New-York tribune., 1919-10-12
Specialists Decision De.
stroys All Hope He Cam
Resume Duties Soon,
but May Sign Few Bills
Daily Gains Are
Still Reported
Successor, i'm Event His
Disability Continues.
Again Being Discussed

WASHINGTON. Oct. ll.--fIope that
President Wilson soon might regain
his normal health and resume fully
the duties of his Office was swept away
today by his physicians. who an
nounced it would be impossible for him
to leave his bed "for an extended
period"
The full text of the early bulletin,
issued at 1890 p. M. after consulta-
ton by Drs. Grayson, Rufiin and Stitt.
the Presidents regular physicians. and
DR.. Francis X. Dercum. n Philadelphia
neurologist, read:
"The President shows signs OF
continued improvement, but his con-
diticn Is such as to necessitate his
remaining in bed for an extended
period"
At 9:45 o'clock tonight DR.. Gray
son issued a bulletin stating: THE
President has had comfortable day"
Disability Question Raised
The bulletin was taken as empha-
sizing that the President still had q
long road to travel before he reached
complete recovery
Although in keeping with the pro-
gramme of rest originally planned for
Mr. Wilson by DR.. Grayson, the physi-
Clans announcement brought home
again to officials the possible effect of
he Pres csldent's illness on public gfar ~
and renewed discussion rs TO what cN-
pedicnt might be adopted ehr-'i he
press of executive business reach .
point demanding more a.-e....cn ."an
ne could give II.
The disposition on all sides seems TO
bC to refrain from raising the question
Of the Presidents disability to act un-
der the Constitution. but officials are
known to have considered il as one OF
the possibilities Of the situation.
Ma Sign Fcw Bills
The Constitution. it was again pointed
out. provides that in case Of the Presi-
dents disability" the Vice Pres dent
shall act as Chief Executive. but there
is no precedent for such transfer OF
authority, and official opinion Is di
vided as to how it might be brought
about shou d the necessity arise.
The physicians announcement was
not taken 20 mean that Mr. Wilson
would be prohibited from sitting up
in bed and il was considered entirely
possible that he might he permitted
TO sign few important bills and
orders each day his progress con
Times. That Will be matter. how
ever. which those attending him must
decide as time goes on, and the disposl-
ton of officials seems 10 be to let any
question of his disability solve itself
as specific cases arise.
Refuse To Be Specific
None of the physicians would. be
more specific IN predicting the extent
of the Pres dents confinement. nor
woult they say whether he might be
permitted 10 give any attention to leg
Is atior and other matters awaiting his
action. For several days DR.. Gray
sons prohibition against work has been
absolute and although the accumula-
tion of Executive business is said not
to be great the measures now ready for
executive a~tion include the prob bition
enforcement bill and important amend
ments to The food control act.
1t is pointed out, however that mere
failure to slgY a legislative measure
would not constitute disability. since
bills passed b, Congress become laws
automatically If the President fai!s 10
act within ten days after they reach
him. The view OF some Admlnistra-
ton officials Is that measures known 20
have Mr.. Wilson's approval could be
legally written on the statute DOCKS
under this provision, while those known
TO be unacceptable could be held Up by
Administration leaders III the Senate
and the House.
Opinions Clash on Disability
In consideration of the question Of
d disability. it is pointed out that most
of the sweeping powers vested in the
Executive as war expedicnts still are
in the hands of the Preside alone
Consequently. although by common
agreement each member of the Cabinet
is conducting his duties as If he were
President so far as his particular de-
partment is concerned. it is suggested
that cases might arise under war legis-
lation in which any department head
would be powerless.
Who could declare a Presidents dis
ability is known to present something
OF puzzle to the legal advisers of the
government. The Constitution is silent
on the point, and in the absence OF an
exact precedent number of divergent
opinions have been advanced infor-
mally.
In some quarters il is held that the
decision could be properly made by
the Cabinet because il would be in a
position to judge if the functioning of
Chiei Executive really were necessary
in the public interest In ever, lease