The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-03-01
PERSH|NG AT
 CRITICAL STAGE
Seven Hours From Dawn May Mean Life or
 Death

Tucson, Ariz., March 1 (UP0 General John J. Pershing's uphill fight against an ailing heart and kidney disease which threatened death 48 hours ago, continued to- day and his physicians guardedly predicted his recovery.
 The 77-year-old commander of the American Expeditionary Forces spent "very good night and slept for six and half hours," Dr. Ro- land Davison, his physician, report ed at 7:30 a. m. CMST) 9:30 EST today.
 "He seems much better this morn ing" and is conscious, Dr. Davison's bulletin said.
 While all danger is not yet pass ed, if the improvement of the last 24 hours continues and there is no relapse, recovery is quite probable" :"
 When Dr. Davison. appearing more cheerful than at any time since Pershing was taken to the des- ert sanitorium in an ambulance a week ago, finished reading his bull letin, he said:
 "In other words, that is doc tors way of saying he is well satis- fled with his patient.
 The generals improvement began yesterday when he took food by mouth for the first time in four days. He drank a glassful of orange juice and then talked with his son, Warren-the first time they have conversed since the younger Persh- ing arrived from Florida.
 Doctors believed that if the com mander of the A. E. F. could con- tinue the gains of yesterday, which certain death in the brief space of 48 hours, he would haze a fighting chance to survive.
 Early Sunday PerShing was in a coma; poison from his impaired kid neys was coursing through his sys- tenn; his heart was wavering. Today his kidney functioned at almost nor nal, his heart had steadied and he recognized and spoke to persons at his bedside.
 Sergeant c. c. Shaeffer, his order 1y and chauffeur, is a sort of barom- eter of his condition. When the news from the little cottage on the grounds of the desert sanitorium is bad, the sergeant's eyes redden and he walks with downcast head. Now he is cheerful, almost jubilant.
 T told you he was going to get we'll" he said, smiling.
 phUcicianc Wara mt raadv to on that far. They said the general still was weak. His age-77-makes it difficult for them to attempt fore casts, particularly when their pa tient has lived such a strenuous life.
 Late last night Dr. Roland Davi- son issued this bulletin:
 General Pershing is still very weak and because of necessary treatment incident to his return to consciousness, is very tired. I am greatly satisfied with the progress he made today. He is so much inn proved no further bulletin will be issued until tomorrow"
 In an earlier bulletin, Dr. Davi- son had declined to make a predic- tion regarding recovery until fur ther time has elapsed" That time is elapsing today-every minute and hour of it decisive factors in whe- ther the general gets well.
 Three railroad cars stand on a siding here in Tucson, ready to be hooked on to an engine to make up a funeral train in event the passing of the hours today brings unfavor- able news from the little stucco cot tage. Army officers are waiting to take charge of the train for trip to Washington where Pershing will be buried in Arlington National oayoeterv ii, eUept 0f deotH