The Bismarck Tribune

TAFT'S LIFE SPAN IS INDEFINITE UNLESS NEW CHANGE COMES

Dr. Hagner Says Former Chief Justice's Condition Has Changed for Better

Washington, Mar. 3.-(AP)-Attendants at the home of William Howard Taft said early today that he had spent a very restful night and no change in his condition was noted.

His nurse was not called after the physician left before midnight.

Washington, Mar. 3.-(A)-Unless the condition of William Howard Taft undergoes some sudden change due to the arterio sclerosis from which he has been suffering, Dr. Francis R. Hagner said today "his span of life is undetermined."

Visiting his distinguished patient earlier than usual, Dr. Hagner said Mr. Taft's condition has improved from the critical stage of a few days ago.

The official bulletin issued by Dr. Hagner and Dr. Thomas A. Clayton, said:

"The former chief justice has had a good night. He continues to take some nourishment. A few days ago his condition was very critical but he has slightly improved and unless some further change occurs due to the arterio sclerosis his span of life is undetermined."

Last Wednesday the condition of Mr. Taft underwent a sudden change for the worse and his physicians despaired of saving his life. They believed it was only a matter of hours until his life would end, but the remarkable recuperative powers of the former chief justice again asserted themselves over the week-end. He rallied partially from the state of semi-coma into which he had lapsed and was able to recognize and say an occasional word to those about him.

His ability to take some nourishment also increased. The physicians today, however, gave no indication that they expected the former president to recover from the complications of disease which have made him but a shadow of his former self.