The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1914-08-07

the United States, died at the White
House at o'clock last evening of
q complication OF disease.
The end came after two serious
sinking spells. The president and her
three daughters and Francis b. Sayre
were at the bedside at the end.
The president was completely pros
trated when his wife died. and broke
down entirely. When Secretary Tu-
multy entered the executive offices to
tell the waiting newspaper men his
cheeks were sthed in tears.
Congress Adjourns.
Both houses Of congress adjourned
when Mrs. Wilson's death was an
nounced, and for a brief time the
wheels Of the government practically
stopped.
Duri,- the day Mrs. Wilson spoke to
DR.. Grayson about tie president. whose
health she thought more about than
she did Of her own.
Promise me-" she whispered faint
l., that II 60, you will take care OF
It was the same touch OF devotion
which she Lad so many time repeated
her constant anxiety having been
that the president might not worry
about her or be disturbed in his Official
tasks.
vice President arshall and mem
bers Of the cabinet and the leaders in
congress were notified Both houses
promptly adjourned. The flag on the
White House was draped, gates were
closed and the silence of death spread
over the White House for the first time
since 1892 when Mrs. Benjamin Harri-
son died.
Members Of the cabinet. Justices of
the supreme court, members Of, the
diplomatic corps telephof.ed their con-
dolences ind sent cards. From many
humble homes came flowers, as Mrs.
1,od a in
slums and city generally in her en-
deavors to help the friendless and
poverty stricken.
Interested in Social Welfare.
She had told the president she
would more cheerfully Ego away If
the bill for the Improvement of alleys
were passed by congress. A word to
leaders from Secretary Tumulty and
the measure was adopted in silence by
the senate and soon reported in the
house, where 1t will be. passed. She
learned that the measure would be a
law in another day or so and ex-
pressed her satisfaction. She had be-
come deeply interested in the social
welfare Of the community and had
worked In ways without seeking the
aid Of the president It was the strain
OF this. the duties of entertainment
and the kidney trouble which became
chronic last autumn that Slapped her
life.
Mrs. Wilson took an active interest
In the career of her husband, in his
contests with congress over legislation
and the numerous official duties with
which he was burdened. Throughout
life, she has been his constant help
mate and companion. Her clear judg-
views of educational questions had
been source of qualification to him
for years. With her help, ne wrote
his books and en- her judgment he re-
lied. Her devotion to him, according
to those who have known the family
intimately. was of remarkable depth
Her one thought was of him.
Every morning and evening during
her Illness she cautioned DR.. Grayson
not to tell the president II she had
anxiety was that he should not be
worried or disturbed. However pain
full was her suffering, 1t was her one
aim to Keep the president from being
affected by her condition. But the
president watched her sorrowfully fol
weeks and realized that she was slow
1y growing worse.
He spent every moment ne could b,
her side and when he was not Their,
she was constantly calling for OF
Modest in Her Tastes.
Mrs. Wilson was a woman Of sim
netic manner. She had a faculty O
putting her guests promptly at cas-
and was a charming hostess. She wa
ever democratic and modest in he
tastes.
Mrs. Wilson had been i'll since las
February, when she fell In the Whit
House and strained her spine. Sh
later practically recovered from tina
injury, but In the meantime kline
trouble set in and gradually she grey
weaker.
About two months ago her condi
ton began to grow serious, and tw
weeks ago Doctor Grayson becam
alarmed. Noted specialists wer
called In and trained nurses were ken
in constant attendance. She continue
to grow worse, however, until seriou
sinking spells came on Monday an
Tuesday.
Mrs. Wilson was so years old, an
wnen she came to the White Hous
lover, she nevertheless immediatel
assumed the arduous duties of th
wife of president. She took an az
tive interest in public affairs and frt
quently received delegations calm
on the president when he was to
busy with other matters. Even du,
ing her last i--..ess she freouent1
asked to be informed of the even
OF the United States and the world.
Sketch of Her Life.
Mrs. Wilson was Miss Ellen Loui.
Arson. daughter OF a Presbyteris
clergyman. and was born at Savanna
Ga. She was a student at the Ne
York Art league when she met M
Wilson, who was then taking a DOS
graduate course at Johns Hopki,
university. The president and MI
Wilson were married Juno "a. 1SS
Mrs. Wilson was q sister Of Prt
Stockton Arson. head Of the depar
ment of English literature at Primo
ton university, and Of the wife
Dean Edward Elliot Of Princeton.
A 1andecape gardener Of, recognix
ability, md painter of equal mo-
Mrs. Wilson devoted much Of her tir
to artistic subjects. She took dire
charge Of the gardens It 'PrCopoc