Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-09
DEATH NEARING
EDISON BEDSIDE
inventor Gripped by Stupor,
Forerunner of Fatal Sink
ing Spell.
By the Associated Press.

By the Associated Press.
WEST ORANGE, N j.. October g.
Thomas A. Edison slipped into a stupor
today and death crept nearer to his
bedside.
The world famous inventor, hitherto
an extremely light sleeper, was found
to be in an unnaturally deep slumber
this morning. AT breakfast time he
was aroused with difficulty. stupor
forerunner of the coma from which q
patient cannot be awakened, had grip
ped him
He was persuaded to take few
spoonfulS of cereal, but not nearly
enough to combat the uremic poisoning
which is combining with three other
ailments to sap his strength day by
day. Last night he took nothing, and
ali day yesterday he went practically
without nouriShment.
Gradually Loses Ground.
"Mr. Edison spent more quiet night,
sleeping soundly," said bulletin issued
this morning by Dr. Hubert S. Howe,
his physician. This morning he reused
sufficiently TO take few .spoonfuls OF
nourishment. He is, however gradually
losing ground
Later DR.. Howe told reporters about
the stupor
II don't think his death Is immi-
nent although l would not be sur
prised If l received an emergency call
at any time" the physician said. Ar
rangements were made to have State
policemen on motor cycles escort him
swiftly to the bedside when such call
comes.
Cool Breeze Effect.
The cool breeze today which sue
ceeded unreasonable warmth yesterday
ha n comfort L
able, but will have no effect on the
maladies that are beating down his
strong physique. the doctor said.
After the doctors bulletin had beer
issued Mrs Edison, sad of countenance
strolled with him through the estate
With head bowed. she directed a gar
dener to pick bouquet from her flower
garden for the physician.
President Hoover and Pope Plus, II
were informed OF the latest develop
mentS in the inventors illness.
DR.. william r. Williams Of Cornell
Medical College arrived with DR.. Howe
last night to see Mr.. Edison. Mr.. WI
lamS told the family that Mr.. Edison
was gradually losing ground.
New York and New jersey police ar
ranged today to furnished motor
cycle escort to DIR. Howe during ms
frequent trips TO the Edison estate. be-
cause DR.. Howe might De caIled at any
moment of the day or night 10 speed
to the inventors bedside.
The entire Edison family was at West
Orange today. His daughter, Mrs
Marion Oser. arrived from Norwalk
Conn. completing the family group.
Telephone and telegraph messages
arrived throughout the day Some OF
the phone callers were President Hoo
yer, Cardinal Hayes and Henry Ford.
Ill Two Years Ago.
| Weakened by an attack OF pneumonia
! two years ago and the complications
which arose from uremic poisoning last
{ August. Mr. Edison has the ODDS
/ against him. his doctor said.
/ Henry Ford is expected 10 visit hi'
| old friend tomorrow.
! Harvey Firestone, the third member
| OF the Edison Ford Firestone friend
! ship. already has paid visit, perhap'
4 his last, to the inventor.
J The Edison family has been in regu
lar telephone communication witt
President Hoover, who has requested
/ that ne be kept informed of Mr.
| Edison's condition.