THE KING’S PROGRESS

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 70, 15 December 1928, Page 9

THE KING’S PROGRESS

REGARDED AS ENTIRELY SATISFACTORY / l j SLIGHT IMPROVEMENT IN * GENERAL CONDITION FURTHER ANXIETY FOR FEW DAYS Although there will be cause for anxiety for a few days, the progress of tlie King since the operation is regarded as entirely satisfactory. An official bulletin announces a slight improvement in His Majesty’s condition. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) London, December 13. The condition of the King after his recent operation is indicated in the following bulletin issued from the Palace to-night:—“Though the King is still suffering from exhaustion, there is a slight improvement in His Majesty’s condition this evening. The local condition remains satisfactory. (Signed) Stanley Hewett, H. M. Rigby, Dawson of Penn.” (Rec. December 14, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 13. In the absence of any authoritative' statement in the bulletins or otherwise there is still doubt as to the actual extent of the operation on the King. One well-informed source states that it involved the removal of a small section of a rib to facilitate drainage. On the contrary, the “Daily Express” states that it was not found necessary to cut into a rib. A small incision was found adequate for the insertion of a tube. The “Daily Express” states that the Royal Family is entirely satisfied with the condition of the King's health to-night. The great anxiety at the Palace last night was due to a doubt whether the heart was strong enough to stand the operation. It was pointed out to both the Queen and the Prince of Wales that if the operation was not performed the toxaemia in all probability would prove fatal. Ultimately it was decided that the operation, dangerous as it was, was the only alternative.

The “Daily Express’s” medical correspondent describes the bulletin as satisfactory, adding that it cannot be expected that recovery will be rapid. A pleasing feature is that there is not any mention of heart weakness.

DANGEROUS CONDITION BEFORE OPERATION London, December 13. Sir Stanley Hewett and Lord Dawson visited the King at 2.30 p.m. It is officially stated that His Majesty. is progressing. The doctors remained only half an hour, after which the Queen went for a drive. Princess Mary stated at a meeting of the League of Mercy: “You will be pleased to know that so far the’condition of the King is satisfactory.” The “Evening Standard’s” diarist says: “I was informed late last night by one intimately connected with the Royal Entourage that for twenty-four hours previously very little hope was entertained at the Palace. It is now an established fact that the King has had pneumonia with pleurisy, which, however, did not run its course. He then developed empyema, to counter which was the purpose of the operation.” For the first time since his illness at midday special prayers for His Majesty were said at Westminster Abbey, with a large and varied congregation, from the richest to the poorest, .' neeling side by side in silent prayer. The Prince of Wales lunched with the Queen. He is avoiding public engagements. ANXIETY FOR NEXT FEW DAYS (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 13. With the exception of Sir Stanley Hewett, who again remained all night, the doctors left the Palace shortly before midnight As this morning’s bulletin indicates, the operation necessarily involved a considerable tax on the King’s strength, which had already undergone the strain of twenty-two days’ continuous illness. Last Friday it was stated that the doctors had searched for pleural fluid with needle and X-ray examination, but were then unable to locate it On Tuesday, however, there was a further localisation of infection which enabled the doctors to undertake yesterday’s active treatment. It was officially stated this afternoon at Buckingham Palace that the “King is progressing.” It is, however, authoritatively stated that for the next few days, until it is known definitely whether the King’s strength is sufficient to conquer the weakness following yesterday’s opera-

tion, anxiety must continue. The resultant weakness was one of grave consideration, which the doctors had to weigh up before performing the operation.

COMMENTS ON BULLETIN OUTLOOK COMPLETELY CHANGED FOUNDATION FOR HOPES (Australian Press Association.) London, December 13. Sir Stanley Hewett, Lord Dawson, Sir Hugh Rigby, Sir Farquhar Buzzard, and Dr. Hodgson arrived at the Palace at 7 o’clock. The bulletin was issued seventy-five minutes later. Though brief, it conveys the welcome news of a slight improvement in the general condition. The exhaustion referred to may be expected, and is in no way. alarming, though there is necessarily still an anxious aspect. An eminent authority, commenting on to-night’s bulletin, said: “It is as good as one could get. The fact that the King is safely through the twentyfour hours is a very good thing. The immediate danger after such an operation is shock. Fortunately, there is nothing like that. The outlook has now completely changed. The fact that the King is even ever such a little better is very hopeful.” The “British Medical Journal,” introducing the authoritative review already published, says: “The bulletins have kept the public informed with commendable frankness of the local signs of the chest and general symptoms of the patient’s reaction to the strain of a very severe and exhausting infection. They have recorded the fluctuations of an extremely virulent malady, which would have taxed the strength of a young man of powerful physique." The “Lancet” says: “The position is so far satisfactory. Those conversant with the course of the symptoms and their significance in these cases will recognise that we have here the foundation for a renewal of legitimate hopes.” Relief to the Heart. A leading surgeon told the “Evening Standard” that had the case not resolved itself from a medical into a surgical one, it would have been hopeless. Now that it is surgical, something curative can be done. By the end of twenty-four hours after the operation tlie heart should be showing distinct signs of relief if all is going well. If the King has enough strength to see through a few more days, then he should recover well. He will have been saved by an operation for empvema, an operation the results, of which are statistically very good.” The Prince of Wales lunched with the Oueen, and he and the Duke and Duchess of York dined, with the Queen. The Prince’s future plans are uncertain, but he will definitely stay in London until the King is on the road to recovery. Meanwhile, tbere are no public engagements. It is the Duke of York’s thirty-third birthday to-morrow. It will be very quiet. It is expected that he and the Duchess will dine at the PalaCe. He has cancelled his engagement to attend the Farmers’ Union dinner -t Northampton on Saturday. Throughout the illness shoals of letters from all over the world have poured in at the Palace. To-day, following the operation, the number was greater than ever. Many were addressed to the Queen, conveying sympathy. Most of those addressed to the doctors contained advice from those who had recovered from similar illnesses. Many homely remedies were recommended. Indication of Progress. It is authoritatively stated that the fact that His Majesty lias not lost ground is considered by doctors to indicate that he has in fact progressed. There must, however, continue to be anxiety in the immediate future regarding the patient’s strength. Nevertheless, the doctors are gratified that the King so far has not only held his own. but actually made some slight improvement. This is almost more than tr be expected in the circumstances. As long as tlie exhaustion does not become worse, there is every hope that the effects of the operation will be successfully overcome. The condition of tlie actual seat of operation is satisfactory. It is stated that no significance i.. attached to the presence of Dr. Hodgson. Neither be nor Sir Farqrlmr Buzzard, who was also in the Palace, signed the bulletin. MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT COOLIDGE Australian Press Association. Washington, December 13. President Coolidge on Thursday sent lessage to tlie King: “I am greatly pleased to learn of the distinct improvement in Your Majesty's health, and trust your complete convalescence will be but a matter of a short time.”