Evening star., 1923-08-01

sleep he has had since his illness
began. He was awake only q short
time and then dropped back into a
sleep that was described as quite
different from and exceedingly more
satisfactory than the nervous sleep
or Monday night, when all the ply
siclans We're agreed that his condi-
ton was grave.
sleep Was Vital.
From time to time last night word
came from the presidential suite that
Mr.. Harding was asleep, and each
time those who remained on watch
became more and more optimistic
sleep and rest to repair the breach
es.' Gen. Sawyer had said, was what
the chief executive most needed, and
so far as could be learned prior to
issuance of an official bulletin this
need was being met
A steady increase in the amount
or nourishment being taken by the
President was another cause Of op-
timism. His diet. as prescribed yes
terday. and as continued today, con-
sisted of eggnogs, fruit juices, milk
toast and soft boiled eggs. The
nourishment obtained by the Presi-
dent, 1t was said. was quite safe for
one in his condition.
Watchers Obtnin Rest.
The decided turn for the better
was indicated in every possible way
last night. Gen. Sawyer went out
for walk about o'clock, the first
time he had been outside the hotel
since the President was brought here
Sunday. Returning, he spent half an
hour or so in the Presidents room
and then retired. The head nurse
in her patients condition. and OBJ
tanned some sleep. Lieut.. Commander
Joel 7. Boone, assistant to DR.. Saw
yer, alone remained in the Presidents
l. st.
night, Mrs. Harding having retired
about midnight.
Gen. Sawyer. after his last visit to
the Presidents room, and before go
ing to bed, issued brief statement
as to Mr. Harding's condition. This
noted a pulse of 116, temperature of
1902 and respiration A, and ended
by saying that he was resting COM
fortably."
The betterment of the Presidents
any serious discussion of the future
program of the party. Whatever may
be recommended, Mr.. Harding will
have finar\decision, and there is no
intention of placing any such matters
as that before him until he gets back
his strength.
Offers Home to President.
William Wrigley, jr., presented to
Secretary Christian an invitation to
the President and Mrs. Harding to
spend the days Of the formers con-
valesence at Catalina, where he has
a large estate.
Neither was the change for the
better Immediately noticeable in
diminution of the number OF tele-
grams received. All through the ear
lly hours of the evening messenger
boys continued to make frequent
trips with kilograms and the stream
got under way again early this morn
ing. Meantime, valiant efforts were
being made to write and have signed
dered and solicitude shown. Among
these was a response to a telegram
sent by former President Wilson.
None Of the messages was made
public.
Decorations Kept Up.
San Francisco yesterday morning,
a bit apprehensive that she had
dressed too gayly for what 1t then
appeared might turn out a very sad
to news that her guest OF honor was
in better health, and decided that her
! fripperies of flags and bunting, lights
and color effects, would not be out
of place after all.
For President Harding was better
and those who had proposed elimina-
tion of at least the electric lights and
fountain displays in the civic center,
because he was i'll, were voted down.
The flags will stay up In the streets,
the lights will continue to blaze
forth and the color effects will con-
tinue to glow.
So said Mayor James Rolph. who
averred that the display had been
made in honor of President Harding
and that it would continue as long
as the executive remained In the city.
The mayor added that he hoped the
President would stay long enough
and recover rapidly enough to be
able to drive through the city and
enjoy the decorations