The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1919-11-04
BELGIAN ROYAL FAMILY VISIT
BEDSIDE PRESIDENT WILSON
Visitors Have Brief Chat With Chief
Executive and Express Qualification
at Being Permitted 20 See -.-1c.

Washington, Oct. 30.-King
Albert and President Wilson clasped
hands today. The meeting at the
Presidents bedside, brief as it was,
proved the climax of the American
Wis. of the Belgian monarch and ne
left Washir ON tonight, happy
man, to sail for home from Nawport
News, at noon tomorrow on the
transport George Washington, which
brought him to this country. From
the day he landed the pleasure of his
tour has been marred by anxiety over
the Presidents condition, and he had
abandoned hope of being able to see
him.
When he drove to the White House,
Albert had little expectation of be-
ing able to see the man for whom he
has expressed the highest admiration.
Only at the last moment at the Presi-,
dents earnest request did Rear Ad-
miral Grayson, his physician, con-
sent to a 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 side of the bed and the Presi-
dent 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 very happy occasion and show
ed great interest in the transconti-
mental tour of the Belgian monarchs.
Relates Amusing Incident.
= Albert related incidents of the
Journey, many of them amusing, for
he has keen sense Of humor, and
spoke of the remarkable development
of the United States in the twenty
one vars which have elapsed since
his previous visit.
Mr.. Wilson asked about conditions
in Belgium, England and France and
listened eargeriy to Albert's replies.
He inquired particularly about Pre-
miers Lloyd George and Clemenceau,
voicing high regard for both Of them.
AS his majesty was leaving he
leaned over the bed to shake Mr.. Will
sons hands again and said:
sI hope your ideas and ideals will
be carried out and believe they Will
be-"
81 am very anxious to stay as long
=as can," Albert said repeatedly to
DR.. Grayson. "Will you let me know
when I must. go, but please don't
make it too soon"
After the departure of the king,
sthe President expressed desire to
sses Queen Elizabeth who was having
stea with Mrs. Wilson. DR.. Grayson
consented and her majesty went
eagerly to the executives bedside
where she remained five minutes, stat
edat the left side of the bed. She tole
Mr.. Wilson, with one of her charm
ing smiles, that she felt much al
home with persons who were i'll. Or;
of her hobbies is hospitals.
Old Gray Sweater.
While Elizabeth was in the room
the President felt draft from a,
open window and asked for his ole
gray sweater which he cherishes de
spite the holes which mar it's sym
metry. He apologized for it's appear
suee. rcmarking that it was not mucl
to look at, but that it had done faith
full service.
In his chat with the Queen, Mr.
Wilson said he wished he might SET
Prince Leopold. Her majesty looked
inquiringly at DR.. Grayson who sale
he would not assume the responsible
7ty. Then the President took the de-
.cision into his own hands and the he'll
apparent was summoned.
The youthful Leopold entered the
room with all a boys embarrassment
and seemed rather i'll at ease in the
presence of the President, but he was
soon put at ease by questions about
kIRs school life at Eaton. Mr.. Wilson
:. = tJd hir, how much he looked like his
- father, adding:
'sYuur father is every inch man
: and l hope you will follow in his
footsteps"
While the Queen was with the
President, Albert chatted with Miss
Margaret Wilson and Mrs. Francis
B. Sayre. He brought from the sick
= room, tucked carefully under his arm,
an autographed set Of Mr.. Wilson's
eErI;eforx, of Tho A,,oorioan poOn1o y