Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1919-10-12
PRESIDENT MUST
STAY IN BED FOR
EXTENDED PERIOD
PHYSICIANS SAY
Hope That Mr. Wilson Soon
Might Resume the Duties Of
His Office Is Swept Away
By Rear Admiral GraySon,
IS IMPROVING BUT
MUST REMAIN QUIET
Officials Are To Discuss the
Possible Effect of His H.
ness On Public Affairs Re-
curing Attention,

Washington. oct. 11-Hope that
President Wilson soon might regain his
normal health and resume fully the
duties of his office, was swept away
10y MS physicians, who announced it
would be impossible for him to leave
his bed for an extended period"
The announcement, made after a
between Rear Admiral
Grayson and three other physicians,
said there had been no interruption OF
the presidents slow Improvement, but
emphasized that he still had long
road 10 travel before he reached COM
plete recovery.
Although in keeping with the pro-
gram of rest originally planned for
Mr.. Wilson by DR.. Grayson, the physi-
clans announcement brought home to
officials the possible effect Of the
presidents illness on public affairs and
renewed discussion as TO what eXpe-
dient might be adopted should the
press of executive business reach a
point demanding more attention than
he could give it, The disposition on
all sides seems to be to refrain from
raising the question of the presidents
disability to act under the constitu
llO1, Dul OlllNldiS are hllONll " AidFC
considered it one of the possibilities of
the situation.
Constitutional Provision.
The constitution provides that in
case of the presidents disability the
vice president shall act as chief exec
utiye," but there is no precedent for
such a transfer of authority and off
cial opinions divided as to how 1t
EcrIt 4 h,att.yHt ,h hnl1f EhntIll tho
cessity arise.
The physicians announcement was
not taken to mean that Mr., Wilson
would he prohibited from sitting up in
bed. and 1t was considered entirely
possible that he might be permitted to
sign u few important bills and orders
each day as his progress continues.
That will be matter, however which
those attending him must decide as
time goes on, and the disposition of
officials seems to be to let any ques-
ton of his disability solve itself as spe-
cific cases arise.
Besides Dr. Grayson, the physicians
who took part in the consultation
were Or. f. X. Dercum of Philadel-
phia, an expert on nervous disorders;
Rear Admiral f. r. Stitt, head of the
naval hospital, and DR.. Sterling Ruff
fin, of Washington, All of them have
been in close touch with the patients
condition for more than week, and
they were said to be unanimous In
their agreement that an extended rest
from the worries of the presidency is
necessary.
Physicians Not Specific.
None of the physicians would be
more specific in predicting the extent
of the presidents confinement, nor
would they say whether he might be
permitted to give any attention to legis-
lation and other matters awaiting his
action. For several days DR.. Gray
sons prohibition against work has
been obsolete, and although the ae-
cumulation of executive business is
said not to be great, the measures now
ready for executive action include the
prohibition enforcement bill and i'm
portant amendments to the food con-
troll act,
1t is agreed on all sides, however
that mere failure to sign a legislative
measure would not constitute disabili-
ty, since bills passed congress become
laws automatically if the president
fails to act within ten days after they
reach him.
At s:45 p. m. the following bulletin
was issued at the White House
THE president has had a comtorta-
BILE day. GRAYSON."