The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-10-12
DISABILITY OF
PRESIDENT NOW
HELD POSSIBLE
Officials Consider Problem
of Temporary Transfer
of Authority.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION
Vice-President, Under COnsti-
tuition, Would Assume Exec
utive Powers.
DIFFERENCES OF OPINION

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11.-Hope that
President Wilson soon might regain
his normal health and resume fully
the duties of his office was swept
away to-day by his physicians, who
announced it would be impossible for
him to leave his bed "for an extended
period"
The announcement, made after a
consultation between Rear Admiral
Grayson and the three other physi-
clans aiding in the case, said there
had been no interruption of the Presi-
lent's slow Improvement, but empha-
sized that he still had a long road to
travel before he reached complete re-
covery.
Although in keeping with the pro-
gramme OF rest originally planned for
Mr.. Wilson by DIR. Grayson. the physi-
clans announcement brought home to
officials the possible effect Of the
Presidents illness on public affairs
and renewed discussion as to what
expedient might be adopted should the
press of executive business reach a
point demanding more attention than
he could give 1t. The disposition on
all sides seems to be to refrain from
raising the question of the Presidents
disability to act under the Constitu-
ton, but officials are known to have
considered it as one of the possibili-
ties of the situation.
constitutional Provision.
The Constitution provides that in case
of the Presidents disability" the vice.
president shall act as chief executive,
but there Is no precedent for such a
| transfer of authority, and official opinion
is divided as to how it might be brought
about should the necessity arise.
The physicians announcement was
would be prohibited from sitting up in
bed and II was considered entirely pos
| sible that he might be permitted to sign
few important bills and orders each
day as his progress continues. That will
be matter, however, which those at
| tending him must decide as time goes
on, and the disposition of officials seems
! to be to let any question OF his disability
| solve itself as specific cases arise.
Besides DR.. Grayson the physicians
who took part in the consultation were
! Dr. +. y. Dercum of Philadelphia, an
! expert on nervous disorders. Rear
/ Al nf
! Hospital, and DIR. Sterling Ruffin of
| Washington. All of them have been in
close touch with the patients condition
! for more than a week and they were
said to be unanimous In their agreement
that an extended rest from the worries
OF the Presidency is necessary. The
day bulletin was as follows
The President showed signs Of
continued Improvement, but his
condition is such as to necessitate
remaining in bed for an extended
period.
GRAYsoN.
| DERCUM
RuFFIN.
STIrT.
At s:45 p. NJ the following bulletin
was issued at the White House:
The President has had a comforta-
BILE day. GRAYsoN.i
Wilson barred From Work.
None of the physicians would be more
specific in predicting the extent Of the
b, Presidents confinement. nor would they
say whether he might be permitted to
give any attention to legislation and
other matters awaiting his action. For
several days DIR. Grayson's prohibition
against work has been absolute, and al
| ha arCumnla of executive
business Is said not to be great, the
meas now ready for executive &C
ton Include the prohibition enforcement
bill and important amendments to the
food control act
1t Is agreed on all sides, however, that
mere failure to sign legislative meas
ure would not constitute disability. since
bills passed by Congress become laws
auto matically II the President fails TO
act within ten days after they reach
him The view of some administration
officials is that measures known to hive
Mr.. Wilson's approval could be legally
written on the statute books unaer this
provision while those known to be un-
acceptable could be held up by Admin
istration leaders in the Senate and
House.
II Is pointed out that most of the
sweepinR powers vested in the Execu-
tive as war expedients still are in the
hands of the President alone. Conse.
quently, although by common agreement
each member Of the Cabinet is conduct
in. his duties as II he were President
80 far as his particular department Il
concerned, II is suggested that case.
might arise under war legislation II
which any department head would b,
powerless.
Az to who could declare the Presi
dents disability is known to present
something of a puzzle to the legal ad
visers of the Government. The Consti
tuition is silent on the point. and in tn,
Continued on Second Page.