The Washington times., 1922-09-10
[AY0 SPEEDING TO CAPITAL AS MRS HARDING NEARS DEAF

House at . q. m. today. II Is gen.
orally understood that IL after q
consultation 1t Is decided the dis
tinguished patient has vitality
enough to Withstand 1t, an imme-
diate operation win be performed
TO relieve the condition which local
treatment, has failed to alleviate.
Wilson's Offer Sympathy.
Yesterday afternoon former Pres.
ident and Mrs. Woodrow Wilson
drove up to the executive mansion
IA u motor car, inquired after Mrs,
Harding, left their cards and good
wishes and drove away, 1t was the
first time Mr.. and Mrs. Wilson had
been in the White House grounds
since their retirement from the
White House eighteen months ago.
- President Harding himself was
In the siclroom- q greater part Of
the day. He alternated between
the sickroom and his study, remain
ing long in neither place, but con-
stantly going to and fro. /
The strain under which the Presi-
dent labored was reflected in his
appearance. He appeared haggard
and wan from loss of sleep and
worry.
Evening or Anxiety.
1t was q night of tense anxiety
and concern at the White House
executive offices, where there were
gathered attaches and newspaper
men on the second all-nisht vigil
waiting some word from the sick
chamber.
Fervent hope was in the hearts Of
all and every scrap Of information
from those about the bedside OF Mrs.
Harding or those in a position to
know the truth was sought by ex-
pectant groups. When the 8 o'clock
bulletin reflected the first ray Of hope
since the depressing word Of early
afternoon that the patient seemed
to be slowly sinking there was gen.
uine qualification. :.
Hundreds Of anxious friends and
admirers of Mrs Harding wended
their way silently ana reverently
up the steps to the executive office
to make Inquiry. Men and women
of all walks in life comprised this
solicitous line of visitors and 1t was
past midnight before the ordinary
calm Of the vicinity was even ap-
preached.
Telephones Kept Busy.
Thank God for thatr' exclaimed
one aged woman who trudged up to
the door and falteringly questioned
a policeman. and was told Of the
news in the early bulletin.
I'VE are praying for her and God
will answer our prayers" said an
other elderly woman, who was ac-
companied by her husband
Similar comments, all with an ex-
preston of hope, were heard over
and over again during the early
night from the visitors. All the
calling In for information about the
condition Of Mrs. Harding and in
variably there was the sentiment of
hope.
Hundreds of cards were left at
the White House during the day
and night by those seeking to be
more formal.
White House Grounds Closed.
The great iron gates of the White
House were closed yesterday for
the first time since Inauguration
when they were thrown open at
Mrs. Harding's express order. They
had been closed for the last two
years OF the Wilson Administration,
and her first order as mistress Of
a.
them open to the crowds Of tourists
that fiock to the Capital.
Fearing that the crowds that mill
oontinualiy through the grounds
would disturb the patient, the gates
were ordered closed yesterday to In.
sure absolute quiet.
Maintains Courage.
DAriy last evening II was reported
at the White House that Mrs. Hard
ing was ''resting somewhat easier"
after . day in which her temperature
had risen alarmingiy.
Physicians at the bedside said the
most favorable symptom was the
truly remarkable spirit and courage
OF the patient. Even though danger
eusiy Ill, Mrs. Harding was said to
maintain her interest in things about
her. As an example Of this Il was
said that when DIR. Finney, the Balti-
more specialist, prepared to return
to Baltimore on q flying trip yeste--
day. Mrs. Harding said to the Presi-
dents,
warren, hope you've provided
. car to take the doctor to the sta
tion."
The. disease from which Mrs. Hard.
ing is suffering is well known to
physicians. In medical language It is
described as "Distention Of the
kidney from accumulations due TO
obstruction Of the urinary passage"
Long . Sufferer.
Mrs. Harding has been an in
termittent sufferer from this dis
ease for ten years, dating, it is
said, from q surgical operation.
She has experienced several attacks
in recent years, although none as
serLouG as the one which has
brought her to the stage of being
dangerously and critically ILL.,