Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1919-10-31
Presidents Physician Allows
Ten-Minute Chat - King
Goes Alone to Sick Room,
Operating Elevator Himself.
RELATES AMUSING .......
INCIDENTS OF TOUR
Belgian Party Leaves Wash.
ington to Sail for Home
Today From Newport News
on George Washington.

Washington, Oct. 30.-King Al
bert and President Wilson clasped
hands today. The meeting at the
presidents bedside, brief as it was
proved the climax of the American
visit of the Belgian monarch and
he left Washington late tonight, a
happy man. to sail for home from
Newport News at noon tomorrow
on the transport George Washing
ton. From the day he landed. the
pleasure of his tour has been marred
bv anxiety over the presidents con-
dition and he had abandoned hope
of being able to see him. -....
When he drove to the White
House. Albert had little expecta-
ton of being able to see the presi-
dent. Only at the last moment, at
the presidents earnest request. did
Rear Admiral Grayson. his phvsi-
clan, consent to brief chat. The
king went alone to the sick room,
operating the elevator himself. His
call lasted 10 minutes.
The visitor seated himself at the
right of the bed, and the president
apologized for not being able to
rise, but the king expressed deep
qualification at being able to see
him at all. Mr.. Wilson remarked
that it was a very happy occasion
and showed great interest in the
transcontinental tour of the Bel
gian monarchs.
Tells Amusing Incidents.
Albert related incidents,1of the
Journey, many of them amusing,
for he has a keen sense Of huinor
and spoke of the remarkable devel-
opment of the United States in the
2l years which have elapsed since
his previous visit
MI. Wilson asked about condi-
tions in Belgium, England and
France and listened eagerly to Al
bert's> replies. He inquired particu-
larly about Premiers Lloyd George
and Clemenceau. voicing high re-
gard for both of them.
As his majesty was leaving he
leaned over the bed to shake Mr..
Wilson'S hand again and said: .
"I hope your ideas and ideals will
be carried out and I believe they
will beA
"I am very anxious to stay as long
as can," Albert said repeatedly to
DR.. Grayson.
"Will you let me know when |
must 60, but please don't make 1t
too soon."
Queen Visits President, Too.
After the departure of the king
the president expressed a desire to
see Queen Elizabeth, who was hav-
ing tea with Mrs. Wilson. DIR. Gray
son consented and her majesty went
eagerly to the executives bedside,
where she remained five minutes.
seated at the left of the bed. She told
Mr.. Wilson, with one of her charm
ing smiles. that she felt much at
home with persons who were Ill.
One of her hobbies is hospitals.
While Elizabeth was in the room
the president felt a draft from an
open window and asked for his old
gray sweater which he cherishes de-
spite the holes which mar its SYM
metry. He apologized for its appear
ance, remarking that it was not
much to look at, but it had done
faithful service.
In his chat with the queen. Mr..
Wilson said he wished he might see
Prince Leopold. Her majesty looked
inquiringly at DR.. Grayson, who sad
he would not assume the response
bility. Then the president took the
decision into his own hands and the
prince was summoned.
The youthful Leopold entered the
room with all a boys embarrass-
ment and seemed rather i'll at ease in
the presence of the president. but he
was soon put at ease by questions
about his school life at Eton.