She Bears Her Grief Bravely

Mrs. McKinley in Better Physical Condition Than Was Expected.
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TRYING ORDEAL FOR HER.
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Her Friends Fear That Crushing Blow of Her Husband’s Death May Eventually Kill Her.

     “Mrs. McKinley has borne up bravely under the heavy load of affliction cast upon her,” said Mr. Milburn late yesterday afternoon, when questioned as to the condition of the beloved wife of the martyred President. “Of course, she is deeply grieved over her great bereavement, but when her none too robust health and delicate nervous system are taken into consideration it must be said she has shown marvelous fortitude in the hour of her great misfortune.”
     To Mrs. Barber, Mrs. McKinley’s sister, was entrusted the trying task of apprising Mrs. McKinley of the death of her husband. The invalid wife of the President received the sad news with unexpected calmness, and readily complied with Mrs. Barber’s wishes that she (Mrs. McKinley) leave the arduous details of arranging for the funeral to others.
     Mrs. McKinley spent the greater part of the day in her room alone with her great grief. In the afternoon she received Mrs. Hobart, wife of the former Vice-President. When Mrs. Hobart emerged from Mrs. McKinley’s room she said: “She is a brave woman; she bears up wonderfully.”
     Dr. Rixey, Mrs. McKinley’s physician, declared yesterday afternoon that Mrs. McKinley, notwithstanding her bitter grief over the loss of her husband, is in better physical condition than she has been for some time. He pronounced her as having entirely recovered from the severe illness, which she suffered in the spring, and predicted that she will be fully able to sustain her part in the trying ordeal before her.
     Rev. Charles Edward Locke, D. D., of the Delaware Avenue M. E. Church, was among those who called on Mrs. McKinley yesterday afternoon. Dr. Locke has for a number of years enjoyed the intimate acquaintance of the McKinley family, his father being the pastor of the M. E. Church at Canton.
     In speaking of Mrs. McKinley, he said: “She is a woman of piety and great loveliness of character. In the past she has leaned upon the arm of her beloved husband, but now that he has been taken from her she looks to the Divine Power for comfort and support. Her friends are fearful, however, that this crushing blow may prove too heavy for her enfeebled strength. No one can tell, but the second tragedy of her death may follow in the near future the passing away of her lamented husband.”