SIGNS OF STRAIN

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25177, 14 April 1945, Page 7

SIGNS OF STRAIN

FAILING STRENGTH INCREASING WEARINESS WIFE'S THOUGHT FOR COUNTRY (Reed. 7.30 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 13 The Associated Press says it was disclosed last night that Mr Roosevelt had not been in the best of health for some time. Last week at a banquet Mrs Roosevelt told Senator Barkley that most of the food the President had been eating lately had.no taste for him, and he had been eating only gruel. Senator Barkley remarked that the President looked thin and haggard. Mrs Roosevelt replied that she also felt that the President was too thin. Chronic Sinus Trouble

The United Press points out that since the Yalta Conference Mr Roosevelt had showed signs of increasing weariness. His voice was weak and loose folds of skin under the chin indicated lost weight. Physicians pointed out that though he had not sufferer! organic ailments he was subject to chronic sinus.

The last time pressmen saw the President was on April 5, when he was in gay spirits, laughing, chatting, jauntily waving his long cigarette holder and wise-cracking with the reporters. His face was tanned but unusually drawn. There was evidence of a slight cough, but he did not look or act like a man who was going to die within a week. Yesterday morning President Roosevelt followed his usual routine of handling newspapers and work which had just arrived from Washington. Most Difficult Term Mrs Roosevelt, when informed of the President's death in Washington, said: "I am more sorry for the people of the country and the world I am for us." She received Vice-President Truman in her sitting room and said to him: "The President has just passed away." Mr Truman asked: "What can I do?" She replied: "Tell us what we can do. Is there any way we can help you ?" President Roosevelt's term of 12 years in office was the, longest and probably the most difficult of. any Unite/! States President. He commenced his fourth term only a few months ago. •