The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1922-09-12

those who know her personally, but by
thousands who have learned from time
to time of the charm of her personality.
Bulletins issued Sunday and Monday
give hope of ultimate recovery but
while operative procedure is deferred
from day to day, the general opinion is
that surgical operation cannot in the
end be avoided and that it win bring
the real decision. The optimism of the
medical bulletins has sent cheer
throughout Washington but at the
White House there appeals grim fear,
that the big crisis is vet to come.
Shows Indomitable Will.
An ndomitable Il will which so often
enables patient to overcome seemingly
insurmounfable obstacles gives Mrs.
Harding a lighting chance. The best
medical attention that can be mar
shalled is here. 1t IS, therefore, a
struggle with fate-a dramatic struggle
in which the heartstrings of govern
ment are pulled taut for Mrs. Harding
Is popular, decidedly So Ever since she
came TO the executive mansion she has
exhibited an intense interest in every
thing and everybody She is endowed
with qualities of democracy that make
her the same modest personality today
that she was before her husband was
thrust into the limelight. Mrs. Harding
has not been spoiled by the White
House atmosphere-she has assumed no
airs OF regality and has developed no
habits of social seclusion. Mrs. Hard
ing, on the contrary, has busted herself
with things outside the White House.
She owes her critical illness somewhat.
to her nndiminished activity in spite of
the usual warnings against overwork
and strain.
As a counsellor to the President Mrs.
Harding has been notably dominant.
Her influence il constantly in the direc-
ton OF emphatic action and decisive
steps. She is a helpmate whose advice
has been followed in many of the most
important acts of the chief executive
for she has the intuition of a woman
and the sagacity of a politician.
The President has tried to keep up
with his work but finds he cannot. His
engagements are indefinitely postponed.
Morning. noon and night the chief
executive maintains his weary vigil. The
White House offices are deserted
George Christian. private secretary to
the President is almost as much on the
watch at the executive mansion as the
President himself Next door neighbor
for a lifetime. George Christian. and the
other members of the little Marion col
onv in Washington feel the impending
crisis as kinsfolk would.
Like Mrs. Wilson's Illness.
Curiously paralleling the solemn
scenes of today in the White House
were the DAYS of the first Mrs. Wilson's
last Illness. The same length of time
had elapsed in the first Wilson admins
! tration when tragedy came. and it is
said. that the arduous tasks of a first
lady of the land contributed not little
to the breakdown which ended the life
OF Mrs Wilson. There is something
inordinatclr absorbing about life at the
| White House with its demands on time
| and energy which conquers those in
moor health Mrs Harding came to the
/ White House in impaired health. DR.
| SAWYER was prevailed upon to come to
Washington to be the personal physi-
| clan at the White House largely because
| he knew Of Mrs Harding's condition and
/ the possibility of crisi- at any time
| The President wanted DIR. Sawyer to
keen on the watch. His presence OF
| mind in the present emergency. his cal
| for exactly the right kind of specialist
nj the opportune moment are rewards
/ Of President Harding's foresight and
| may have an important bearing on tn,
| saving of Mrs Harding's life.