The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1919-10-13
HOUSERETURNS
IN BAD HEALTH;
TO DROP WORK
Colonel Says He Will Go to
Washington When He
Regains Strength.
SEES EUROPE RECOUPING
Report He Will Advise Wilson
to "Abdicate" Is Called
Nonsense.
SEES EUROPE RECOUPING

Friends of Col. Edward NJ. House,
who climbed aboard the Army trans
port Northern Pacific at Hoboken.
yesterday afternoon, to welcome the
Presidents familiar friend after his
years absence in Europe, found the
silent Texan reclining, limp and white
in an armchair in his stateroom. The
weakness of his voice. his paleness.
and the general air of lassitude that
enveloped him suggested fact which
the Colonel frankly confirmed, that he
is pretty sick man.
You have caught me at low ebb. -
he said in the subdued voice Of ILL
ness. 81 have been suffering again
from gravel, which afflicted me in Paris
about year ago. and on top OF that
came severe cold. have just got
rid Of fever which lasted for eight
days, and on the whole l don't feel up
to much. hope to get back into some
sort of shape after weeks rest, and
as soon as 1 am able shall go to
Washington"
Mrs. House. who, sat on a couch
near the Colonel's chair, adjusted the
rug which covered his knees, and
there was solicitude in her gaze. Re-
porters long acquainted with him sug-
gested that he might not feel equal
90 answering a few questions about
conditions in Europe and other mat
ters in which the public is conceivably
interested.
willing TO BE Interviewed.
The Colonel, with characteristic af-
liability. but with twinkle in his eye
which implied that he was to be no
more discursive than of old, replied:
mot at all. ASK away. My doctor
told me that I ought not see the ro-
porters. but / said no. that l had Ill
ways tried to satisfy the boys and that
1 did not want to disappoint them"
The twinkle rejecting secret amuse-
ment-for Col. House was not too sick
to enjoy a little .jest--came again.
do you know anything about Presi-
dent Wilson's real oondition-anythlng
more than has been given to the public 70
was asked.
Not thing" he said. "All the in
formation l have was contained In the
bulletins issued by DR.. Grayson and
wirelessed to the ship. Mrs. House and
l were deeply concerned when we heard
hot 40,
more than anybody else. Under the cir
cumstances, lacking precise information,
| cannot say anything of interest about
that matter"
You have had unusual opportunities
In the past year. and especially In recent
months to estimate the recuperation of
Europe" 1t was suggested to the Colonel
What is your opInion--is Europe gem
orally recovering materially and In
spirit?'
Reason for Optimism.
1T think So" he replied. There are
still times when one feels that things are
slipping back but on the hole there Is
reason for optimism"
"Win you say something about the
League OF Nations. about the present
sentiment for II abroad and about your
in ratifying treaty and league?"
Il cannot talk about that" Col. House
returned. II would prefer to be excused
about that"
You are familiar, of course, with
William C. Bullitt's testimony before the
Senate committee and with the denials
of the truth of Bullitts statements made
by officials of the British Government.
Win you estimate the authenticity Of
Bullitt's revelations about the mission TO
Russia. the League OF Nations and other
matters he coveredT"
" can say nothing whatever about
that" said the Colonel.
What are your own plans? Do you
intend to return to private life. to sever
your relations with diplomacy, with Of
fetal life?''
Everything depends upon my health"
said Col House everything. I do not
know what I shall do until l get my
strength back"
"a report has come from Washington
that you are returning to advise the
President to 'abdlcate' for a time In
favor OF the vice-President."
Nonsense !" said the Colonel spiritedly.
Typewriter Statement.
His secretary entered the room carry
inq copies of n typewriter statement of
a brevity favored by the Colonel 1t con-
tanned just this;
IT have nothing to say. Everything
has been said that can be said on every
vital subject. We should now begin TO
work. steady and tranquillize."
About that moment It became obvious
that here was the same old Colonel. Just
as affabe as of old and just as reticent
as OF old, and so the interviewers bowed
themselves out and made space in the
little room for Major-Gen. Shanks and
his stan. there TO greet the Peace Com
missioner officially. The General and
lis aids had a bit OF a problem on their
hands to get Col House on the trals-