San Francisco Call, Volume 82, Number 44, 14 July 1897 — MORE HOPE, BUT STILL DANGER [ARTICLE]

MORE HOPE, BUT STILL DANGER

Colonel Crocker's Condition Shows Some Slight Improvement. He Can Move His Eight Arm and His Slumber Is Quiet and Normal. If He Can Hold Death at Bay for Seventy-two Hours His Physicians Will Peel Encouraged

SAN MATEO. Cal., July 13.— "There has been some slight improvement in Colonel Crocker's condition," said Dr. Matthew Gardner at 10 o'clock to-nicht, "but it is not pronounced. Ko dangerous symptoms have exhibited themselves and his general condition is favorable. While his case is still very serious, if he continues to hold his own as ha has lor the next forty-eight or seventy-two hours we will be more encouraged than we have yet been. "The colonel has held his own very well to-day, and especially this evening. He takes his food well and rests well. Of course, in this form of trouble we cannot foretell the outcome. While the colonel's condition is not hopeless by any means, it is still very serious."

Dr. Gardner's statement was made at the conclusion of the attending physicians. Dr. Whitwell, who was present during the early part of the consultation, had to leave ear.ier than usual, and soon after he left Dr. MacMonagle arrived and remained with Drs. Gardner and Chismore for an hour or more.

"Dr. Chismore is especially hopeful tonight." said William H. Crocker late this evening, "and he expresses himself as very much pleased with the colonel's progress during the day." At 8 o'clock this morning the physicians held their regular consultation, and their reports encouraged the members quite considerably. The colonel had passed a comparatively easy night and his condition this morning was such that Dr. Uardner thought he could safely leave the patient for several hours. He left shortly alter noon for San Francisco and did not return to ban Mateo until 5:20 o'clock this evening. This was the lirst time Dr. Gardner had leit the colonel since he whs first '-.trick en, and this was regarded as a very reassuring indication that no immediate danger was apprehended. Drs. Chismore and MacMocagieafso went to the City this morning, and ihe oniy physician in attendance was Dr. Whitwell, who called shortly after noon and remained at Uplands until about 6 o'clock this evening.

For nearly three hours from half-past 12 till 2 o'clock — the colonel was left alone without any phys cian in attendance upon htm — something that naa not been done sine-* hr was stricken last Friday evening. With Dr. Gardner there also returned on the 5:20 train this evening Dr. Chismore, Secretary Green and William H. Crocker. The latter remained several hours at tbe colonel's residence, and before going to his Burlingame residence he stated that the colonel's condition showed improvement. He went into the sick chamber to see his brother, mil . the colonel was asleep at tne time and he did not disturb him. * Will Crocker stated that the improvement in the colonel'scondition manifested itself in several ways. "He is able to move hi- right arm," he said, "and occasionally he hits iiis rignt hand to his forehead w&en the pain in his head troubles him. His slumber is also peaceful and normal. His digestion is good, and it is no longer necessary to pepsinize the milk which constitutes his diet. He also answers questions more readily, and occasionally speaks of bis own accord."

In answer to a question as to what he thought the colonel's chances of recovery were, he replied that he had not allowed himself to believe tbat his brother would not recover. In reference to t..e pain which the Colonel experienced, he said that it was ihe result of the paralysis which was entirely distinct, from the Kidney or other troubles. "The pain," he declared, "is due to the cause which prdduces the the paralysis, whatever that cause is, whether it is a cioited blood yes-el or effusions." Dr. ' Gardner has been . considerably bothered within the past ew days with requests for written ' bulletins of the colonel's condition. Last night, however, he refused absolutely to issue any bulletin over his own signature, alt bough he readily consented to give the reporters information by interview. Much interest is manifested in Colonel ("rocker's condition by the people of San Mateo and vicinity. Late this evening Colonel Crocker was resting quietly. His attendants and the members 01 the household are taking every precaution to nave him disturbed just as little as possible, and when it is necessary to speak, to him only such questions are asked as can be answered by simple assent or dissent. The physicians and nurses be ieve that absolute rest and freedom from excitement of any kind are essential, and everything possible is being done to effect this end.