South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1922-12-19
WALLACE REID IN
FIGHT TO MAINTAIN
HIS HOLD ON LIFE
Screen Star Passes Crisis III
BreakdOwn-Has Aban-
dOned Drug Habit.
BY WILLIAM G.. CAYCE.
(I. v. =. stan Correspondent

Los ANGELES. Calf, Dec. 1S.-
Wallace Reid is suffering from
severe case Of influenza and not from
over-induIseuce in alcoholics or the
use of narcotics"
Such was the exclusive statement
made to International News Service
today by the two medical experts
who are in constant attendance to
the famous film hero, who IS fight
ing a battle at a Hollywood sani-
tarium. after a three-months' illness.
when Mr.. Reid was brought 10
our attentions / 0 days ago, he was IN
a most serious condition. suffering
from intestinal trouble and with
fever that was amazing for him 10
be alive" said the physicians. who
requested their names withheld.
His major trouble was the blood
count which was half that Of nor
NAL person" the physicians contn-
ued. Abnormal pressure is due to
two illnesses. one of these is typ
hold fever and the other influenza
Every test we made for typhoid
proved negative. Hence we have ar
rived at the definite conclusion that
he has influenza. His intestinal trou-
bile has been eradicated as he is able
to take nourishment now and set
fairly good rest. Another indication
that Reid has influenza is the man
ner in which his fever fuctuates."
} Dnaffrto Easily
As TO the stars condition today,
the doctors said he was resting
easily after "a good night and his
fever was down TO 9S and a frac-
ton degrees.
However. Mr.. Reid is still very
weak. but he has a strong will and a
seemingly inexhaustable SUPPLY OF
energy. Although we believe he has
passed the crisis, his weakness
leaves him a nt subject for re-
infection or influenza. His recovery
Nill be slow but certain. we believe"
Will Hays. boss OF the movies
who IS now I'm Los Angeles. as
sumed an air Of pity, rather than
scorn when informed Of the stars
condition. Displaying more thought
10 the case than he expressed, Mr.
HAYS said:
There IS nothing for me TO say
about the matter at this time, eN-
cept that I join with the others in
hoping that Reid will win back his
health and be himself again"
Denies Alleged Statement.
Mr.. Hays denied that ne had
stated that he would crush the al
,eged traffic OF narcotic peddlers in
the film world. and indicated that
was a matter for state. county and
federal authorities to cope with, and
beyond his Jurisdiction.
If Reid is the victim he IS re-
ported TO be. then he should be pitied
rather than scOrned, and we should
do al possible TO help him restore
his health" Hays added.
Declaring that she had been mis-
underst God and her statements mis-
construed" Dorothy Davenport, wife
OF the famous star. denied today
that she had stated she would re-
veal traffic in narcotics both in Los
Angeles and tire east.
Habit Is Broken.
II don't blame any one for
Wally's condition. II was his own
fault and he proved himself a man
three months ago by breaking him.
self OF the habit Of using stimulants.
Wally went 10 the mountains alone
p weeks ago to cure himself of his
faults. He did so in six weeks and
returned 10 work in a very weak
ened and run down condition. II
was too much for him. After three
days AZ the studio. he broke down.
With his system in such a weakened
condition he was a tit subject for the
'nu.
Messages OF sympathy and offer
ing all assistance possible continued
10 pour into the stars residence to-
day from his friends and admirers
Result OF Fight
The actors present weakened
condition Is declared TO have been
the direct result OF the game and
winning fight he made three months
ago TO break himself of the habit Of
using intoXicants and narcotics.
Though he singlehanded won this
battle. his entire system was left in
suvh poor condition as a result OF