The Mena weekly star., 1921-02-17
WILSON OF TODAY
 FAR FROM RUGGED
Those Who Hoped to See Once More the Vigorous Woodrow Wilson, Now Realize He Is Man Who Will
 Never Be Strong Again.
By David NJ. Church, International News Service Stan Correspondent.


 Washington, Feb. l4.--Woodrow Wilson today Is not the Woodrow Will son of two years ago. The national capital has come to this realization since the president has made recent public appearances at the theatre.
 All during the long siege of illness which the president has undergone the optimistic statements from the White House have given rise to the general impression that sooner or later the old Woodrow Wilson would appear Tn public.
 The recent public appearances which the president has made have disillu- stoned those who have hoped to see once more the vigorous Woodrow Wll- son, and they realize now that he IS an old, broken man, whose health Will never be strong again.
 Comparison between Woodrow Wil- son at the theatre two years ago and Woodrow Wilson at the theatre now is almost pitiful.
 Was Ardent Theatregoer.
 Never was there a more ardent fheatregoer than Woodrow Wilson, and never a more appreciative auditor. Statesman and scholar, nevertheless he found joy in the antics of slapstick comedians and he apparently found SsssoTo pleasure iii the strains of the modern jazz and the gyrations of the accompanying dancers.
 Woodrow Wilson at the theatre in the old days was man whose eyes Hparkled, who sat in the closest at- tention, and who laughed heartily at jokes almost inane, and was profuse in his applause. He appeared to exult in all of the beauty and grace that was paraded across the stage. most enthusiastic theatre fan was the old Woodrow Wilson. Players, particu- azriy comedians and vaudeviilians, loved to play before him, because they found him quick to respond, and gen erous in his applause.
 At the theatre now, Woodrow Will son is a restrained auditor. He enters thru side door and with secret serv- zee men and members of his family at his side, he walks slowly into his box, leaning heavily on his cane. He wears . cape, for it is easy for him to draw it close about him. His entrance al- ways brings applause and for a min gtc he falters and bows slightly, sometimes feebly waving his cane to the applauding audience. Then he slowly and carefully takes his seat in . far corner of the box, with cape still about him and has cane still in hand. His face Is thin and wrinkled, ais hair is graying and perhaps little simmer. The animation that once characterized his face is gone. The Gash of his eyes is dimmed.
 Sits Quietly in Box.
 The play begins and Woodrow Will son pushes forward slowly in his chair and then slips back again. His at tcntion is the closest, but the ready response to the stage action is no longer there. When some bit of com sdy amuses him, he smiles, almost with an effort and there is a little hearty laughter and the whispers to the members of his party that former 6 encouraged the players. When this enthusiasm must give vent, he grasps his cane and pounds upon the floor, while one arm remains at his side. He follows every line. he is stil a theatre fan, but his enthusiasm is that of an cid man, a man who finds enthusiasm almost an effort, tho his interest is nnfiagging.
 The play over, the audience gener- ally waits until the president has left. As he leaves his box there is burst sf applause and a cheer or two, and She president turns, sometimes seem- ingiy with desire to show his strength, and in faltering manner he &urns back in few steps, bows and smiles thinly and then grasping his cane, waves it to the audience rather feebly. Then thru a guarded side door he steps into his motor car and ia whisked away thru back alley, avoid ing the crowds.
 The audience leaves, fully realizing that the vigorous Woodrow Wilson of yesterday is no more.