Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-03-09
DECLINE APPARENT
ON RISE TO BENCH
Boosted Remarkable Capac-
lily for Work Before Over
taxed System Broke.
BY JOHN +. sUTER.
Associated Press STAFF Writer.

AseOclaGed Fress bJbm WRITER.
An unusually strong constitution
served william Howard Taft well
through many strenuous years although
1t began to weaken long before the end,
under the burdens he imposed upon 1t.
The decline first became noticeable
shortly after he put on the robes OF
Chief Justice, in 1921, and eliminated
in a breakdown a little more than q
month ago, which resulted In his death.
His energy and capacity for work
were, remarkable, and while in the
White House and in subsequent private
life, he INDUCED q robust appetite, de-
pending upon vigorous exercise to con-
troll his weight
Mr., Taft's physicians advised against
horseback riding and golf upon his be-
coming Chief Justice. and he then took
up walking. making it equally strenuous.
Suffered Heart Attacks.
From his home, over 3 miles distant
from the court room In the Capitol, he
would walk daily whenever the court
was in session. He would strike and
maintain a vigorous stride, intending to
throw himself into a profuse per-
spiration.
Arriving at the Capitol he would take
O shower and a massage, don fresh
linen and go on the bench, TO SIT four
lie Oh o1ls dSBAGNoSCA W AAS
large stature, overtaxed his heart, but
after he had the first and second heart
attacks hts physicians were unable to
prevail upon him to cease excessive
physical exertion.
Finally, however, as the heart at
tackS continued, they brought him to
q realization of his physical condition,
and he shortened his periods Of walk
ing to not more than 80 minutes each
- late eroit and that
level ground. He installed an electric
elevator in his home, converted back
porch into an Office and stopped climb
ing stairs
Mr.. Taft made his daily stroll on a
route that led across the Connecticut
Avenue Bridge, near his home, and he
took pleasure in the friendships he
established with a group OF children,
under the care of nurses, who generally
were awaiting his coming In good
weather. He would talk to them. chuck
the small babies under the chin, and
In q short time he was voted prime
good fellow by the group of little ones
Abandoned Social Functions.
Under doctors orders he abandoned
all social functions. He had been q
much sought guest, and had been del
TRed for years with invitations to din
Mrs. Taft continued her attendance
On social gatherings, but the Chief jus
tice faithfully followed his physicians
advice and adopted routine, includ-
ing diet. He ate only hard toasted
bran for breakfast and supper, being
permitted to have meat and vegetables
In restricted quantities in the middle OF
the day AS this diet continued he
began to lose weight t
v,vA0afifiONc hA fRnl< had fhnfY
effect and it was not until last June
that Mr.. Taft broke badly in health
The strain of, the term so1- court which
began In October. 1928, had, taken
much Of his reserve vitality, and he
was in an exhausted condition when
the court adjourned in June, 1929. 6
He decided to visit his half brother
Charles p. Taft. in Cincinnati before
going 70 his Summer home at Murray
Bay, Canada. The Chief Justice took
advantage Of the trip also to visit
many places he had known in his youth
in Cincinnati. He did q great deal OF
walking, with the result. that he re-
turned to Washington exhausted and
was forced to enter hospital.
Met with Motor Accident.
Mr.. Taft remained there about week
and was taken in o wheel chair to his
train on leaving for Murray Bay. His
strength did not return. He was forced
to remain on his porch most OF the
time, taking only occasional automo'
bile rides. He was no longer able u
visit friends to whom he had become
much attached during the many years
Canadian resort.
On one of his motor trips he met
with a painful accident, which further
complicated his condition.
At the time of his 72d birthday
September is, 1929, he was forced tt
forego a birthday party which had fol
years been one of the outstanding tea'
lures Of the Summer colony. =,
Mr.. Taft reluctantly postponed II
with. the cheerful promise that the
celebration this year would be double
affair. It had been the practice fol
all the guests who could be seated In
the large Taft residense TO attend the
birthday parties, and on his return to
washington the Chief Justice again
expressed his keen regret that ne hao
been forced to forego the celebration.
Returning in advance Of the meet
ing of the court last october, Mr.. Tart
arain presided over the annual con-
ference of Circuit Court judges, re-
viewed the improvements IN the Fed
eral Court work throughout the coun-
try. and assisted in framing sugges-
lions for further improvements.
It was painfully apparent TO close
friends that his physical condition was
exceedingly bad. Furthermore, 1t was
seen that his mind became weary under
the trying duties Of the ONCE in which
he had presided.
Attended Brothers Funeral.
His general condition seemed to I'M
prove during October and for time
In November, but reaction had set
in before the court adjourned on De-
cenber 9.
On several occasions it was neces-
sary for his associates on the bench
and for court attendants to prompt
him In the conduct of routine business.
His face took on haggard and tired
expression. His characteristic chuckle
had left him except on rare occasions.
Against the advice of his physicians
and court associates he insisted upon
going to Cincinnati to attend the
funeral Of his brother. AS he walked
to the train with a heavy stride he
remarked that the death had been a
great blow. The two half-hrothers had
been exceedingly close throughout their
lives.
on January Mr.. Taft returned to
Washington from Cincinnati and went
l4~nrAlx, Rxown fha station m the Can't