Norwich bulletin., 1912-12-16
SucCumbed to Pulmonary Oedema, Outgrowth of
 Bronchial Attack, at London
FIRST SERIOUS SYMPTOMS LAST WEDNESDAY
Ambassador Signed Official Documents That Day When Asthmatic Paroxysms Became Very Severe-Had Been Ambassador to Great Britain Where He Enjoyed Great Popularity Since 19O5-Once U S. Minister to France

London, Dec 15.-Whitelaw Reid, the American ambassador to Great Britain since 1905, died at his London residence, Dorchester house, shortly after noon today from pulmonary oe- dema. The end was quite peaceful Mrs. Reid and their daughter Mrs John Hubert Ward, were at the bed side.
 The ambassador had been uncon- aeious since nine o'clock in the morn- ing and at intervals during the pre- vious twenty four hours he had been Slightly detrious as a result of the drugs administered to induce sleep.
 Started with Bronchial Attack.
 Sir Thomas Barlow, physician to the king, who was called in last week when MT. Reids illness became acute and his regular physician, Dr. Will liam Hale White. issued the following bulletin as to the causes of death:
 "A fortnight ago the American am- bassador had a slight bronchial at tack similar to others from which he had suffered at considerable intervals On Wednesday last asthma super vened, and the asthmatic paroxysms became very severe. leading to ex- treme exhaustion.
 Tt was hoped that he might rally as no pneumonia symptoms had ap- peared. With difficulty the paroxysms of asthma were got under control, but Sunday morning the exhaustion be- came extreme and he died from pull monary oedema at 1910 D. m.'
 Condolences from Royal Family The Hon. John Hubert Ward, who with his wife had been at Dorchester house continually since the ambassa- doPs condition became serious, notified the staff of the embassy when the pa- tient began to sink, and when- death occurred he sent word to the king and queen at Buckingham palace, the queen mother Alexandra at Sandring- ham and the officials of the court.
 Almost immediately the king sent his equerry, Sir Harry Legge, to ex- press the condolences of himself and the queen. During the afternoon mes- sages conveying the warmest sym pathy were received from the queen mother Alexandra and the other mem bers of the royal family, the court officials, members of the government and of the various embassies and le- gations, while many who had heard the news of the ambassadors death or who had seen the flags at half mast on Dorchester house, called at the embassy.
 Son on Way to London.
 A wireless message was sent to Og- gen Reid, the son of the ambassador who had left New York yesterday in the hope of reaching his fathers bed | side before death.
 The body will be sent home and will probably be inferred in Sleepy Hol- low. but the details will not be decided upon until some communication is re- ceived from Ogden Reid and 1t is learned what action the British gov ernment may desire to take Mrs Reid hopes to sail on Saturday next should her son reach England in time to accompany her. but in all probabil- fly the government will place a war ship at the disposal of the family for the transport of the body of the am- bassador to the United States.
 Contracted Cold on Recent Voyage.
 There will also doubtless be a me- morial service in one of the great cathedrals in London in addition to services in some small chapel for the members of the family and the staff Of the embassy. This being Sunday nothing could be done. but if Mrs. Reid has her way she will start for home ct the earliest possible moment
 While Mir. Reids condition had been serious only since Thursday last. and he had been confined to the house only for fortnight his illness really dates from his return from New York last February after his visit there for the purpose of entertaining the Duke and Duchess of Connaught. On the voyage he contracted cold, to which he was Sery susceptible, and found great diff. iiculty in shaking it off. When he did De was for a time quite feeble. Hi, friends noticed great change. Stil ne insisted upon going to the em- hassy every day and carrying on his heavy correspondence both there an( &a home.
 Active During London Season.
 However, MT. Reid made a consider. able recovery and during the Londor season. May. June and July. was activ, and with Mrs. Reid gave the usua entertainments for which they hat made Dorchester house famous Whil, these were not on such a large seal, es some previous entertainments, wher King Edward, Queen Alexandra anC later King George and Queen Mary the Duke and Duchess of Connaugb and other distinguished personagel were the guests. they proved to be considerable strain on his strength.
 When August came the ambassado went to Harrogate to take the cure In September he made a hurried trip to the United States and preside, at the dedication of the new educatio, building al Albany. He returned t, England somewhat fatigued. but n, anxiety was felt over his condition.
 Signed Documents Last Wednesday.
 Mir. Reid continued to carry on hi heavy correspondence and signed off cial documents as late as Wednesda, last. His family and household did no realize that he was in any great dan ger and although at times he showe much depression it was attributed t the gloomy weather. The doctors. toc were quite optimistic, but they advise him to remain within doors and Ii did not join the party at Wrest par which he had invited to meet tn Prince and Princess of Teck las week end
 Even in the past week several sma. luncheons, which the ambassador an Mrs. Reid were accustomed to give t American visitors. had been arranged just before his condition became ser ious.
 Became Unconscious Sunday Mornin,
 The American cavalry commissio had been invited for Saturday. Thes of course, were all cancelled when h was attacked with asthma on Wednes day. On Thursday the attacks becam more severe and Sir Thomas Barlo, was summoned in consultation. an Dr. Rowlands was installed in tn house, to be in constant attendance
 The attack became even worse Q