The morning call., 1891-12-13

idHlHiU DF'HSHbIt ptODtILy. II Tue crank
is from Washington he generally knows
him; if not, lie soon makes himself &C
quainted with the needed information.
Densmore seems to know crankS by in
stlnct, nd none get farther than the door or
the vestihules.
Then he coaxes and manages till the
crank or the bitter person with wrong in
his eye leaves. sends in card or writes
note, which never reaches the President,
who IS thus left with but lutte knowledge
OF the annoyanees and dangers attending
him daily.
Densmore has peculiar. convincing, I'm
Golng-tO-he-oheyed way that leaves no doubt
in any ones mind but that the only way to
do l. to follow his orders, and not wait for
lee to freeze in your tracks before comply
ing.
III il Is necessary the captain is big enough
tn enforce all his orders himself, and quite
capable If it.
1t is Vermont blood in his veins; and who
ever saw big siX-fo0tPr from he Green
Mountains who didn't have the doggeiuess
and fighting ability when aroused that made
Ethan Allen and his rangers terror to his
lOes?
Densmore's life in itself is as good as
story. He is straight as grenadipr his
head large and magnificent;y prOportioned,
his hair has that ir0n-gray tinge that always
gives an air of power. You know, without
asking. that the man has had to fight his
way.
buc ulSllt tONut IulI ~ NbiTS ago u Silsll
boy came ont into long. dusty Vermont
road; there was not living thing in sight
but the cattle on the hills.
The boy looked back at the house he had
just left. He knew he could not 90 back
there and that he had nowhere to GO no
where to sleep but the first haycoek or barn
he might find.
That AS Densmore.
He struck out for himself and in spite of
difficulties he stuck to Vermont till herwas
ylYat, Ia
tire examination for the police force imme-
dlately, and was appointed to a tough
locality.
Here his luck began. Those we're the days
when Washington was filed with vicious
characters. Somehow Densmore had the
instinct for detecting criminals; he knew
no such thing rs fear, and the natural re-
suits followed.
South Of the avenue his name became
dreaded, and when President Grant and tire
Police Board determined to break up the
gambling bells, DrnsmOre was the only man
in the department who was not against
them. He had declined promotion from his
rank of sergeant.
1t was he who led the raid on the gam
bling den on E street.-the greatest gambling
house Washington ever knew-where Con-
gressmen, Senators, Generals and men of
highest rank spent night after night over
games OF chance.
That night there were captured a number
vi NOHsIc9sultH, several senators ana
enough gambling implements and cash to
set no several gambling houses.
Next WIZARDS Hotel was suffering from
gang OF skilled thieves and Densmore was
stationed there. Then he laid the founia-
ton for that extensive acquaintance with
public men that since has been worth so
much to him.
The White House during Hayes admins
tratlon, found its guard demoralizcd. Dens-
more, who was marked man by this time,
was sent for. He resi- nrd from the police
force and went TO assist in guarding the
lives of Presidents.
From that time on he has been at the man.
sion almost continually.
During CIeveand's administration he re-
signed and went to Massachusetts to look
after the interests of a Fitchburg firm
During that time he took up q residence in
the Bay State, where he is still a voter.
When Harrison came to Washington be-
fore the Inauguration Mr.. rensmore was
sent Tor and requested to assume charge of
President Harrison, Just as he had Of
Cleveland at his Inauguration; although
still in the employ Of the Fitchburg house,
lie consented TO remain till Inauguration
was over.
Pror to the 4th OF March the life of the
President-elect Is amatter of solicitude. and
every danger is guaranteed against None
not even the hotel servants, are allowed to
enter the Presidents apartments until
Densmore has looked over him aud pro-
uUuuCtu HlitI ltdIIIltNS.
After the Inauguration the captain re-
manned as guest and guide for few DAYS,
and later. at the urgent request of the fam
lily, he assumed his old position as chief
guardian of the Presidents life and the
rampant between the family and an enyious
public.
When the President leaves his Office for a
public reception in the east room the tall
man is close at his side. He has looked
over all the people. aud satisfied himself
there are no suspicious characters in the
house.
Then he fills up one pocket with beauti-
full pistol, and the crowd files singly either
between him and the President, to whom he
performs the lntroductions, or by him first.
and then the President, as they stand side
by side.
Densmore has his eye on every one on
hands for suspicious movements and on
faces for any token of danger. while on the
other side Of the line is another guard who
keeps his eyes open also, and the President
takes IL MI without a wink.
Ii there ever WAS President who hasn't
known fear 1t has been Benjamin +. Barri-
son. lie does not stem to understand that
there is anything for him TO fear physically.
Some of the Presidents have allowed the
necessity of close guard, but not one since
Captain Densmore's time began has ever
carried a weapon.
Harrison has a cane In which he places
an abiding confidence as sure to furnish
iVt ouJ ulicCt duu ClUSt dltaCh.
1t is not sword, but is simply good solid
stick.
Sometimes queer things happen at recep-
tons, and people seem to think Captain
Densmore must be some relative of the fam
lily, or at least high official. One old man
got outside the door after seeing the Presi-
dent. came back and insisted on shaking
the "Vice-Presldents hand"
Immediately after Inauguration and dur
Ing the first two years of an administration
a Presidents life Is always held to be In
greatest danger.
Captain Densmore himself Is not on sta
tion at night at the house. but Is in charge
of all arrangements, and is particular that
m mi M lar M che l,a 81 Ioa