EX-PRESIDENT WILSON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19086, 4 February 1924, Page 7

EX-PRESIDENT WILSON

AT DEATH’S DOGE. THE END HOURLY EXPECTED. REMARKABLE VITALITY. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyrig u WASHINGTON, February 1. Mr Woodrow Wilson to-day took a decided turn fop the worse. His physicians state that he has Inst strength until his condition is extremely serious. The latest bulletins declare that the ex-President is at death’s door, and can live for only a few hours.—A. and N.Z. Cable.

WASHINGTON, February 2. (Received Feb. 5, at 5.5 p.m.)

The information to-day is that Mr Wilson continues to grow weaker and weaker. The physicians are unable to predict how long his remarkable vitality will hold out. He has taken no nourishment for 24 hours, and is disinclined even to take sips of water. At no time has he been unconscious, and always seems conscious of what is happening in his chamber. He is able to whisper "Yes” or “No” in reply to questions as to what maybe done to make him more comfortable. The crisis is expected at any time. The family have been summoned by Mrs Wilson, wdio is in constant attendance at his bedside.

Three physicians are in attendance, as it is thought an operation might be necessary. Only a few of the ex-President's closest friends have been admitted to the house..

President Coolidge sent a message of sympathy, including a prayer for Mr Wilson’s recovery. A physicians’ bulletin, issued at 10.20 ast night, said that Mr Wilson had gradually lost ground. His temperature was normal, his respiration 20, and his pulse 95. He was not suffering any pain and was conscious. Later morphia was administered, and oxyygen was used to sustain him. Mr Wilson is in his last hours, during which he is delirious and half comatose. Uraemic poisoning is slowly but surely deadening all the vital functions. At 4 this morning his condition w-as unchanged.—A. and N.Z. Cable. HIS LAST BATTLE. “I AM READY.” WASHINGTON, February 2. (Received Feb. 3, at 5.5 p.m.) Mr Wilson is wasted by months of suffering, and is fighting what the physicians believe may be his last battle. Yesterday he lay- throughout the morning hours between life an death, but rallied slightly at noon, and talked in whispers. He seemed to be resting easier in the afternoon, but the attendants saw little hope that the end would be long delayed. “You have done the best you can. but I am a broken machine,” declared the ex-President before falling asleep. Then he added, with a rally of waning strength: “But I am ready. ’ ’

Mr Wilson’s pulse is strong and the heart action good, but he was in such a state of exhaustion late in the afternoon that he was no longer able to whisper to the attendants without the greatest difficulty.

His stomach was upset on Monday owing to an indiscreet choice of food, and this caused the present collapse. A violent bleeding of the nose weakened him. No opiates were given, but the ex-President responded to stimulants. He realises that little short of a miracle can prolong his life for many hours. He said: “It is better that I should go than I should remain a helpless invalid.”—A. and N.Z. Cable.

THE LATEST BULLETIN

END ALMOST AT HAND. RESIGNED IN SPIRIT. SUFFERING NO PAIN. WASHINGTON, February 2, (Received Feb. 3, at 11.5 p.m") Mr Wilson's condition was unchanged at 10 to-night. The physician said he may last all night, but added: “I may change that statement soon.” Mr Wilson is taking no nourishment and is barely conscious. He feels no pain, and is fully resigned in spirit, as though ready to fall asleep. The heart is faint, and there are grave fears that the end is almost at hand.—A. and N.Z. Cable.