New-York tribune., 1919-10-31
King and Queen
See President:
To Sail To-day
Albert Leaves Washington
Happy at Unexpected
Climax Of Trip; Chats
Ten Minutes at Bedside

WASHINGTON. Oct. 80 King AL
bert and President Wilson clasped
hands to-day. The meeting at the
Presidents bedside. brief as it was,
proved the climax of the American
visit of the Belgian monarch, and lie
left Washington late tonight, happy
man, to sail for home from Newport
News at noon tomorrow on the trans
port George Washington, which brought
him to this country.
From the day he landed the pleasure
of his tour has been marred by anxiet,
over the Presidents cdndition, and he
had abandoned hope of being able to
see him.
When he drove to the White House
King Albert had little expectation of
being able to see the I-res ldent. Only
at the last moment. at Mr.. Wilson's s
own earnest request, did Rear Admiral
Grayson, his physician, consent to Il
brief chat. The King went alone to
the sick room, operating the elevator
himself. His call lasted ten minutes
The visitor seated himself at the
right of the bed and the President
but the King expressed deep gratifica-
ton at being able to see him at all.
Mr.. Wilson remarked that it was a
happy occasion and showed great in
terest in the transcontinental tour of
the King and Queen.
Relates Incidents of Trip
The King ~lated incidents of the
journey, many of them amusing, for
he has a keen sense of humor, and
spoke of the remarkable development
Of the United States in the twenty-one
years which have elapsed since his
previous visit.
Mr. Wilson asked about conditions
in Belgium, England and France, and
listened eagerly to King Abert's re-
plies. He inquired particularly about
ceau, voicing high regard for both.
AS his ma jesty was leaving he
leaned over the bed TO shake Mr..
Wilson'S hand again, and said:
II hope your ideas and ideals Will
be carried out, and believe they
will be-"
81 am anxious to stay as long as l
can," the King said repeatedly to DR..
Grayson. "Will you let me know when
| must go, but please don't make it too
soon"
After the departure of the King the
President expressed desire to see
Queen Elizabeth, who was having tea
with Mrs Wilson. DR.. Grayson con-
sented and her majesty went eagerly
to the Executives bedside, where she
remained five minutes, seated at the
left side of the bed. She told Mr.
Wilson with one of her charming
smiles that she felt much at home
with persons who were i'll. One of her
hobbies is hospitals.
While Elizabeth was in the room the
President felt draft from an open
window and asked for his old gray
sweater, which he cherishes despite
the holes which mar its symmetry. He
apologized for its appearance, remark
ing that it was not much to look at
but that it had done faithful service
In his chat with the Queen Mr.. Will
son said he wished to see Prince Leo
pold. Her majesty looked inquiringly
at DR.. Grayson, who said he would
not assume the responsibility. Their
the President took the decision into
his own hands and the heir apparen,
was summoned.
Leopold Is Embarrassed
The youthful Leopold entered the
room with all a boys embarrassment
and seemed rather i'll at case in the
presence of the Pres sident, but he was
soon put at ease by questions abou
his school life. Mr. Wilson told hin
how much he looked like his father
adding:
your father is every inch a man
and I hope you will follow in his foot
steps"
While the Queen was with the Presi.
dent, King Albert chatted with Mis-.
Margaret Wilson and Mrs. Francis b
Sayre. He brought from the sick room
tucked under his arm, an autographed
set Of Mr.. Wilson's History Of tn,
American People" which the Prcsdcn
had presented to him.
Dr.. Grayson said his patient hat
been greatly checred by his talk will
tho King and Queen and that THEN
visit seemed to have done him good
"My doctor tells me I'm getting bet
ter" the President said to both hi
callers. II hope he's telling tho truth