Cary T. Grayson Diary

Cary T. Grayson Diary

Grayson, Cary T. (Cary Travers), 1878-1938

WWP17126

1919 April 5

Cary T. Grayson Papers, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Staunton, Virginia

English

This morning the President’s temperature was 101, but he was showing signs of improvement. His bronchial tubes were filled up with mucus, and he could notice a wheezing sound while breathing. It worried him considerably and he sent for me, asking me if I would tell him what that meant. I again made a thorough examination of his lungs and assured him that they were not involved. I now began administering an expectorant mixture in order to clear up the mucus. The complete physical examination which I made revealed the fact that outside the acute nature of the disturbance, the President’s other functions were practically normal.

The President called my attention to the great benefit that he had received from the deep-breathing exercises in which I had commenced to instruct him six years ago, and which he has continued without cessation to the present time. He said: “I notice the difference, not only in the fact that my chest has increased in size, but when I speak I never get out of breath.” He also said: “Don’t you think that these deep-breathing exercises have helped me perhaps from suffering from bronchial troubles or influenza or possibly an attack of pneumonia?” And I told him that I did think so. He said: “I think it is remarkable though that since I have followed out the line of treatment which you have given me, this is the first real cold I have had in three years. Before I came to Washington, and the first winter I was in Washington, I would have sometimes as many as two colds a month.”

With the President’s consent I gave to the newspaper correspondents the following official statement:

During the afternoon the President indicated that he was getting along nicely by taking a distinct and decided interest in everything that was going on. Among other matters he called for some of the people about the house and found that they were all out except one. This made him distinctly irascible, which was one of the most favorable symptoms possible, showing that he actually was getting well, because a very sick person does not pay much attention to matters of daily routine.

While the President was in bed the Council of Four continued their meetings, with Colonel House sitting in, but they made substantially no progress, it being admitted that the absence of the President, while necessary, was a very decided handicap. The general peace situation at the present time was very disquieting inasmuch as the criticism was increasing in volume, both in Great Britain and France, and there was a very evident effort being made through the inspired press of the two countries to throw the blame on the President, so that Clemenceau and his followers, and Lloyd-George and his would seem to get out from under.

Immediately after dinner Bernard M. Baruch called in to see me. The President heard me say that Mr. Baruch was here, and he said to me: “I would like to have a word with Baruch. Ask him to come down here. I want to speak to him.” When Baruch appeared in the room, the President raised his head up on the pillow, and he said: “Baruch, I want you to give me the plain facts as to how things are going.” Baruch spoke very freely to him and said: “When you get ready to act I would suggest that you do as you always do—not threaten, but perform.” The President :said: “That’s exactly what I have in mind of doing, and I want you to think it over and give me any confidential advice that you have on the subject in the next twenty-four hours.”

I was with the President until after midnight, talking with him at the side of his bed. He was feeling comfortable and in good spirits, notwithstanding his burdens and trials.

Diary