The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-11-22
cHRISTY MATHEWSON IS SLOWLY IMPROVING

New York, November 21.-(Special )-- Reclining in a seni-darkened room in his apareghvnt up at Saranac Lake, in the heart of the .Adiroudacks, Christopher Mathewson is winning the hardest fight
 iii which he has ever engaged He is courageously staving off death. News that the once great pitcher. whose fame has spread to all parts of the world, is recovering from tuberculosis is indeed welcomed by all lovers of the great pro- fession to which he has devoted his life. Ever since Matty hastily left the Giants last season to go to the mountains to regain his health anxious fans have in- quired of his condition. Detailed reports of his condition did not reach his great mass of admirers. and for this reason perhaps rumors were current that the Old Master was about to become victim of the dreaded white plague, but al- though Matty was very i'll that time, the reports were exaggerated.
 When he left the Giants Matty realized his illness needed prompt attention. He knew that to delay might be fatal and so without delberating he turned his back on the Polo grounds, the scene of his greatest diamond triumphs and unnQticed went to Saranac Lake to fight for life. In his fight there were times when things looked dark for him and hopes for his recovery were small. But the pluck and courage thousands of fans have watched him display on the diamond never left him, and he rallied. A decided turn for the better was noticed a few days ago, and physicians now declare there is good chance of his complete recovery. That he will recover speedily is the wish of all
 Mrs Mathewson has been at his beside almost constantly since the famous pitcher was stricken. Her presence has r,lr rnr'u U spirits. Each day she spends much time
 in reading to the patient. During the recent worlds series, Matty showed great interest in the games and the work of the grand jury in Chicago was also read to him. Mrs. Mathewson has also made him familiar with the recent happenings in Chicago, which resulted in Judge Landis being made the real boss of the profession.
 Daily scores of letters are delivered al the players home. They are from men and women in all walks of life, and each inquiries about Matty's condition. Mrs Mathewson reads every one to her hus- band and the patient is made happy te think that he is not forgotten by those who have watched him pitch. Each let ter is source of joy for the ill player, and after being read they are carefully placed in desk. Each writer requests to be answered directly. but as there are so many this is impossible. Mrs. Mathew son has quite enough to do to take care of the patient, but she wants to thank all through the press for the interest shown in her husbands fight against death The letters were indeed well comed and will continue to be. The hero of many hard-fought ball games appre- ciates them.
 During the dark stages of his fight Mat tvs temperature rose to 104-5 but last week for the first time since he was taken ill, it reached normal for a brief period, and that was a very encouraging symptom. Once last week, while his condition showed an improvement he arose from his bed and walked about 100 steps, It was the first time he was on his feet since he arrived in the noun tains. The patient is not allowed to talk more than is absolutely necessary. He is undergoing rest treatment, and not until he gains in weight will he be permitted to take the fresh air cure. Treatments of gas have improved the condition of his affected right lung.