Jasper County Democrat, Volume 5, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 September 1902 — WESTERN TRIP OFF. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

WESTERN TRIP OFF.

Injury Sustained at Pittsfield Ends Roosevelt’s Tour. GOES UNDER KNIFE. Abscess on Leg, Caused by Bruises, Necessitates Slight Operation. President’s Tonr Abandoned at Indianapolis Because of Injuries from Recent Trolley Accident—Wound la Not Serious—Phyaiclana Order Complete Rest, and He la Taken Aboard Special Train and Goes Back to Washington.

Injury which President Roosevelt received in the fatal trolley collision at Pittsfield, Mass., forced him to undergo a surgical operation in Indianapolis Tuesday and brought his western tour to a sudden end. An abscess in his left leg below the knee was treated by the surgeon’s knife at St. Vincent's hospital. Later the President was borne on a stretcher to his train. At 7:45 o’clock the same night he left for Washington. Announcement of the necessity for an operation came as unexpectedly to the public as it was sudden. After arriving iu Indianapolis the President had made a speech and then gone to the Columbia Club for luncheon. During the luncheon the doctors held a consultation and at the end of the meal Secretary Cortelyou gave out the announcement. President Roosevelt, however, made another speech before going to the hospital. Announced by Cortelyou. Secretary Cortelyou’s first official bulletin showing the need for an operation and the plans under way was as follows: “As a result of the trolley accident at Pittsfield, Mass., the President received several serious bruises. One of these, on

the left leg between the knee and the ankle, has developed into a small abscess. The President is entirely well otherwise and has continued to meet the several engagements of his itinerary, but in view of the continuance of the abscess and out of an abundance of caution Drs. Oliver and Cook of Indiauapolis were requested to meet Dr. Lung, the President’s surgeon, at Indianapolis, Dr. Richardson of Washington, D. C., being also one of the number. Iu the opinion of the doctors the trouble necessitates an operation which, they think, should be performed at once at St. Vincent’s hospital in this city. "As after the operation the President wip require entire rest, probably for at least ten days or two weeks, it has been necessary to cancel all the remaining cnof this trip, and he will go directly from Indianapolis to Washington.

“The physicians say that the case is not in any way serious and there is no danger whatever. This statement is made so that no false rumors may disturb the people and that they may be authoritatively advised of the exact nature of the case. “GEORGE B. CORTELYOU, “Secretary to the President.” Official Statement of Reault. At 5:45 p. m., after the operation bad been performed, the following official statement was issued: “At 3:15 p. m. the President went from the Columbia dub to St. Vincent’s hospital in bis own carriage and shortly after he was in the hospital the operation required was performed by Dr. George H. Oliver of Indianapo4is, in consultation with the President’s physician. Dr. George A. Lung, and Dr. Gedrge J. Cook, Dr. Henry Jameson and Dr. J. J. Richardson.” At the conclusion of the operation the physicians authorised the following statement: “As a result of the traumnlism (bruise) received in the trolley accident at Pittsfield, Mass., there was found to be a circumscribed collection of perfectly pure serum in the middle thlrd’of the left anterior tibial region, the sac containing about two ounces, which was removed. “The Indications are that the President should make speedy recovery. It is absolutriy imperative, however, that he should remain quiet mid refrain from using the leg. 1110 trouble is not serious, but temporarily disabling. “GEORGE B. CORTELYOU, “Secretary to the President."

PRESIDENT ROOSEVELT.