The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-02-02
WILSON IS NEAR
 DOOR OF DEATH
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 s street home and left his card. In the House, at the motion of Republican Leader Longworth, an impending parti- san debate over the Teapot Dome dis closures was adjourned.
 Another of those who called was John W. Weeks, Secretary of War. There were several of the former Presidents old friends admitted to the house, but none of them were permitted to enter the sick room.
 The sudden collapse of the former President meantime had started many rumors of his death, and at one time late in the afternoon the flags on the great state, war and navy building across from the White House were lowered to half mast. The order was recalled few minutes later.
 Wife's Devoted Attention
 Throughout the day and into the night Mrs. Wilson, at her long-accus- toned post beside the sufferer, bore her self with the same fortitude that has made her devotion subject of tender admiration throughout the national capital. It was she who first nursed him when the hand of affliction was laid upon him more than four years ago during his historic speaking trip for the League of Nations. In the flying trip across a continent to Washington she shared with Dr. Grayson the con- stant watch beside him, and it was only after he had been takeh more gravely i'll at the White House and had begun to win back his strength again that she consented to leave him even for the shortest intervals. &
 To most of these observers Mir. Will son has appeared during recent weeks to have been somewhat improved in health. He took on flesh after he left the White House, and filled-out ap- pearance of his face was often mistaken of 2 sign of returning health. Those who believed his condition materially improved have been further deceived by his recent activities in public affairs; by his voluminous correspondence with his political friends on subjects of cur. rent interest to his party by his recent visits with the distinguished men of Europe on tours and on the fighting speech he delivered by radio on Armis- tice Eve.
 But to his physicians and little cir cle of his friends the enfeebled condi- tion of the man has been fully ap- parent, and they have understood but too well that his delicate hold on life might at any time be loosed forever. Dr. NJ. A. Fowler, kidney specialist, who also had treated MT. Wilson previously, made an examination and acquiesced in Dr. Grayson's verdict that little could be done. They tried to make him comfortable, but they decided the situation did not warrant resort to heroic remedies because they could not be endured by the wasted constitu- tion of the patient. But they remained within call, and in addition two nurses and an orderly were on duty in the sick room.
 Death Hovers Near
 All of the former Presidents medical attendants were in agreement tonight that his death might come momentarily, or that he might finger on for hours. They said no professional predictions could be made. Dr. Grayson left the house for few moments shortly after o'clock, but he arranged to be within instant call, and he again called for general consultation of physicians two hours later.
 During the evening Mir. Wilson re- mained conscious part of the time, but there were frequent lapses into sleep. He was able to talk with those near him only in whisper and then with greatest difficulty. Some of the old symptoms that had yielded to the care full treatment of months came back upon him, but for the most part he was free from complications and had to fight only with the languor of growing exhaustion.