him very well, and he felt the better for it. 
"Has the suffering he has gone through left its 
traces on his face?" 
"Yes, he shows it bndly. He looks vastly differ- 
ent from his usual appearance in health. We guess 
he has lost about thirty pounds, probably more. I 
can tell sometning of that by the difference there is 
in moving him now and at first. To look at him, 
though, you would not think he had lost that much, 
as it does not show in his general appearance; but 
his flesh, that was before firm and hard, is now soft 
and flabby. Ho can move his limbs about. Ho 
draws them up and down and crosses and uncrosses 
his feet without any trouble. Moving about like 
that rests him a good deal. But he does not move 
his body at all, nor does he attempt it. He did not 
complain of the heat much yesterday. He seemed 
to feel it the day before. When he complains of 
being hot and exhausted he is sponged off and gen- 
erally gets to sleep atter that. The cooling appara- 
tus is at work and the room is kept quite comfort- 
able and the temperature very pleasant. He still 
keeps cheerful, but rather more hopeful than cheer- 
ful. His good spirits, however, have not deserted 
him in the least." 
"Would it be an easy matter to deceive him, even 
if the doctors were inclined to make things sound 
better than they wore?" 
"While he retains the strength of mind he has 
now it would be simply impossible to deceive him 
materially in regard to his condition. He must 
know what is going on. That is the chief reason 
he remains so passive in his physicians' hands. He 
knows that they are telling him the exact truth 
and that he can rely on it. One or two of the 
physicians are constantly in the house and fre- 
quently pass in and out of the sick room. Some- 
times the one on duty will remain for awhile seated 
near the patient, who looks up inquiringly for 
his opinion. Sometimes he talks over with the 
doctor the increase or decrease in the temperature 
or puise. Then he knows that they are always in 
constant communication with whichever of the con- 
sulting physicians is absent, besides having the 
other within easy reach." 
"Would it hurt him now to talk, provided it did 
not excite him?" 
"No. Talking in a moderate way does not hurt 
him now. But nothing foreign to the sick room is 
talked over belore him. He sleeps a good deal, and 
the examinations now last longer." 
GUITEAU'S POSITION WHEN HE FIRED. 
Dr. Boynton, the President's cousin and Mrs. 
Garfield's physician, who has been constantly at the 
bedside of the Presidents for the past three weeks, 
says of the President's condition:- 
"He is in better shape and on better ground than 
he has been at any time since he received his injury. 
It has been the most auspicious day since he re- 
ceived his wound, and when I say this I not only 
mean it but feel it. Some, at least, of the irritating 
causes have been removed, and so far as we know 
at present none others exist. Still there may bo 
fragments of bone in the cavity, but the 
physicians will look for them every time 
the wound is dressed. There is now a free 
and full flow of perfectly laudable pus from 
the mouth of the wound, the lower portion of 
which is evidently healing. His stomach is more 
settled and retains the liquid food given him. His 
sleep, from half-past seven last night until this 
morning, was broken but a few times, when he 
asked for nourishment and that his head might be 
sponged. After his morning meal he said to me:- 
•This is the brightest day I have had 
since my injury?' He then talked of family 
matters, inquiring if the boys Harry and Jim were 
diligently pursuing their studies, how Mrs. Garfield 
bore up under the suspense, whether her health 
continued good also, and exhibited a lively interest 
in domestic affdrs. Heis able to draw his limbs 
up, but not to sustain them, for they must be sup- 
ported in a raised position with pillows. He raises 
his arm and has shown as much real strength to- 
day as on any day prior to the re- 
lapse of Saturday last. His countenance is 
improved. Although his complexion is not that of 
health it is far better to-day than for ten days past. 
There is more animation in his features; his eye is 
not noticeably sunken for one who has cone 
through the ordeal that he has. It is true that the 
flesh of the forehead appears a little pinched, but 
this is not a matter of surprise when one remem- 
bers that he has lost in the neigh oor- 
hood of fifty pounds in weight. This loss of 
flesh is more apparent in the flabby 
conditions of the muscles. He has not been able 
to raise his head, but in giving him food and medi- 
cine it is elevated to the proper height by two at- 
tendants. Another favorable indication is that to- 
NEW YORK HER ALD 
I are several reasons given for this. The chief is 
I that it is more satisfactory if the consulting doc- 
tors are at the bedside of the patient. Another 
I reason is because it is quite within the range of the 
possibilities of the case that another pus cavity may 
form somewhere along the course of the wound, 
and they propose to take prompt and decisive 
action. It is not considered probable that there will 
be any more difficulty about the pus discharge, but 
still they are by no means certain. The fact of the 
matter is that no one is quite certain about any- 
thing. It is safe to say that were some one to sud- 
denly ask some attache if the President was still in 
the White House or not he would certainly reply 
that he really could not form an opinion on the 
matter. Some comment was indulged in to-night 
over the fact that the seven o'clock bulletin had not 
been signed by either of the consulting physicians, 
but that fact is explained, as it was issued at an 
hour between the departure of Dr. Agnew and the 
arrival of Dr. Hamilton. 
THE PRESIDENT'S STRICT SECLUSION. 
The many days of experience accorded the physi- 
cians, officials and attendants at the White House 
have educated them into a system of dealing with 
Strangers that none but government employes could 
fall into so readily and carry out so faithfully. Of 
course when the wounded President was brought 
home the entire internal economy of the Executive 
Mansion was completely overturned. The functions 
of the officials were rearranged. The chief cook was 
compelled to turn his attention from pieces de re- 
sistance to the making of beef tea, while 
the doorkeepers and attendants, instead of 
politely opening doors, were ordered to 
keep them tightly closed. It did not 
take them long to fall into the new order of things, 
and now the entire system is running as evenly as 
if the entire parry had hitherto spent their lives in 
caring for wounded Presidents. From the military 
Sentinel at the main entrance to the tireless attend- 
ant at the door of the sick room there is to be found 
constant watchfulness. The Bnssian Emperor is 
not more carefully guarded. It would be an utter 
impossibility for any one to penetrate the building 
Ito within three rooms of the wounded Chief Magis- 
trate, if, indeed, he could get into the grounds 
at all. After dark only one gate is 
kept open and that one of the main en- 
trances on Pennsylvania avenue. To pass the 
sentry on duty there a pass is required signed by 
the private secretary. The holder of the pass is 
closely scrutinized by police officials as he passes in. 
Then he must go directly up the walk to the main 
entrance of the mansion, for if he turns to the 
right or left he comes face to face with a white 
helmeted individual who commands a halt. At the 
door of the mansion is another guard of attendants, 
at the foot of the stairway another, and at the top 
anothsr. After passing all of these the intruder 
finds himself in a hallway from which leads the 
door of the secretary's room. Here is another at- 
tendant who admits him if he is all right. 
THE GREAT INTERVIEWED. 
One might suppose that having reached the door 
of the President's private secretary he was quickly 
to learn all there was to know. But he isn't. In 
fact, the secretaries know as little about the Presi- 
dent's condition as the Cabinet Ministers, and they 
only know what they hear from the secretaries. As 
a matter of fact no one knows any mqre than the 
physicians choose to tell or the official bulletins re- 
veal. It may be an interesting fact in this connec- 
tion to mention that Private Secretary Brown, who 
has oeen interviewed as many times, five over, as 
he has fingers and toes, has not been in the sick 
room for three weeks. I saw Mr. James, 
Mr. Windom and Mr. Lincoln enter the 
"Cabinet Boom" this evening. They did 
not come in together, but straggled in one after the 
other, all eager for the latest intelligence. They 
were shown the official bulletin, and of course were 
much pleased. Postmaster General James on being 
told what the pulse and temperature were, said:- 
• "Well, that is curious; very curious. Dr. Bliss 
predicted this last night." 
The Postmaster General did not explain to his in- 
terested auditors whether he was more surprised at 
the conditions being normal or at the verification of 
Dr. Bliss' prediction. However, t e members of the 
Cabinet were exceedingly pleased at the state of af- 
fairs and went away with smiling faces, accepting 
the official bulletin without murmur. 
WORD FROM THE BEDSIDE. 
In an interview with Mrs. Dr. Edson to-day she 
gave some interesting details in regard to the symp- 
toms of the President yesterday which, being mis- 
interpreted by outsiders, gave rise to such startling 
rumors in the afternoon. 
"After the removal of the bits of bone in the 
morning," said she, "and the dressing of the wound 
the President spent a more comfortable day than 
any since Friday last. The operation of removing 
that fragment of bone was painful. The process 
was more painful than the operation on Sunday for 
the reason that it required a longer time and was 
more tedious. The President never flinched in the 
least or betrayed what he was suffering, though he 
could not but have felt it keenly. He was much re- 
lieved when it was all over. He did not appear 
to be very weak after it. When I came , in 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YORK. THURSDA). JULY 28.- J881._ 
TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 27, 1881. 
At daybreak this morning President Garfield was 
Bleeping quietly and only opened his eyes with the 
rising of the sun. He then took some nourishment 
at the hands of the attendants and composed him- 
eelf to doze again. 
This is the substance of the official statement of 
the physicians and attendants, and there Is no rea- 
Bon to doubt its authenticity, for the removal of the 
pieces of bone yesterday has certainly had a won- 
derful effect for good, permanent or otherwise, as 
the case may be. The attending surgeons are to-day 
united in the expression of the belief that the high 
pulse and temperature were due only to the irrita- 
tion produced by the fragments of the rib. 
not out of danger. 
While the President's condition is certainly more 
favorable to-day there can be no question that the 
Situation is still serious. That everybody about the 
Executive Mansion understands this is readily seen 
by the convulsive clutch at anything that augurs an 
improvement in his condition. They smile when 
the symptoms cheer, but there is always a doubt- 
ing feature about the smile. It is certain, however, 
that a calm has succeeded the storm. The waves of 
excitement which swept over this ci'y during the 
past three days have subsided and scarcely a mur- 
mur of the great storm of doubt and uncertainty 
can now be heard. The favorable change reported 
in the President's condition is as striking as.the 
great revulsion in the public feeling. The 
record of the President's symptoms in 
the chart kept by the doctors shows as 
great a fluctuation since yesterday as the stock quo- 
tations on Wall street after a panicky market. The 
morning bulletin substantiated the favorable pre- 
dictions of last night. The President had- not only 
rested quietly, but had gained an unusual amount 
of sleep, which was prolonged, and not broken up 
into short naps. He had had no fever during the 
night. The doctors were much gratified with these 
changes, and while under the revised rules they said 
nothing to anybody, their beaming countenances 
wore eloquent of what they thought. When the 
doctors smile everybody else follows suit about the 
White House, and so the bright, smiling faces chased 
away the gloomy clouds of doubt, and the rainbow 
of hope shed its iridescent rays about the rooms 
and corridors of the Executive Mansion. The favor- 
able reports, too, kept away the usual throng of 
Visitors and the house was quite deserted. 
ENCOURAGING SYMPTOMS. 
The President passed a very comfortable day. It 
Is said tb*^»«iaa no fever and no pain. His diet 
wa- very light, consisting of milk, with rum and 
beef tea. Dr. Agnew, who remained until after the 
morning dressing of the wound, returned home, 
and Dr. Hamilton arrived late this evening. The 
bulletin to-night was the best that has ever been 
issued. There had been no febrile rise and the 
symptoms were about normal. It is the first bul- 
letin that has been issued which has not indicated 
the presence of fever. It created a good deal of 
quiet enthusiasm about the White House, but it was 
whispered about, nevertheless, that the next bul- 
letin might not bo so favorable. Whether it is a 
permanent change for good or not none of the physi- 
cians are willing to say. In fact, what may be 
the future development of the case is naturally 
only a matter of conjecture. With the majority 
of people the fact that the President was comfort- 
able and his condition not as critical as yesterday is 
sufficient, and they are ready to expect only the 
best for the future. This seemed to be the effect 
upon the immediate attendants of the President. It 
was a beautiful evening. A light breeze tempered 
the fierceness of the rays of the departing sun, and, 
with a prospect both within and without the house 
gratifying and reassuring, the carriage driving 
which had been suspended since last week was re- 
sumed. Mrs. Garfield and the children went out 
driving, and shortly after General Swaim and Col- 
onel Bockwell followed. The evening dressing of 
the wound, which was completed shortly before 
seven o'clock, allowed the doctors the opportunity 
or taking a drive before dark, which was embraced. 
By seven o'clock precisely the wound haa been all 
dressed. By eight o'clock the President had been 
arranged for the night, the bulletins issued and the 
attendants out of the house. 
THE CONSULTING SURGEONS RETAINED. 
There was some talk about the significance of 
having the two consulting surgeons still at hand, 
and it was thought from this fact that the Presi- 
dent s condition was still considered critical. There day his food was not so distasteful to him as it 
was yesterday. He did not loath it as heretofore. 
His stomach was free of nauseau." 
•'Have you read the interview with Dr. Hamilton 
which appeared in the Hebald of to-day?" 
He replied that he had glanced over it and believed 
with Dr. Hamilton that the ball had never penetrated 
the liver. He was inclined at the outset to think the 
liver had been touched, but for the past two weeks 
he had had the most favorable opportunities to ex- 
amine the ^ound and he was now convinced that its 
direction was diagonal from the point of con- 
tact to the spot where it is lodged near the right 
iliac region. 
"From all the information we have had from eye 
witnesses of the shooting we are convinced that 
Guiteau held the pistol in his right hand, at an ele- 
vation even with the chin, and aiming at the Presi- 
dent's thigh or small of the back. The ball entered 
at a decline, and its course was downward in the 
abdomen. That this is the fact I am the more con- 
vinced by the additional evidence that the drain- 
age tubes pass more and more in a slant- 
ing direction. The tenth rib was probably 
chipped and the eleventh shattered and driven 
against the liver. No pieces of bone have been dis- 
covered in the pus to-day, and so far the President's 
condition indicated the absence of irritating sub- 
stances at the mouth of the wound. During to- 
day-that is, up to six o'clock-he has been awake 
not more than four hours." • 
"Do you think. Doctor, this is a natural sleep or 
the sleep of exhausted naturei" 
"No, it is not the sleep of exhaustion, but rather a 
restful, healthful, recuperating sleep." 
"Have you discovered anything like py®mia?" 
"Not the slightest traces of it, as we define tbe 
term." 
Dr. Hamilton on his arrival from New York did 
not visit the President, as he was informed that he 
was sleeping peacefully. He was assured that the 
indications pointed to its being as uni roken as his 
rest of last night. Dr. Bliss left the White House 
at a quarter past eleven o'clock, and stated that the 
President was then sleeping, and that with his easy 
breathing, diminished pulse and normal tempera- 
ture, he was very likely to pass the night comfort- 
ably. 
SOME SECBET HISTOBY. 
As incidental to a history of tbe manner in which 
the President has suffered from tbe treatment of his 
case it is related that on the morning of July 2 
after he had been removed to the White House and 
placed upon his bed the attending surgeons and 
phys cians were quite unnerved by the importance 
of the case before them. It was a few minutes 
after ten, and the President' had then been 
wounded about forty minutes. Blood was slowly 
oozing from the mouth of the wound, and the report 
of the hurried examination which had been made 
at the depot by Drs. Townshend, Wales and Bliss 
was repeated to the assemblage of physicinns. An 
ominous shaking of heads followed. What ought to 
be done? No one seemed to be willing to suggest, 
when it was proposed that the wound should be ex- 
amined at once. To this Dr. Bliss objected and in- 
sisted that nothing should be done for the present. 
It was finally agreed that an examination should be 
made at three o'clock in the afternoon. During 
the five hours following this preliminary consulta- 
tion the President's wound continued to bleed aud it 
was not until after the brief examination made in 
the afternoon that the wound was plugged. At this 
examina ion it was discovered that the tenth rib 
had been slightly grazed by the ball; that the 
eleventh rib had suffered a compound fracture and 
that the probable course of the ball had been inward 
and downward. To further test the accuracy of the 
belief that the tenth and eleventh ribs had been frac- 
tured the examining surgeon gently pressed 
the anterior extremities of these ribs. 
The President's face immediately showed 
signs of agony, and he said in a subdued 
tone:-"It hurt's me." When asked where 
the pain was felt he replied, "In the back." With 
this all further attempt to discover anything con- 
cerning the nature of the wound, save the examina- 
tion made by Surgeon General^Wales with his little 
finger, was discontinued. The consultation at 
seven o'clock was not any more satisfactory. It be- 
came evident to a number of the physicians present 
that one of the number was evidently manoeuvring 
for the management of the case. This had become 
so apparent that several of the more prominent 
physicians were on the point of leaving the mansion 
at once, when Dr. Bliss moved an adjournment 
until the following morning, July 3. 
THE ALLEGED INTBIGUE. 
Some interesting if not important particulars of 
the consultation of the surgeons held on this 
eventful Sunday have become known to your corre- 
spondent, who was enabled to get them from an eye- 
witness and auditor. The consultation began at 
eight o'clock, and at the opening there were present 
Dr. Smith Townshend, Dr. J. J. Woodward, of the 
army; Dr. John J. Hamilton, of the Marine Hospi- 
tal Service; Dr. Philip S. Wales, Surgeon General of 
the Navy; Joseph K. Barnes, Surgeon General of the 
Army; Dr. Patterson, Coroner of the District of 
Columbia; Dr. D. W. Bliss, Dr. C. M. Ford, Dr. N 
S. Lincoln, Dr. Basil Norris, of tbe army, 
and Dr. F. M. Gunnell. Dr. Reyburn was 
not present, being at the bedside of the 
President. Dr. Bliss, on taking the chair, announced 
that the President had requested him to state that 
he did not desire any of the gentlemen present to 
examine his wound, a committee, consisting of 
Drs. Wales, Reyburn and Woodward, having been 
' appointed Saturday evening for that'purpose. The 
Doctor further announced that he held in his hand 
the record of temperature, pulse and respiration 
which he would read for the information of those 
present. During the reading of the symptoms 
Surgeon General Barnes, who had remained with 
the President during the greater portion of the 
night previous, withdrew to an adjoining room. Dr. 
Bliss finished the reading and called upon the doc- 
tors before him for suggestions. Thereupon Dr. 
Woodward stated that he had had no experience 
with this class of cases, but he had spent the even- 
ing before in compiling a resume of cases of gunshot 
wounds of the liver recorded by Dr. Otis in the sur- 
gical history of the war. Among the cases there 
enumerated he cited one which had been treated to 
a successful issue by Dr. Bliss. The latter then 
said that he remembered it very distinctly. 
the pbesident's pebfobated clothing. 
Dr. Bliss again requested any suggestion that 
might occur to the surgeons, and Dr. Hamilton, of 
the Marine Hospital service, asked him if the cloth- 
ing had been examined in order to discover how 
much, if any, of it was missing. Dr. Bliss replied 
that it had, and proceeded to state that the patient 
was quite strong, and that he could rsise himself 
upon his elbows and turn over. Dr. Hamilton 
asked h m if he approved of allowing a man 
wounded as the President was of raising himself in 
that manner-a very pertinent inquiry, by the way, 
for at this period there was great danger of an inter- 
nal hemorrhage under the most favorable circum- 
stances, without bringing it on by undue exertion 
or strain. Dr. Bliss answered that he did not ap- 
prove of this indiscretion on the part of 
the President, but, to the contrary, had cau- 
tioned him against it. This brief colloquy 
was followed by a short pause in the proceed- 
ings. At this stage of the consultation either 
Dr. Hamilton or a physician sitting near him re- 
marked that a more active disinfectant than that 
then used, which was carbolic acid, should be ad- 
nlinistered, and that whatever disinfectant was 
used should be applied thoroughly just so soon as 
the first oozing began. No other suggestions were 
offered, and Dr. Bliss said the council would again 
convene at seven o'clock in the evening. Dr. Bax- 
ter did not put in an appearance until a moment or 
two before the adjournment. Just as the doctors 
were leaving for home the conflict between Drs. 
Bliss and Baxter occurred, a full account of which 
has already appeared in these columns. 
"Did tbe doctors disperse," asked your corre- 
spondent of his informant, "with an understanding 
that they were to be present at the next meeting in j 
the evening?" 
"That seemed to be the impression, bnt before 
two o'clock that day, with the exception of Drs. 
Barnes and Woodward, they had all been served 
with notices, signed by Dr. Bliss, that their services 
were discontinued." 
The sequel to all this was developed on Saturday 
last, when the President was attacked with rigors 
and his pulse and temperature went up so quickly. 
In the midst of tbe excitement, without auy consul- 
tation with Drs. Bliss, Barnes, Woodward or Rey- 
burn, and without their knowledge, it was decided 
by the President's family that Drs. Agnew and Ham- 
ilton should be sent for to take charge of the case. 
In this the members of the Cabinet present con- 
curred, and the Attorney General took charge of the 
telegraphic arrangements for ordering the special 
train that brought them to Washington. It was not 
until the messages of request had been sent that 
the attending surgeons learned what had been de- 
cided upon. 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 27-7:30 A. M. 
Information received this morning from the sick 
room is in effect that the President passed a com- 
fortable night, having obtained during the night at 
intervals fully six hours' sleep. After midnight a 
slight rise of temperature occurred, but soon passed 
away. There were no indications of rigor during 
the night. The President has expressed himself as 
feeling better this morning. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8 A. M. 
The President slept sweetly last night from about 
eight P. M. to five A. M., with but a single break of 
short duration at eleven P. M. Since five this morn- 
ing he has dozed quietly, awakening at intervals. 
There have been no rigors. He takes his nourish- 
ment well, and his general condition is improving. 
Ho expresses himself as feeling better and more 
rested. Pulse,94; temperature,98.4: respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, J. J.-WOODWARD. 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN, 
D. HAYES AGNEW. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, 10:45 A. M. 
Dr. Boynton just came from the President's 
chamber,and reports the patient in excellent spirits. 
He says that his undisturbed sleep of last night has 
greatly rested him. and that he has partaken of in- 
creased nourishment this morning. The favorable 
change in the President's condition is plainly Vis- 
ible on the countenances of the immediate attend- 
ants of the sick room, who, during the period at the 
fever which occurred subsequent io the incision, 
bore expressions of anxiety and looked generally 
careworn. This morning the same persons may be 
seen about the house bearing choeriul counte- 
nances and exhibiting an apparent air of 
gratincation. When asked what truth there was in 
the statement that Mrs. Garfield had suffered ex- 
tremely from the effects of the strain upon her 
mind during the past tew days, Dr. Boynton, while 
admitting that she had been anxious, said there was 
no foundation whatever for the report which hod 
gone abroad to the effect that she was ill. "In tact," 
the Doctor continued, "Mrs. Garfield is teeling 
brighter and in better spirits this morning than at 
ar.y time since she was sick. You may say that sho 
went to ride last evening and returned teeling re- 
freshed, and that her husband's present condition 
is very encouraging to her." 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-12:30 P. M. 
The President's wound was dressed just after the 
morning bulletin was issued. It looks well, and 
the pus, which is healthy in character, is discharg- 
ing freely. Since then he has rested quietly and 
takes his nourishment readily and without gastric 
disturbance. At present his pulse is 90, temperature, 
98.4; respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS, J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2 P. M. 
The very favorable symptoms noted in the last 
official bulletin still continue. The President is 
free frqm fever and resting quietly. Dr. Agnew re- 
turned to Philadelphia to-day, but Dr. Hamilton 
will take his place here to-night or to-morrow 
morning. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President is still resting quietly. He lias 
been able to t ke more nourishment to-day than for 
several days past, and up to the present hour has 
had no febrile rise of temperature. His wound has 
just been dressed. It looks well and has continued 
to discharge healthy pus in sufficient quantity dur- 
ing the day. His pulse is now 96, temperature, 98.5; 
respiration, 20. 
D. W. BLISS. J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion- 11:30 P. M. 
The marked improvement in the President's con- 
dition which began to be apparent yesterday has 
continued steadily throughout the day, and in the 
judgment of the attending surgeons the patient has 
fully recovered the ground lost by the recent re- 
lapse. He has taken more nour shment to-day than 
in any equivalent period since last Friday, and 
has several times expressed himself as feeling much 
better. The entire absence of the usual febrile 
rise this afternoon is regarded as a very encourag- 
ing feature of the case. For the first time in more 
than three weeks the patient's temperature at the 
evening examination was to-day normal. There has 
been no further exploration of the wound in search 
of fragments of bone, and no indication of the exist- 
ence of such fragments or of any obstruction or 
source of irritation whatever. The pus flows 
out naturally and freely through tBe new 
incision, and is of a perfectly healthy character. 
After the evening dressing of the wo^nd the patient 
slept quietly for three hours and awoke a few mo- 
ments since, feeling greatly refreshed. He has no 
fever and has had none since yesterday. His pulse 
is now below 100, and his temperature and respira- 
tion are normal. The attending surgeons, although 
by no means free from anxiety, express the hope 1 
and belief that the present improvement is a per- 
manent gain, and that the President is on the way 
to recovery. Dr. Hamilton arrived here from New ■ 
York at ten o'clock to-night. 
SECBKTABY BLAINE TO MINISTEB LOWELL. 
The following was sent by the Secretary of State i 
to Minister Lowell, at London:- 
At one o'clock P. M. the President's condition is I 
greatly improved. Pulse down to 90, temperature i 
and respiration normal and appetite good. His | 
sleep last night was very relreshlug. 
And the following was sent to-night:- 
At eleven o'clock P. M. the President's physicians 
gave a most favorable account of his condition. 
There is a conspicuous improvement m bis diges- 
tion and in the restfulness of his sleep. We are by 
no means relieved from anxiety, but are growing 
more hopeful. 
EXCITEMENT IN THE CITY ALLAYED. 
The favorable change in the President's condition 
reported yesterday had the effect of allaying the ex- 
citement of the past few days. While considerable 
interest was manifested in the official bulletins, 
there was but little else to mark the concern gen- 
erally felt. Among the despatches received by Vice 
President Arthur were the following:- 
Washington, D. C., July 27-8:30 A. M. 
Vice President Abthub:- 
The President had a remarkable good night's rest. 
Symptoms 411 encouraging. JAMES G. BLAINE. 
Washington, D. C., July 27-7 P. M. 
Vice President Abthub:- 
The President is still resting quietly. He has been 
able to take more nourishment to-day than tor sev- 
eral days past, and up to the present time has had 
no febrile rise of temperature. His wound has just 
been dressed. It looks well and has continued to i 
discharge healthy pus in sufficient quantity during 
the day. His putse is now 96, temperature 98:5, and 
respiration 20. 
J. STANLEY BROWN, Private Secretary. 
At the Union League Club the following despatch 
to Mr. Elwood E. Thorne was bulletined:- 
Washington, D. C., July 27, 1881. 
To Elwood E. Thobnk, Union League Club, New 
York:- 
Decided improvement in President's condition 
this morning. All rumors to the contrary utterly 
groundless. Everything here bright and cheerful. 
J. STANLEY BROWN. NEW YORK HERALD 
necessary. This is done that the sound ot footsteps 
may be softened as much as possible. It is consid- 
ered that this arrangement will render the chamber 
j much more refreshing to the patient and that it will 
henceforth bo decidedly more comfortable. Had it 
been practicable the surgeons say they would have 
ordered the change made before. When they were 
wheeling the bed from one room to the other the 
President expressed his satisfaction repeatedly. 
Everything was new to him, and Pennsylvania ave- 
nue, with its constantly moving panorama of people 
and vehicles, was a great source of delight. 
'•Even the old trees seem to have a more friendly 
look," he said, as his eyes wandered about the 
grounds. "But,'' he continued wearily, "it seems a 
long time since I saw them." 
While some of the attending physicians were ex- 
aminii g the operation of the cooling apparatus this 
afternoon it was remarked by o,:e of their number 
that Dr. Mott, of New York, while in Egypt noticed 
that wounds healed more rap diy there than at 
home, which he attributed to the dryness of the ai- 
mosphere. It was then remarked that as the air 
supplied by this machine was several degrees dryer 
than I he air of the adjoining room the best results 
might be expected. 
THE POTOMAC MIASMA. 
The question of the existeuce of malaria in the 
patient at the White House has been renewed 
among the resident physicians because of the re- 
moval to-day of the President from the room on the 
south front, where he lias lain since the shooting, to 
the large room at the extreme western corner of the 
north front-an airy apartment known as the Guest 
Eoom, aud so situated that its windows look out 
upon the new State Department and upon the park 
to the northward. The revival of this discussion in 
connection with the President's case has brought 
forth various opinions, for . this change of room, 
slight as it might in another case appear, is, iu the 
interest that prevails, seized upon as significant. 
Certain it is that the change is such as to avoid 
is far as possible the danger with which the 
southerly winds Irom the shores bf the Potomac 
tre burdened. Dr. Basil Norris, who is in charge of 
the army dispensary, and who tor over fifteen years 
has been engaged professionally by ihe numerous 
army officers stationed here, as well as by prominent 
officials, has frequently been called upon to attend 
the inmates of the White House for the last dozen 
years. I thought that he might be a good authority 
on malaria in that vicinity. He said:- 
"The city, you Know, is situated on the north 
bank of a river liable to overflow and abundant in 
vegetation on both banks, and it is very shallow at 
this point, as you must have noticed repeatedly. 
Well, the southerly winds naturally.waft the exhala- 
tions ot these marshy river borders in the directioh 
of the city. These conditions produce malaria with, 
intermittent fever." 
I called the Doctor's attention to the fact that con- 
siderable digging and turning up of earth had been 
done in order to complete the park, formerly 
known as "The White Lot," to the southward of 
the President's mansion and between it and the 
Potomac, and inquired if this upturning of earth 
and the making of improvements incident to park- 
ing would not have a tendency to produce malaria. 
"The greater portion of that work was done some 
years ago and bad effects could hardly result from 
it at this day. Of course it might, but it is not 
likely." 
"At the time these improvements were being made 
were there complaints about malaria from occu- 
pants of the White House?" 
"Yes, and since then, too, I have irequently been 
called on to treat patients suffering from malaria. 
In this connection let me say that the persons suf- 
fering from this complaint were those who lived on 
the lower floor-the one level with the main en- 
trance on Pennsylvania avenue-and the one below 
it, but those living on the upper floor of the man- 
sion were not troubled with malaria." 
"You think, then, that whatever malaria exists 
is due to the vegetation on the Potomac and south- 
erly winds?" 
"Yes, principally; for while the mansion is an old 
one it has been repeatedly and so recently repaired 
in the matter of plumbing that it may be regarded 
as healthy as any iu that vicinity. The grounds are 
extensive and kept clean and in good order. Mala- 
ria, therefore, must be wafted from the river flats 
by the southerly winds." 
THE QUESTION OF MALARIA. 
Reference has been made to the periodicity of the 
President's pulse, temperature and respiration. 
Until the Herald called attention to the regularity 
; with which the changes occurred no one here had 
| noticed the peculiarity at all. The exhibit shows 
I that beginning with Monday, July 4, the third day 
after the shooting, every succeeding Monday has 
been the regular bad day and that the tendency has 
I been a diminishing pulse, temperature and respira- 
I tion toward the close of each week, excepting, of 
course, the relapse of last Saturday. For the first 
week the physicians' examination of the patient was 
made between half-past seven and eight o'clock in 
the evening, and from July 11 to date the examina- 
tion has been made at seven P. M. The evening ex- 
ajnination is one which shows the most febrile 
symi>ton>s. Jhe following is the exhibit referred 
to;- 
Pulse. 
Temper- Respi- 
ature. 
ration 
126 
101.9 
24 
ALO 11<•«.¥> • 
106 
100.9 
24 
104 
100.6 
23 
....... 106 
100,2 
23 
Friday, 8th 
108 
101.3 
24 
108 
101.9 
24 
108 
101.9 
24 
Monday, xlth 
103 
102.8 
24 
Tuesday, 12th 
104 
102.4 
24 
Wednesday, 13th 
. 100 
101.6 
24 
i hursday, 14th 
98 
101 
30 
Fritlay 15th ........... 
98 
J 00.4 
20 
Saturday, 16th 
98 
100.2 
19 
Supday, 17th 
98 
100.2 
20 
Monday, 18 th 
102 
100.7 
21 
Tuesday 19th 
96 
99.8 
19 
Wednesday, 20th 
98 
99.6 
19 
Thursday, 21st 
96 
99.9 
19 
Friday, 22d 
98 
100.2 
19 
Saturday, 23d 
118 
101.7 
25 
Sunday 24th 
104 
99.2 
23 
Monday, 25 th 
110 
101.8 
24 
Tuesday, 26tn 
104 
100.7 
99 
Wednesd v, 27ih 
. 96 
98.5 
20 
Thursday. 28.h 
JOi 
100.5 
20 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NKW YOBK. FRIDA,. JUTA 29. 188L_ 
[by telegraph to the HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 28, 1881. 
"Garfield's life has been one ot hairbreadth 
escapes, and no will now suffer everything but 
death," said a warm, personal friend of the Presi- 
dent as he left the White House this afternoon. 
And it would s<>em as if the latter portion ot the 
remark was about to be verified, certainly so far as 
the suffering is concerned. 
It is generally understood that the sufferer is los- 
ing patience. Ho is weak, very weak; and the 
stories of his turning over and raising his arms and 
legs and performances of a like nature which have 
been reported are simply absurd. J here can be no 
doubt that the President is weaker to-day than he 
Was yesterday, but he is at the same time freer from 
even the suspicion of alarming symptoms than he 
has been for a long time. Dr. Hamilton 
said to mo this evening that there was a positive 
improvement. This is a cheerful variation from 
the daily announcement that "the patient is bet- 
ter," and is one of the few expressions on record 
f-rom the physicians that really means something. 
Dr. Hamilton also said that his patient was decidedly 
better than he had been since the very first, better 
than he was before the relapse. All of this, of course, 
is very encouraging to the watchers at the Execu- 
t ve Man-ion, aud Mrs. Garfield is particularly 
cheerful over the nearer realisation of her fondest 
hopes. 
THE TWENTY-SEVENTH DAY. 
With early dawn this morning the President 
awoke and was given a nourishing drink. He bad 
had no febrile disturbance and there were no symp- 
toms of rigor. Indeed, it may be truthfu'ly sa.d 
that he awoke muah refreshed by his night's rest. 
The physicians gathered aud under the direction of 
Dr. Hamilton the usual examination was made and 
the. wound dressed. It hid been discharging a 
moderate quantity of pus during the night and the 
doctors were naturally pleased. Their smiling faces 
had a cheering effect on the President and be smiled 
at them and with them. In fact, there was a general 
jollification at the White House that grew in enthu- 
siasm from the smile of the great patient himself to 
the frantic efforts of one of the kitchen attendants 
to stand on his head for sheer joy. Then came the 
important matter of breakfast, which was more 
than usually important from the fact that the Presi- 
dent expressed himself as really feeling hungry, ho 
solids were given, but he ate with relish beef tea, a 
raw egg and some milk toast. This menu does not 
Include the regular entrees of lime juice and quinine 
Which are given as a sort of antidote for the pesti- 
lential vapors of the Potomac flats. Breakfast com- 
fortably over the information was imparted to the 
sufferer that he would be moved to another room, 
whereat he expressed considerable satisfaction, say- 
ing such a change, if only temporary, would be "de- 
lightful." 
ON THE TAPIS NO MORE. 
The doctors had beforenand agreed that'the Presi-. 
dent should bo removed from the room in which he 
has rested since he was brought to the house from 
the depot. The room now selected for him is that 
right across the corridor from the one heretofore 
occupied, wh.ch is the southwest room of the build- 
ing, overlooking the river. The new sick chamber 
is the northwest room of the house, looking out 
upon the park in front and upon Pennsylvania 
avenue and Lafayette square. The removal was 
accomplished by wheeling the bed upon which the 
President rested very slowly and carefully out of I 
the old room and across the corridor into the new. 
The change was made without any shock to the 
patient and without disturbing him in the least. 
Oue reason of the change was that the President 
might be in perfectly pure quarters, not pervaded 
by any of the odors which always are to be 
found in an apartment occupied for any 
length of time by the sick. Everything 
iu the new sick chamber had been carefully ar- 
ranged before the change was made. The room here- 
tofore occupied was thoroughly cleaned; the mat- 
ting and the drugget under the bed were removed; 
all the windows were thrown open and the room 
was thoroughly purified. Everything movable was 
taken out of it. The walls and floors were thor- 
oughly scrubbed. Then word was sent to the engi- 
neer of the polarizer to put on a full head of cold 
air. The register fairly cracked with the cold as the 
order was obeyed, aud in a short time the room was 
like an ice house. This was done to freeze out any 
stray germs that might be lurking iu the cracks. 
Then the windows were opened, a fire lighted and 
ventilation secured. The carpet will not bo put 
down again. Strips of new carpet will be laid along 
those portions of the floor where most walking is 
The following letter from Dr. A. Y. P. Garnett, of 
this city, now away on a brief vacation, will be read 
with great interest as it treats of a phase of the 
President's case which has heretofore only been in- 
cidentally referred to. It will be noticed that he 
predicted the high fever of last Saturday and that 
he looked for a recurrence of it to-day or to-mor- 
row unless quinine treatment was tpllowed. He 
says:- 
We are all very much interested and excited over 
the President's condition and entertain grave doubts 
witn regard to the medical management of his case. 
I have contended from the date of the first sudden 
rise of temperature, more than two weeks ago, that 
malaria entered largely into the case as an impor- 
tant and active element, giving rise to those periodi- 
cal elevations of temperature, and that if large anti- 
pyretic doses of quinine had been administered to 
him for six consecutive mornings before ten o'clock 
no such sudden rises of fever would have oc- 
curred. The traumatic fever-that arising from 
the irritation of the wound-has never run 
the temperature beyond 100 degrees and was 
not likely to keep it up to this point. To what other 
causes can you ascribe the seven days' fever? It is 
not due to pyoimia, and the attending surgeons say 
it is not due to -malaria. So I wou d like them to 
say what produces it, if this last elevation of tem- 
perature, which I predicted before leaving Wash- 
ington would come on Saturday, was not due to ma- 
laria? It certainly was not the result of blood poison- 
ing. All experience shows that there is no such sudden 
and intermittent pyaemia fever. If there was suf- 
ficient contamination of the blood with pus to con- 
stitute fever, such contamination affecting the 
whole system could not be removed suddenly by 
the reappearance of the discharge. It would require 
some time to eliminate poison and restore the cir- 
culating fluid to its normal condition. Yet we find 
that within a few hours after the discharge 
of pus it is claimed that there is a decline of 
fever and an improved condition in •the 
p tient. This was a coincidence and not a conse- 
quence in my judgment. The clinical history of 
this case utterly forbids the conclusion bf blood 
poisoning, but taken in conjunction with the Presi- 
dent's locality goes lar to establish the belief that 
there is concurrent malarial fever manifesting itself 
in this pronounced form every seven days. Conse- 
sequently unless full doses of quinine be adminis- 
tered and the refrigerating apparatus set to work 
again, you may look out for a repetition of this ele- 
vation on Thursday (to-day) or Friday next. I have 
all along held that the ball was lodged in the muscles 
posteriorly, and that it has never penetrated either 
the 1 ver or the peritoneal cavity, and it there had 
not been fragments of clothing and bone carried 
in with it, which have kept up the|suppuration, the 
ball would have been encysted by this time and the 
President sitting up, provided the malarial fever 
bad been checked by proper treatment. 
Your correspondent was present when Dr. Garnett 
and Dr. Bliss had a free interchange of opinion 
nearly two weeks ago on the importance of treating 
the President for malaria. Dr. Garnett contended 
that quinine was not administered in sufficient 
quantity to overcome the malarial poison in the 
blood, and, with the possibility of blood poisoning 
from the assimilation of pus, the DectOr thought 
the consequences might be fatal. Dr- Bliss pro- 
tested that there was no need of quinine treatment 
to the extent indicated by Dr. Garnett. Neverthe- 
less, quinine capsules, containing three grains each, 
were ordered on the following day, and have been 
given at long intervals each day for ten days. 
THE QUESTION OF EXTRACTING THE BALL. 
Dr. John Wilson, now United States Consul at 
Brussels, who attended young Mr. Seward while Dr. 
Norris attended Secretary Seward during the Lin- 
coln assassination excitement, was for three years 
Medical Inspector of thp Army of the, Potomac, hav- 
ing under his charge corps,'division and brigade 
hospitals, and was subsequently medical director 
of this department. His experience with gunshot 
woundsis naturally very extensive. Dr. Wilson, 
spe king of the President's case, incidentally said: 
"My experience in the field has taught me that the 
most efficient means to guard against pytemia is to 
feed the patient with nutritious diet up to the max- 
imum of his ability to digest, thereby enabling na- 
ture to build up an organized barrier against the 
invasion of pus into the circulation." 
"What do you think of the sudden fluctuations of 
the pulse? Are they in your opinion v«ry signifi- 
cant?" 
"In another case they might be regarded as more 
significant than I would deem them in this. It 
should be remembered that this patient is a re- 
markably intelligent, well informed man, and with 
such intelligence apprehension of one's own oondi- tion is natural. For example, the patient knows j 
what a rigor or chill means almost as well as a good 
physician would, and in h s weakened condition i 
any bad symptom causes him to become apprehey- I 
sive, and that would naturally send up the pulse lor ' 
the time being." 
Dr. Norris remarked to his visitor that neither the 
press, the public., nor the President would feel satis- 
fied until the bullet was found, and Dr. Wilson re- 
joined by a-king if it would be strange should the 
ball be found to be imbedded in a bone or caught 
between the ribs. He said there was a possibility of i 
the ball working its way out through the artificial 
opening recently made, for the routes taken by balls 
; were very erratic and puzzling. 
Experiments are being daily made with the indue- i 
! tion balance, which has already been described, and 
i they are declared to be very favorable to complete 
i success. To-day an experiment succeeded in local- j 
| ing a ball two and one half inches from the surface 
I of a body. Hitherto two inches was the greatest 
| distance at which the induction balance would suc- 
| cessfully work. The experiments will be continued 
i on a number of soldiers who have volunteered as 
I subjects. 
ANXIETY AGAIN. 
The joy of the morning and the actual hilarity of 
this afternoon wore suddenly checked about five 
o'clock, when the President's condition was-dis- 
covered to be such as to cause anxiety among .the 
lay attendants of the Executive Mansion, if it did ■ 
not among the professionals. At twelve o'clock his 
pulse was 94; at five o'clock it was 104. At twelve 
o'clock his temperature was 98 5-10, at five 
o'clock it was 100 5-10« At twelve o'clock his 
respiration was 18; at five it was 20. The 
bulletin issued at seven o''cl >ck described the 
change as a "slight afternoon rise," which is un- 
doubtedly true. The questions are being everywhere 
asked here. Is this malaria? Or is it something 
else? And no definite answer is ready tor either 
question. The opinion is gaining ground, however,, 
that there is some undiscovered agency at work, and 
the preponderance of opinion points to malaria. In 
aid of this is quoted the fact that quinine has been 
given the patient every day for the past ten days, 
but only about three grains at.a time. From the 
table above printed it will readily be seen 
that the patient's pulse and temperature ! 
have risen and fallen in an extraordinary 
manner. The fluctuations will no doubt be scanned 
with interest, espec illy with a view to ascertaining 
the presence of malarial poison in the system. At 
nine o'clock to-uight the attaches at the Executive 
Mansion were quietly preparing to put up the shut- 
ters, with the announcement that no more bulletins 
would be given before morning. No one at that 
time had any clear idea whether the rise in temper- 
ature w*s continuing or whether the patient was 
resuming a condition nearer normal. Mr. Pruden, 
the President's assistant private secretary, said he 
did not know whether the temperature was rising 
or falling, but he was sure it was falling, being free 
to acknowledge at the same time that the wish was 
father to the belief. In the Cabinet Room most of 
the members of the Cabinet were gathered, and a 
little later the Secretary of State hurried in. Mr. 
Blaine looked anxious. 
General Swaim, who is oue of the select ten who 
are permitted to enter the sick room and who fre- 
quently officiates as oue of those who assist in 
moving the President, came out from the 
inner chamber not long after the issuance 
of the evening bulletin. The General is 
generally regarded as one of the most reliable 
authorities of those who profess to know anything 
of the case because he talks but little. But his evi- 
dence is always hopeful. Indeed, he could not well 
give any other kind nor allow himself to feel 
despondent, as the effect upon the President, with 
whom he comes in contact, would be exceedingly 
injurious. So, alter all, General Swaim's statements 
must be taken with a liberal allowance for the cir- 
cumstances in which ho is placed. The General, 
who was the first to give any information that was 
at all authentic after the bulletin at seven o'clock, 
said that the patient was doing nicely. The 
fever was very slight and was only the 
usual alternoon rise, aqd that it was al- 
ready going down and would probably be almost 
if not entirely gone by morning. Furthermore 
those who knew about the patient felt no anxiety or 
alarm, and there w«s no especial importance at- 
tached to the matter by them. This, indeed, seems 
to be the general feelrug at the White House to- 
night. Almost everybody outside of the Executive 
Mansion believes that there is abundance of evi- 
dence to show the presence of malaria in the case, 
but the doctors have positively and repeatedly as- 
serted that there is no malaria and no indication of 
it, and there the matter rests. 
THE AFTERNOON FEVER INTERPRETED. 
One ot the leading physicians of Washington, who 
has carefully watched the progress of the President's 
case, said to your correspondent:- 
"I had hoped to-day would close one of the bright- 
est for the President, but the bulletin just issued is 
too significant to overlook. To my mind it indicates 
a too extensive suppurative precess to be cheerful.' 
The fact is, too, the nervous system of the President 
is to a certain extent benumbtftl, which would ac- 
count for but 'slight discomfort,' in the language of 
the sangu.ue surgeons." 
The only positive explanation of the fever is 
given by Dr. Boynton, the President's cousin, who 
was present at the dressing of the wound this even- 
ing. He says that the drainage tube is drawn into 
the wound until the end is beneath the sur ace of 
the skin or even with it, and that a soft dressing ot 
cotton is placed over it and held in position by 
strips of plaster. The plaster was heavier than 
usual to-day, while the accumulation of 
pus was unusually great. As a result 
the tube filled and dammed up until 
two ounces of pus had accumulated. This caused 
irritation in the afternoon and made the President 
uneasy. When the bandages were removed and 
the pus released the febrile rise fell at once. He 
also stated that when the tube was removed a good 
quantity of pus oozed out. This shows that there 
had been a remarkable amount generated in the 
wound and that some irritating substance still ex- 
isted along its track or in the region ot the frac- 
tured ribs. 
It is considered somewhat strange that the seven 
o'clock bulletin said nothing about the discharge of 
pus, which, according to Dr. Boynton's statement 
quoted above, was unusually large. The omission 
occasions unfavorable comment. 
Dr. Beyburn will sit up with the President to-night 
and Dr. Bliss, who sleeps at the White House, will 
be near at hand. Dr. Hamilton will remain in at- 
tendance on the' President until Sunday, when his 
place will be taken by Dr. Agnew. The Executive 
Mansion was closed at eleven o'clock, at which time 
the President was declared tb be sleeping. 
THAT FAMOUS CONSULTATION. 
The acoount in to-day's Herald of the consulta- 
tion of the physicians on Sunday, July 3, touching 
the treatment that should be pursued in the Presi- 
dent's case was read here with great interest. Addi- 
tional facts ascertained to-day throw considerable 
light upon the treatment of the President im- 
mediately after receiving the wound. The 
true condition of affairs is also gradually 
coming to light relative to the examination of the 
patient during the early days of- has injury. Speak- 
ing to oue of the surgeons connected with the case 
at the outset your correspondent asked him if it was 
the proper thing to allow the President to lie with 
his clothes on for several hours before an examina- 
tion was attempted. 
"Perhaps it was not," he replied. "But when the 
question of examining him was first discussed it was 
decided that he was in no condition to bo disturbed. 
Il was concluded that he needed -rest more than 
anything else. You must remember that when he was 
taken from the ambulance and carried to his room 
he was quite exhausted. Indeed, it was very wisely 
stated that the large number of physicians in at- 
tendance at the White House at this time would be 
rather embarrassing to the patient." 
"How came so many physicians to be present? 
Were they sent for?" 
"Well, not exactly. I believe that half of us did 
not know how we happened to be on hand. The 
excitement was so great when the news of the shoot- 
ing was made public that the physicians naturally 
drifted to the Executive Mansion." 
"But you were inyiied to participate in the pro- 
ceedings of the counsel on Sunday morning." 
"Yes, there was an understanding that we should 
then hold a consultation." 
"Was any proposition made after the patient had 
been placed upon the bed to examine the wound at 
once and ascertain its nature?" 
"But few ot us saw him the first day. We were 
told by Dr. Bliss that he was very low and it was 
feared he was dying. However, it was suggested 
that one or two physicians in company with 
Dr. Bliss should examine the case. In 
fact some of us insisted upon this 
toward the evening, for the case was, ; s we then 
thought, one of desperation. Up to this time the 
President's clothes had not been removed and were 
not until the first examination was made, when it 
was found that enough blood escaped to make him 
wet and uncomfortable. During this examination 
of his wound about a half pint of venous blood 
escaped. During the first day a slight degree of 
hemorrhage had been in progress and the President 
was vomitting quite frequently and considerable 
retching was going on." 
"What caused the stoppage ot the internal hem- 
orrhage that set in the first night?" 
"Well, it was so slight that we did not attribute 
the great depression of the President so much to 
that as to the shock to the system caused by the 
entering ball. A person of the President's habits 
and physique could lose more blood every day 
without any such depression. However, when it 
was found -he was so low champagne was admin- 
istered, and in less than an hour the pulse ■ ell from 
150 to less than 130. Then it was stronger and fuller 
and kept falling steadily for some time," 
"What seemed to be the principal distress under 
which the President labored the first day?'/ 
"Well, he vomited every now and then, but his 
principal complaint was pains in the lower ex- 
tremities. When we convened for the consultation 
Sunday morning we learned that the too free ad- 
ministration of champagne had caused nausea, and 
it was discontinued at once and milk and lime water 
in doses of a tablespooniul of each substituted. 
This cured the nausea and enabled the patient to 
rest easier." 1 
I asked the physician if it was not remarkable that 
the presence ot the greatest irritating substance 
should have been allowed to remain in the wound 
for three weeks. 
"Well, I think the bone has very little to do with 
the lormutiou of the abscess. These fragments of 
bone fell into the wound after the abscess was 
formed. They fell into and disturbed the opening 
that Dr. Agnew made. Splintered bones which lie 
in an open wound similar to the President's do uot 
add to the irritation to any great extent. Of course 
when they become detached and can be reached it is 
well to remove them." 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[lluofficial.] 
* Executive Mansion, 1 
Washington, J uly 28, 7 A. M. J • 
Dr. Bliss says the President passed au excellent 
night-better than any since he was wounded. He 
slept soun ily most ot' the night and awoke this 
morning looking bright aud feeling hungry. There 
lias been a satisfactory discharge ot pus during the 
night. His temperature this mofning is apparently 
about normal. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8 A. M. 
The President rested well during the night, and no 
rigor or febrile disturbance has occurred since the 
bulletin ot yesterday evening. This morning the 
improvement of his general condition is distinctly 
perceptible. He appears refreshed by his night's 
rest and expresses himself cheerfully as to his con- 
dition. Pulse, 92; temperature; 98.4; respiration, 
18. 
ERANK H. HAMILTON, J. J. WOODWARD. 
D. W. BLUS, ROBERT REYBURN. 
J. K. BARNES, 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11 A. M. 
Colonel Rock well says the President is decidedly 
better this morning than be has been at any time 
since he was wounded; that at the morning dressing 
there was a tree aud healthy discharge of pus trom 
the w ound, aud that that portion of the original 
wound above the incision was observed to have com- 
menced healing. The surgeons, after a consultation 
on the subject this morning, concluded that the re- 
moval of the heavy carpet which covers the floor of 
the President's chamber would be beneficial, and 
considering the brightness of the morning, with a 
perfectly fresh and dry atmosphere, together with 
the favorable condition of the patient, it was de- 
cided to make the change at once. The surgeons 
maintain that the carpet absorbs the impurities 
ot the atmosphere which invariably exist to 
more or less extent in the sick cham- 
ber, and that it is a receptacle for the 
secretion of dust, &c. The President's bed was care- 
fully removed from his own room to a room imme- 
diately across the hall, where 1m is row resting qui- 
etly. After the carpet of the sick chamber is taken 
up the floors will be carefully dusted and a tire 
kindled in the grate for the purpose of securing a 
thorough ventilation. The President will uot bo 
taken b»ck to his chamber tor several hours. Eor 
th purpose of obviating the sounds of footsteps 
upon the floor strips of carpet will be placed in the 
most frequented parts of the room. It is considered 
that this ariangement will render the chamber much 
more refreshing to the patient, and that it will henc - 
tortti be decidedly more comfortable. Had it been 
practicable, the surgeons say, they would have 
ordered the change made before this. The attending 
surgeons say that the President has not looked so 
well since he was wounded as he does this morning, 
and that he is delighted with the change which' is 
being made in his room and feels greatly refreshed. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-13:30 P. M. 
The President bore the dressing ot liis wound this 
morning with less fatigue thin hitherto. It appears 
well and is discharging sufficiently. Shortly after- 
ward. his bed was rolled into an adjoining room 
while that occupied till now is being thoroughly 
cleansed and put inorder. His pulse is now 94, tem- 
perature 98.5, respiration 18. 
D. W. BLISS * ROBERT REYBURN, 
J. K. BABNEs, FRANK H. HAMILTON. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-2:20 P. M. 
The condition of the President continues to be in 
every w y satisfactory. His pulse at this hour is 
below 100. He is entirely free from fever and is 
resting quietly. He has not yet been moved back to 
his own room. 
. [Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:45 P. M. 
The President has passed another quiet, comfort- 
able day. and made-further progress m the direction 
of recovery. Up to this hour he has had no fever 
since Tuesday night. His pulse throughout the day 
has been about one hundred, and his temperature 
and respiration normal. He takes nourishment 
well, is resting quietly and has no unfavorable 
symptoms. • 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-11:30 P. M. 
The slight febrile rise, which first became notice- 
able about five o'clock this afternoon, reached its 
maximum at the evening examination, when the 
President's pulse stood at 104 aud his temperature 
at 100.5. Soou atter that time both pulse 
and temperature began to fall, and at 
the present hour the patient's fever has 
nearly disappeared and he is resting quietly. No 
reason is assigned bv the attending surgeons for the 
reappearance of the febrile symptoms after an in- 
terval of more than thirty-six h.ours of normal tem- 
perature. The circumstance, however, causes no 
particular uneasiness, since the lever has almost 
subsided, and slight fever in the evening has been a 
feature of the President's case every day except yes- 
terday for two weeks. The patient was moved back 
to his own room about five o'clock this afternoon 
. [Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has passed । pleasant day and has 
taken his nourishment with apparent relish. His 
temperature continued normal until about five' 
o'clock, when a moderate afternoon rise occurred, 
which, however, gives the patient but slight dis- 
comfort and causes no anxiety. At present his pulse 
is 104; temperature, 100.5; respiration, 20. 
FRANK H. HAMILTON, D. W. BLISS, 
J. K. BARNES, J. J WOODWARD, 
ROBERT REYBURN. NEW YORK HERALD. 
Mrs. Garfield nas never lost faith since' 
the effect of the first shock. She has been steadfast 
In the belief that the President would be returned to 
^usefulness and to his family, and a lady with whom 
I talked to-day, who has seen Mrs. Garfield within a 
< few days, says that the wife of the 1'resident bases 
her belief on her 6wn observations while in the sick 
room and l.er knowledge of her husband's reserved 
strength. She is visited almost daily by the 
wives ot the Cabinet officers, and there are - 
several ladles staying at the mansion with 
her. Of course there are very few callers ex- 
cept personal friends, and sho is not at home 
to any others. I saw her out driving this afternoon 
with her two boys and Miss Mollie. There can be 
no question that she has suffered and is suffering an 
intense mental strain. The lines of her face are 
drawn, and there is an anxious, pleading look,- 
tempered withal with patience. Sho is in constant 
attendance on the sick room, but the children are 
not permitted to enter. Indeed, it was decided 
some time ago that it would not be beneficial to the 
President for any other than the regular faces io 
meet his shifting gaze; so the circle of those admit- 
ted to the sick chamber was narrowed down to 
eleven persons. These are Dr. Bliss, Dr. Reyburn. Dr. 
Barnes and Dr. Woodw rd and one or the other of 
the consulting physicians. Colonel Rockwell, Crump 
the nurse, Mrs. Dr. Edson the nurse, Dr. Boynton 
and Mrs. Garfield. The internal arrangements of 
the White House are in about the normal condition. 
The boys pursue their usual studies In preparation 
for Williams College, where their father was gradu- 
ated, and their lessons are heard daily by Dr. W. H. 
Hawks, the tutor, at thp Presidential mansion. The 
family breakfast between eight and nine o'clock, 
dine about three and supper is served about eight. 
At the table there are, besides the immediate family 
of the President, Mrs. Governor Sheldon, Private 
Secretary Brown and Dr. Boynton, and occasionally 
one or two others. 
DILEMMA OF THE DOCTORS. " 
It will be remembered that at the bonsultation of 
the President's physicians last Sunday morning it 
was resolved not to discuss the President's case 
outside of the consultation room. The reason al- 
leged for this enforced reticence by them was that 
the surgeons, when interviewed, were misquoted, 
misunderstood, and made to appear ridiculous by 
the unprofessional interviewer, and thereby exposed 
to unjust criticism, if not injury to their profes- 
sional reputations. Such an excuse did ap- 
pear reasonable to them, but the cause of 
their action was the fear, that, after the relapse ot 
Saturday, they would ba questioned so closely and 
directly, as to the real nature of the case, that 
truthful replies might tend to create distrust, when 
confidence could be restored through the daily offi- 
cial bulletins. As time passes by there are a num- 
ber of pertinent questions, which if answered 
frankly, would show how precarious is the condi- 
tion of our wounded President. Therefore it is 
really not misrepresentation that the doctors fear, 
but rather the truth, that they fancy might unneces- 
sarily alarm the public. 
CAUSES OF FEVERISH COSUmONS. 
From an eminent surgeon, whose intimate ac- 
quaintance with the consulting surgeons would give 
him an opportunity of learning what would not be 
disclosed to a layman, your correspondent has ob- 
tained the following:- 
If the reader of the Herald will refer to the table 
printed in tc-day's issue showing the fluctuations 
of the pulse, temperature and respiration it will be 
seen that the four days preceding the rigors and 
sweats were consecutively the four most favorable 
days the President had passed since he was 
wounded. The pulse at evening, when the feverish 
conditions are highest, had ranged between 96 and 98, 
'The temperature averaged 100 and respiration had 
been uniformly 19. Friday night the President 
was restless, but when the wound was dressed and 
the temperature taken on Saturday morning there 
was nothing unusual noticed. Suddenly he was 
seized with a rigor, his temperature going up to 104 
and his pulse to 130. The explanation given 
by the attending physicians for this rise 
was the formation of a pus cavity, the 
puncturing and discharging of which it 
was expected would entirely remove thecause of the 
fever rigors and sweats. But it is hardly necessary 
to state that such a result did not follow. On the 
following Monday there was a renewal of the symp- 
toms. When Dr. Agnew was dressing the wound 
he discovered pieces of the fractured rib "impeding 
the flow of pus," as ho said, "by damming up a por- 
tion of the track of the ball," and to these fng- 
ments the trouble that day was attributed. Yester- 
day afternoon the President had another 
sudden fever, and fifteen minutes before 
it begun it was unofficially announced that 
the President had made further progress in the 
direction of recovery; thgt he had had no fever 
since Tuesday night; that he partook of nourish- 
ment well; was resting quietly and had no unfavor- 
able symptoms. Notwithstanding this flattering 
assurance, twenty minutes thereafter his pulse had 
gone up to 120, his temperature to 103 and'his res- 
piration to 24. For this febrile rise no reason was 
offered, but Dr. Boynton, the President's cousin, 
said *it wns due to an unusually large 
accumulation of pus and in excess of 
the capacity of the drainage tube. From 
these facts it is now clear that the unfavorable 
symptoms for the past week have not been wholly 
due to accumulated pus. There is another impor- 
tant factor in th? case, which has escaped consider- 
ation. The bones of the body are traversed by 
veins. The shattered eleventh rib and fractured 
tenth rib expose the mouths of a number of them 
to the pus which accumulates in such great quan- 
tity about the fractured and splintered bones, and so 
these venous orifices become ready avenues for 
blood infection.- The suction of the venous sys- 
tem makes of every orifice a channel 
for putrid, or laudable, pus, as the condition of the 
wound may bo. That which had accumulated up to 
Saturday last was of a greenish color, putrid and 
offensive. The pus cavity was formed around the 
broken eleventh rib, and reached to the simple frac- 
ture of the tenth, about three Inches above. 
Through contact with the open veins the purulent 
| pus was absorbed, and then followed the first evi- 
dence of pysemia in the President's case, resembling 
that described by Holmes, in his work on surgery, 
so closely that there could be no douut 
about the cause ot the rigor. For a more 
intelligent understanding of the danger to which 
the President is constantly exposed it must be berne 
in mind that for three inches the wound runs par- 
allel and close to the back, then at an acute angle 
descends toward the right illiac region. It will be 
readily comprehended why Dr. Agnew so quickly 
ascertained where to make the incision with his 
lancet, which he did about three inches below the 
mouth of the wound, and which incision connected 
in a direct line with the diagonal course of 
the ball in the body, and brought the new 
channel opposite the fractured parts of the eleventh 
rib, enabling him so easily to remove the pieces of 
bone hts finger came in contact with. The new chan- 
nel was expected to drain the three inches of curve 
in the track of the ball, but was obstructed on 
Monday by pieces of bone, while the fever of yester- 
day afternoon was caused by the welling up ot pus 
in the old part of the wound, which was again feed1- 
ing the veins and disturbing the entire circulating 
system, just as it did on Saturday last, when the 
rigors and sweats were caused by absorption of pu- 
trid matter. Hence it is evident that the absorption 
of so much poisonous matter has vitiated the blood 
and caused a natural loathing of food of which the 
President complains from day to day, and which 
now so seriously disturbs the hopes of his physi- 
* cians. 
ANXIOUSLY WATCHING DEVELOPMENTS. 
It is a noticeable fact that the physicians have 
been in attendance at the sick room more closely to- 
day than at any time since the day after the relapse. 
It is no secret that the development of the symp- 
toms to-night and to-morrow are loosed for with 
grave interest. The spirit of confidence that it is 
intended shall bo conveyed by the favorable bulletin 
issued this evening at seven o'clock does not exist, 
and a cloud ot uncertainty seems to linger in the 
minds of those who have made a study of the fluctu- 
ating character of the patient's symptoms. 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial] 
Executive Mansion, 1 
Washington, July 29---7:30 A. M.j 
Dr. Bliss says the President passed a comfortable 
night, and awakened this morning feeling refreshed. 
He took some nourishment about seven A. M., and is 
now resting quietly. His pulse this morning is 92, ; 
and temperature apparently about normal. His 
condition is thought to be as good as at any time 
during the past three days. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
Immediately after the evening dressing yesterday 
the President's afternoon fever began gradually to 
subside. He slept well during the night and this 
morning is free from fever, looks well and expresses 
himself cheerfully. No rigors have occurred during 
the past twenty-four hours, nor indeed at any time 
Since the 25th inst. A moderate rise of temperature 
in the afternoon is to be anticipated for some days 
to come. At present his pulseis 92; temperature, 
98.4; respiration, 18. 
D. W. BLISS. J. J. WOODWARD, 
J. K. BARNES, ROBERT REYBURN, 
F. H. HAMILTON. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, July 29-11:50 A. M. 
The President is having another quiet, comfort- 
, able day. Since the morning bulletin his tempera- 
ture and respiration have remained normal, and his 
pulse is below 100. His nourishment to-day has 
consisted chiefly of the juice ot ireshly rousted beef, 
milk and prepared meat extract. As an experiment^ 
the surgeons have also given him to-day a small 
quantity ot the Tartar beverage known as "kou- 
miss," which is in great repute among the Calmucks 
of Southeastern Russia as a nutritious and slightly 
stimulating drink. Koumiss, as prepared by the 
Tartars, is a thin, whitish fluid, witn a milky taste 
and a slightly pungent flavor, and is made by dis- 
tilling mare's milk while it is undergoing the pro- 
cess ot fermentation. It has a great reputation in 
Southeastern Europe and Western Asia, not only as 
an invigorating stimulant, but as a nourishing food, 
and a large establishment, popularly known as the 
"Koumiss Cure," was founded on the Volga River, 
near Samara, a few years since, and visited by inva- . 
lids from all parts of Russia. 
{Official.] 
Executive Mansion-12P. M. 
The President bore the dressing of his wound 
well this morning, and exhibited very little fatigue 
after its completion. The appearance of the wound 
the character and quantity ot the discharge, and the 
general condition ot the patient are satisfactory. Ho 
rests well and takes an adequate quantity of nour- 
■ ishmeut. At present his pulse is 98; temperature. 
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1881 
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.] 
Washington, July 29, 1881. 
A POOR APPETITE. 
Of course the President is no stronger, but he is 
still as cheerful as a man in his circumstances might 
be expected to be after twenty-eight days of lying 
prone and holnless, with the knowledge that he is at 
the mercy ot five doctors. But while everything is 
cheerful in and about the White House there is a 
growing trouble on the physicians' minds that is 
becoming serious. There can be no doubt of the 
fact that the President's appetite is not good-that 
it is not improving-and while the doctors are not 
willing to acknowledge that they are troubled they 
cannot hide the fact that they are. The President 
has .been growing weaker from day to day. He has 
lost certainly fifty-pounds of tissue. In other 
words, his body has been feeding on itself. This 
might not ordinarily be of much moment were 
it not for the fact that he has no ap- 
petite. Ihe waste of tissue and the ina- 
bility to eat, taken together, constitute a serious 
presentation. The extract from the London Lancet 
cabled to Washington to-day is being read with 
much interest, and the following portion of it is 
highly suggestive when considered with the loss of 
appetite:-"It is of great importance that the pa- 
tient's constitutional vigor should be maintained at 
as high a pitch as possible, in view of future 
troubles." In cofiversation, this afternoon, a 
gentleman who is perfectly aware of the 
President's condition and or the anxiety of the 
doctors at his lack of appetite, said, "There 
can be no question of the enfeebled condition of 
General Garfield. He is as weak as a man can well 
be, and I am seriously afraid that they will have 
trouble in getting him to eat enough. What he 
wants now is stimulating food and plenty of it. The 
doctors at this morning's consultation decided that 
it had now become necessary to tempt his appetite 
in every possible way consistent with his condition, 
and try if they -could not force his system up to a 
higher standard." 
A CHANGE OF DIET. 
The question is considered a serious one by those 
who have given it any thought, and they have been 
necessarily few up to this time, because of the ques- 
tion of appetite being lost sight of in the general 
hubbub by almost every one except the physicians. 
They, no doubt, have kept it steadily in view, but 
its most serious aspect did not confront them so 
boldly until now. The question of the febrile rises 
has a direct interest with it, because, if 
the system is run down and there is not 
sufficient nourishment taken by the patient there is 
all the greater reason why pus is absorbed, the 
weakened system retaining and absorbing what in a 
stronger state would be thrown from it. Thinking 
this evening that this aspect is the mostserious one 
to confront the physicians have decided to change 
the diet in order that the President may be tempted 
to eat and retain more nourishment. In this con- 
nection it is interesting to know that the President 
was before the shooting troubled with a weak 
stomach and indigestion. He had been treated 
lor the latter ailment. Of the physicians 
who assumed charge of him immediately after the 
assault it is reasonable to suppose that they did 
not know of this; for snrely bad they known of it 
they would not have given him woodcock, or sweet- 
breads, or oatmeal. They know it now, however, 
and realize that their great patient's stomach is 
weaker than ever and much more difficult to please. 
Some attribute this loss of appetite to the vitiated 
condition of the blood, others to dyspepsia and 
again others to malaria. There is no question that 
the stomach is weak or that the blood is 
vitiated. There is some question, however, about 
the malaria, although the positive and repeated as- 
sertions of the doctors to that effect have not suc- 
ceeded in downing the reiterated opinion of many 
Washingtonians. The loss of appetite does not de- 
pend, however, on any one of the three probable 
causes. Time, no doubt, will reveal whet has been 
its cause if the physicians are unable to do so in the 
meanwhile. This noon, in order to test the Presi- 
dent's stomach, he was given a moderate quantity 
of a Russian drink called koumiss, which is consid- 
ered to combine nourishing and stimulating ef- 
fects to an eminent degree. From time to time other 
experiments will be made, and such food procured 
as will tend to build up t he seriously depleted system. 
THE WHITE HOUSE FAMILY. 
But while the physicians wore exercised in mind 
and vigorously consulted their authorities on gun- 
shot wounds the lay members of the personal and 
official family ot the President were exceedingly 
happy in the reported progress in the restoration of 
his health. "He is getting along so well that it 
won't be long before we will see him out driving," 
said one; and the spirit of his remark was shared in 
by almost all who overheard it. Especially 
are the cheering bulletins of the surgeons 
welcome to the President's devoted wife. 98.4; respiration, 19. 
D. W. BLISS. J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD, ROBERT REYBURN, 
FRANK H. HAMILTON. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion, 4:30 P. M. 
Dr. Bliss reports at half-past four P, M. that the 
President has had an excellent day. He has slept 
naturally a good deal of the time, has taken nourish- 
ment frequently without any symptoms of gastric 
disturbance, and has been entirely free from fever. 
In the judgment of the surgeons he is better than 
yesterday at the same hour. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has been comfortable and cheerful 
during the day and has had quite a nap since the 
noon bulletin was issued. The afternoon febrile 
1 rise came on later and was not so marked as yester- 
day. The wound has been discharging freely and 
looks well. At present his pulse is 98, temperature 
100, respiration 20. 
D. W. BLISS, J. K. BARNES, 
J. J. WOODWARD. ROBERT REYBURN. 
FRANK H. HAMILTON. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-ll:30P. M. 
The Paesident has had a very favorable day, and 
there is a marked improvement in his condition to- 
night as compared with that of threo days ago. He 
has taken in the past fifteen hours the full usual 
allowance of nourishment and there has been a 
slight increase in his physical strength. The febrile 
rise, which came on as usual this afternoon, was 
less strongly marked than yesterday, the maximum 
temperature being about half a degree lower. There 
was a free discharge of pus at, the evening dressing 
of the wound, and it was of a perfectly healthy char- 
acter. Shortly after the evening examination the 
fever began to subside, the patient tell asleep and 
has slept most of the time since. Heis now free 
from fever, with a pulse below 100 and temperature 
and respiration normal. The surgeons report that 
his condition is in every way satisfactory. 
DESPATCH FROM THE STATE DEPARTMENT. 
Washington, July 29,1881. 
The following was sent to-day:- 
Lowell, Minister, London: - 
At one P. M. the President's condition is reported 
as entirely satisfactory. A slight return of fever is 
expected later in the afternoon and will probably 
for some time be a daily accompaniment at this 
stage of his progress. BLAINE. 
The following was sent to-nieht:- 
Lowell, Minister, London. 
The President's afternoon fever was less to-day 
than yesterday and at this hour, half-past eleven 
P. M., has almost disappeared. Temperature very 
nearly normal. His wound is in a healthy condi- 
tion and he is doing well in all respects. His physi- 
cians are greatly encouraged. 
BLAINE, Secretary. 
DR. CARNOCHAN's OPINION THE RECENT UN- 
FAVORABLE SYMPTOMS DUE, NOT TO MALA- 
RIA, BUT TO PL®MIA. 
The New York Commercial Advertiser of yesterday 
publishes an interesting interview with Professor J. 
M. Carnochan on the President's condition. The 
Professor at first expressed a great reluctance to 
giving his opinion on the matter, but finally agreed 
to answer whatever 'general questions might be 
aske'd him. 
•'Professor," asked the reporter, "do yon think 
that the President is suffering from malarial fever?" 
"I do not," was the prompt reply. "Suppurative 
fever is sufficient to produce the symptoms of inter- 
mittence and exacerbation which have been observed 
in the patient's condition. Moreover, as the Presi- 
dent has evidently suffered from the effects of pyre- 
mia before the opening of the abscess and the 
giving free egress to the confined matter, the influ- 
ence of malaria need not bo considered as essentially 1 
necessary for the production of ths symptoms ; 
which have attended the President's case." 
"Do you think that pyaemia was present in the pa- j 
tient's system before the opening of the abscess?" 
"I do." 
"Why do you think so?" 
"Why, the symptoms with which the President 
was oppressed disappeared to a certain extent soon 
after the evacuation of the vitiated pus. This, ap- 
parently. was the operation of cause and effect. . 
Besides this, the symptoms reported as being pres- 
ent during the last relapse of the President were 
those which are well known to be associated with 
purulent absorption following traumatic lesions, 
such as gunshot wounds." 
"By the by, what is malaria?" 
"Malaria is blood poisoning, generally resulting 
from vitiated air." 
"And pyaemia?" 
"Is blood poisoning from the introduction into 
the circulation of vitiated pus." 
"You consider, then, that a similar result is 
brought about by the operation of two different 
causes'" 
"Yes, to a certain extent. But there is this im- 
portant difference, that blood poisoning from 
vitiated air is much less dangerous than blood 
poisoning from vitiated pus." 
"How can this pyaemia be successfully combat- 
ted?" 
"By the removal of the cause. By preventing the 
accumulation of pus either in the form of an ab- 
scess or its retention too long upon the granulating 
surface of the wound. This is accomplished by the 
use of such medications as are known to have a 
prophylactic and curative influence upon the cause 
of the symptoms. Of these are sulphate of soda, 
sulphate of quinine and several other medications 
known to practical surgeons." 
"Those who advance the opinion that the Presi- 
dent is suffering from malaria and not py®mia, 
claim that within a few hours after the re-discharge 
of pus there was a decline of fever and an improved 
condition observable in the patient. Does pyaemia 
admit of a phase In which its symptoms are re- 
moved after the evacuation of an abscess?" 
"Pyaemia has its different phases of active and 
passive virulence, and under certain circumstances 
the removal of the came will soon be followed by 
remission of the symptoms." 
"Are these symptoms denoting the absorption of 
pus likely to occur again?" 
"As long as there exist sources in the system of a 
mechanical character which promote the secretion 
of pun the system is liable to be affected by pyemic 
symptoms. A patient may have the initial symp- 
toms of pyremic fever without the full explosion, so 
to sneak, ot the fever taking place." 
"Would the removal of these causes be indicated'" 
"In any case where fragments ot bone or of cloth- - 
ing are known to exist they ought to be removed 11 
possible." 
"But what as to the removal of the ball?" 
"Metallic bodies, such as lead, often remain en- 
cysted and lie passively among the tissues. In such 
cases the ball had better be lo t alone, except when 
within easy reach. But if the indications are pres- 
ent that a ball continues to be a source ot suppura- 
tive inflammation, and its position be reasonably 
pointed out uy a oommunication existing between 
the external orifice and the location ot the ball, it is 
perfectly proper to attempt its removal, provided, 
always, that such attempt does not necessarily pro- 
duce a dangerous traumatic complication of itself." 
Condition of the President. 
Yesterday scored ths passage of another 
weniy-four hours without any marked in 
•ident in the case. In the noon bulletin 
he President was reported to be better in 
he judgment of the surgeons than at the 
ame hour on Thursday; but the indications 
if pulsation, respiration and temperature- 
he only ones given-are the same. Perhaps 
re may be permitted to make one more 
uggestion in regard to the treatment of this 
iow historical wound. It has been said 
rom an early stage of the case that when 
he pus did not flow freely from the wound 
he surgeons could force pus out by making 
pressure at a define ! point in the groin. , 
Vhat could this lac: indicate except that 
d that defined point the surgeons 
;ould get their fingers very near to 
he other and unknown extremity of 
he suppurating tract ? This agrees 
vith all the ether points which tend 
o show that the bill* is in the iliac fossa. 
iVhy would not the place at which this 
iffective pressure can be made be a good 
joint for a counter opening that would 
train the whole course of the wound? To 
nake such an opening woul 1 be good sur- 
;ery for its mere effect in opening the 
ower end of the wound and preventing the 
onrrowing of the pus»; but furthermore, if 
it were done by a right-handed man, who 
knows but that little ball might drop into 
his fingers? To get that out now would be 
tb make almost sure a happy end to the 
story. NEW YORK HERALD 
tion at all. I don't think there are any more 
splinters or fragments of bone in the wound, which 
has every indication of being perfectly clear. The 
President is better now than he has been at any 
time for the past four weeks, and he remarked to 
me this morning that he felt more like himself 
than at any time since he received the wound." 
The afternoon was not quite as pleasantly spent 
by the President. The signs of a febrile rise be- 
came evident, but his cheerfulness was kept up, 
and when the evening examination was made the 
physicians expressed themselves much pleased with 
their patient's prospects, notwithstanding the rise 
in pulse and temperature. Dr. Agnew arrived from 
Philadelphia this evening and was present with Dr. 
Hamilton at the examination. The latter left later 
for New York. 
It had been expected that Dr. Hamilton would 
remain over with Dr. Agnew for a few days, and 
that on Monday an examination would be made of 
the President for the purpose of locating the bullet. 
The matter has been postponed, however, probably 
on account of the President's condition to night 
and the possibility of an increased temperature to- 
morrow. One of the reasons for elevating him in 
the bed to-day was the hope that it might allow the 
bail to drop further down. Dr. Agnew is said to be 
also having an instrument made at a factory in 
Philadelphia with which the bull may bedocated. 
THE BALL SUPPOSED TO BE LOCATED. 
An unofficial bulletin from the White House, 
dated at half-past eleven o'clock to-night, reports 
the supposed location of the place of lodgment of 
tbe bullet. It says:- 
"The history of the President's case to-day pre- 
sents no new features. He has rested quietly 
throughout the day, taking a small quantity of 
solid food again for the first time in a 
week, and sleeping at intervals naturally and peace- 
fully. The usual febrile symptoms showed them- 
selves late in the afternoon, but began to subside 
soon after the evening examination. The disharga 
of pus at the dressing of the wound to-night was 
copious and of a healthy chaiacter. It Is impossible 
to say definitely whether the discharge comes now 
from the end of the wound where the ball lies or 
from the suppurating surface along tbe ball's track 
nearer to the wound's mouth, but it is probable that 
the latter is the case. 
"All the evidence goes to show and all the sur- 
geons are now agreed that tbe ball lies in the front 
wall of the abdomen, about five inches below and 
to the right of the navel and just over the groin. It 
is believed that the black and blue spot which was 
visible on the right side of the abdomen 
for several days after the President re- 
ceived his injury marked the bullet's location, 
and this is confirmed by such results as have been 
obtained with the induction balance. The ball has 
given no trouble as yet, and may become encysted 
and cease altogether to be a source of anxiety. 
•Tn any event, however, the surgeons ex- 
press perfect confidence that the President's re- 
covery will be complete and will not be followed 
by any disability or permanent weakness. The sur- 
geons report a further slight gain of strength during 
the day and a very perceptible improvement in gen- 
eral condition. Dr. Agnew, who arrived this after- 
noon, said that the President appeared to him much 
better than when he last saw him. 
"At this hour (half-past eleven P. M.J the patient's 
pulse is below 100, his temperature and respiration 
are about normal and he is asleep. The surgeons 
all agree that the President's condition to-night is 
very encouraging and satisfactory." 
Still another of the employes at the Executive 
Mansion besides Mr. Crump was prostrated to-day 
by malaria, due to the condition of the flats in the 
river immediately back of tbe mansion. 
BEAUTY OF A CENTRALIZED GOVERNMENT. 
First the doctors agreed not to discuss the Presi- 
dent's case outside the consultation room. Next tbe 
family and friends of the family were urged not to 
communicate a word to outsiders, and even the 
nurses were asked to "shut up." Now the discipline 
is extended so far that no physician in the govern- 
ment service is expected to furnish opinions or in 
any way discuss the treatment of tue President's 
case, favorably or unfavorably. This will explain in 
part a statement that Dr. J. B. Hamilton, Supervising 
Surgeon General of the Marine Hospital Service, is 
said to have made. He was asked if there was any 
truth in the published statement to the effect that 
a disagreement had occurred between the 
physicians at the consultation at the White 
House, held on the Sunday morning following 
the shooting of the President. Dr. Hamilton, who 
has left Washington, says, it is alleged, that all such 
statements are false. As the only statement con- 
cerning the consultation on Sunday, July 3, ap- 
peared in these despatches it is reasonable to sup- 
pose that the denial refers to that account. The re- 
port shows that Dr. Hamilton did nearly all the 
talking, and as he was not present at the Saturday 
consultation the previous day the other physicians 
did not dispute his desire to discuss the case with 
Dr. Bliss on Sunday morning. Two of the naval 
surgeons and one of the civilian surgeons have as- 
sured your correspondent that the report in Thurs- 
day's paper is a correct outline of what took place nt 
the last consultation held by the gathered medical 
wisdom of the capital. The discipline now being 
enforced on government officials can alone explain 
Dr. Hamilton's reasons for discrediting his own 
published remarks, and which no one would be 
likely to remember better than himself. 
In fact, the means of information are being nar. 
rowed daily. The ban of secrcsy is being placed on 
every one who is likely to know or hear anything. 
The only possible reason for this is that the physi- 
cians are unwilling that the truth should be known. 
They have made a number of criticisms on the 
course of the Herald and two or three other jour- 
nals which have daily printed the truth. The 
National Republican to-day devotes two columns to 
an editorial criticism of this course by these jour- 
nals and particularly that of the Herald. After re- 
viewing the Herald editorials it turns its attention 
to its correspondence, and claims that the bulletins 
issued by the physicians are sufficient, and that any 
attempt to go behind them in order that the facts 
may be made clear is wrong. It says:- 
As to the character of the information given out 
by the doctors to tbe expectant nation-i. e., to ihe 
eager and energetic correspondents of the herald, 
who are on the ground in force, as the Herald's 
men are to be found wherever in either 
hemisphere great events are transniring let 
us consider. The bulletins have stated 
pulse, temperature and respiration, medicines 
administered and comparative condition of the 
patient. There have been wearisome repetitions of 
generalities, and the word "luvor ble" has been the 
general retrain. Well, what ought we to have ex- 
pected? Is there a human being who reads this who 
would be willing in such a ease in his own family to 
have the inmost thoughts and apprehensions of the 
surgeons posted up before the patient's eyes, or 
what would be the same or worse, have them stated 
every few hours in writing to the watching wife 
and attendants, in order that they might abate 
the hope which creates the morale of the sick 
room? The physicians have always said there was 
ground for alarm and ground for hope. The con- 
sulting surgeons have said just what Dr. Bliss and 
those in constant attendance with him have said. 
They have very strong faith in the President's re- 
covery. They have also very great anxiety as to dan- 
gerous possibilities. 
WEARING THE COLLAR. 
Even if such a statement of facts wore true, the 
argument is as weak as water. But, as a matter of 
fact, some of them are not true. The bulletins do 
not give the "medicines administered*' or the "com- 
parative condition of the patient,'' unless the reader 
choose® to compare the temperature and pulse of 
one bul'etin with another. This would not be en- 
tirely satisfactory, particularly when it is said that 
the patient's pulse has been as high as 130 degrees 
between the bulletin hours and that no 
such figure has ever appeared in the 
official statements. There is no question 
that the physicians and others in attendance at the 
Executive Mansion have been and are annoyed at the 
presentation from day to day in this correspon- 
dence of tbe facts of the case as they really exist. 
The admission of the Republican above is very gen- 
erally considered in Washington as a complete justi- 
fication of the Herald's course. It is an admission 
that the bulletins do not really present the case as 
the public has a right to have it presented. The 
reasons given for this course will strike 
the average reader as peculiar. That if de- 
tailed and truthful bulletins were issued 
they would no doubt affect the President seems 
a rather lame excu-e for the withholding of facts, 
for if the morning papers are to be read to the 
patient there is no reason why the reader should 
not select those papers that carefully con- 
ceal the facts and occupy much of their space in 
the abuse of the Herald and other papers that print 
the news. A gentleman occupying a high official 
and social position said bo me this evening:- 
"The facts of the President's illness have no doubt 
been often kept from the press, lor what reason I 
cannot imagine, unless it be a fear of the physicians. 
Many of the papers of the country, indeed most of 
them, readily accepted the finale of those in author- 
ity and meekly printed what they weie given. The 
news would be thrown to them like a bone to a 
hungry dog and they were thankful. Of course the 
officials were pleased at this and of course they were 
horrified when they saw that the Herald and other 
representative journals procured the news in spite 
of them. Searching investigations were made for 
its sources of information and the greatest pains 
taken to guard everything with jealous care, as if 
the leaking out of the fact that the wounded Presi- 
dent had a fever would bring disaster upon the 
whole land. I am more than pleased to see that the 
facts are reported in despite of all this guarding, 
and I have yet to find anyone not bound by an 
official collar who does not highly commend the 
course taken by the Herald." 
THE WHITE HOUSE BULLETINS. 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-July 30, 7 A. M. 
Tbe President passed a.comfortable night, slept 
well and has already expressed a desire for breakfast. 
[Official.] 
Executive Mansion-8:30 A. M. 
The President eujoyt d a relreshing sleep during 
the greater part of the night. The slight febrile 
rise of yesterday arternoon had subsided by mid- 
night and this morning his temperature is again 
normal. A gradual improvement ot bis general 
condition in all particulars is observable and is rec- 
ognized ny himself. His pulse is now 92, tempera- 
ture 98.5, respiration, 18. 
BROADWAY AND ANN STREET. 
JAMES GORDON BENNETT, 
PROPRIETOR. 
NEW YORK. SUNDA>. JULY 31. 1881. 
[BX TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. 1 
Washington, July 30,1881. 
•'The President is sitting up and eating beefsteak," 
was the electrical announcement that went through 
the city about eleven o'clock to-day, and at the 
usual places wherever the bulletins are displayed 
people congregated long before noon to await the 
coming of a verification. At the White House all 
hands and the cook were smiling pleasantly and 
When Dr. Hamilton sent the following private de- 
spatch to Mrs. Hamilton at Seabright the enthusiasm 
was intense:- 
"The President lias had a pleasant night. Ho is 
now sitting partly up in bed, while Mrs. Garfield is 
giving him a little beefsteak. We are all in the best 
of spirits, feeling that his recovery is almost abso- 
lutely assured." 
Later on the official bulletin said practically the 
Baine thing, and many persons went away with the 
expectation almost of seeing the patient driving out 
later in the day. The good news has given rise .to 
almost as great a flurry as the bad news ot a week 
ago, and some wild rumors have been circulated and 
believed by many credulous persons who did not 
stop to take into consideration their utter impos- 
sibility. One of these was to the effect that a gun 
boat had been ordered to prepare for the reception 
of the President and that he was to ba taken down 
the river on an excursion to-morrow. An expres- 
sion credited to Dr. Beyburn to the effect that the 
patient would be driving out in three weeks also 
caused much comment, appearing as it did to ema- 
nate from an authoritative source. The facts are the 
President is not sitting up. He did chew with appa- 
rent relish a small piece of broiled steak given him 
by Mrs. Garfield, who prepared it for him, but his 
appetite 1b still varying and very slight. He is not 
gaining strength, but he is unquestionably consid- 
ered in a less dangerous condition, and, finally, the 
chances for his recovery are increased. 
SCIENTIFIC NUBSING. 
The sitting-up story is thus explained:-He has 
been always, ot course, lying at full length, and yes- 
terday afternoon, feeling restless, he asked whether 
his head could not be raised. The experiment was 
tried, with a larger pillow, and found to be so 
successful, especially as it aided the action 
of the heart, that to-day it was decided 
to repeat it, with more elaborate machinery. 
Accordingly an arrangement was fastened 
to the bed so that the upper half can be raised to 
•bout an angle of twenty degrees with the aid of a 
crank and windlass and without disturbing the sick 
man. This was put into operation and found to 
work well, and with pleasure to the President, who 
remarked when the adjustment had been com- 
pleted that he felt very comfortable. 
Interest in tho question as to whether there is 
malarial poison in the President's system was re- 
vived to-day by the fact that Mr. Crump, the nurse 
who has been in constant attendance on the Pres- 
ident, was sent home as unfit for duty by the sur- 
geons because of tb^malaria absorbed by him at the 
Executive Mansion. Mr. Crump, who is the stewaid 
of the White House, held out as long as he could, 
and went home an exceedingly sick man. He has 
been very faithful in his attendance on the Presi- 
dent, and is the sixth employe of the White House 
who has succumbed to malarial influences since the 
wounding of the President. 
TWENTY MINUTES PAST NINE. 
The President slept comparatively well last night, 
with much less restlessness than is usual, and when 
the regular morning examination was made he re- 
plied, in answer to the congratulatory re- 
marks of the examining physicians, that 
he felt himself that he was improving. The 
wound not only presented a cleanly healthful ap- 
pearance, but discharged a fair quantity of pus, 
which the physicians characterized as perfectly 
healthy. The breakfast consisted, in addition to the 
beetsteak I have alluded to above, of the usual toast 
moistened with milk and beef juice. At nine o'clock 
the Piesident was observed to be intently watching 
the clock, and twenty minutes later be said:- 
"Well, it is just four weeks since I was wounded." 
Testimony accumulates as to the President's im- 
provement. Dr. Boynton, Mrs. Garfield's physi- 
cian, speaks as follows of the President's condition 
this afternoon. The Doctor is very sanguine. He 
Bays:-"I have not now the least doubt ot his re- 
covery. It looks as though he would have no more 
serious pullbacks and as if he would get stronger 
and better every day. The wound looked well at 
the dressing this morning. There was a 
free discharge of good, healthy pus through 
the new incision. The wound is healing 
rapidly, and there are no indications of any obstruc- BLISS, RAYBURN, 
BARNES, HAMILTON. 
WOODWARD, 
[Unofficial.] 
Excutive AIansion-11 a. M. 
Dr. Boynton, Mrs. Garfield's phvsician, who has 
been' staying at the Executive Mansion ever since i 
the President was wounded,says that the President 
:s decidedly better this morning than he has been I 
at any time since he was shot, and that he has been 
elevated in bed by means of pillows and eaten a 
small quantity of beef which was prepared tor him 
uy Mrs. Garfield. Iha President has expressed 
himself as teeling much better and stronger to-day 
than at any time since the shooting occurred. He 
watched the clock until exactly nine o'clock, at 
which moment he remarked, ''Well! it ^s exactly 
four weeks since I was shot." Dr. Boynton 
is of the opinion that the progress of the patient 
toward recovery will not be impeded again 
and that he is now well on the way. The attending 
surgeons feel assured that the President is recover- 
ing strength as rapidly as could be expected, and say 
that he is in excellent spirits. Generally speaking, 
the patient's recovery is considered at present to be 
merely a question of time. 
[Official.] 
Excutive Mansion-12:30P. M. 
The President showed no fatigue trom the dress- 
ing of his wound this morning. It looks very well 
and the discharge of pus is satisfactory in quantity 
and quality. His general condition continues gratin 
ally to improve. A moderate quantity of solid food 
has been added to his nourishment and was eaten 
with relish. A frame has been introduced beneath 
the mattress of his bed by which his head and 
shoulders have been elevated somewhat, and lie ex- 
presses himself as well pleased by the change of posi- 
tion. At present his pulse is 98, temperature 98.o, 
respiration 20. 
D. W. BLIS4, ROBERT REYBURN, 
J. K. BARNES, FRANK H. HAMILTON. 
J. J. WOODWARD, 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-12:45 P. M. 
Dr. Hamilton sent the following telegram to his 
wife this forenoon:- 
"To Mrs. Dr. Frans H. Hamilton, The Octagon, 
Seabright, N. J.: - 
"The President has had a pleasant night. He is 
now sitting partly up in bed, while Mrs. Garfield is 
giving him a little beet steak. We are all in the best 
of spirits, feeling that his recovery is almost abso- 
lutely assured. FRANK H. HAMILTON." 
[Unofficial.] 
Executive Mansion-4:36 P. M. 
The President has just awakened alter nearly two 
hours' sleep, and has taken nourishment with rel- 
ish. He has had a comfortable after noon, without 
any recurrence of fever, and his general condition 
i is entirely satisfactory. 
[Official] 
Executive Mansion-7 P. M. 
The President has passed the d iy comfortably and 
without drawback or unpleasant symptoms, and has 
taken an ample amount of nourishment. The after- 
noon rise of temp rature is moderate, and did not 
commence until about five o'clock. The discharge 
of pus has been abundant, and at the evening dress- 
ing was washed away freely trom the deeper parts 
of the wound. At present his pulse is 104; tempera- 
ture, 100.2; respiration, 20. 
D. W. BLISS. ROBERT REYBURN. 
J. K. BARNES. FRANK II. HAMILTON. 
J. J. WOODWARD. D. H. AGNEW'. 
The following was sent to-night by Secretary 
' Blaine to Minister Lowell at London:- 
The President continues to improve steadily and 
markedly. Ho is perhaps better to-day than at any 
other lime since he was wounded.