The record-union., 1899-03-21
"FRENCHY" THARN.
One of the "Characters" at the
White House.

Christof Evon Tharn, or "Frenchy,'
is an old character in new guise at the
White House. Until recently he was
stationed in the cellar as private
watchman, with little to do except
guard the basement stairway leading
up to the private dining room.
."Frenchy,' as he is Familiarity called
by the employees of the Executive Man
sion, is the husband of Mrs. Mckinley S
French maid. 1t is said that he re-
ceived his appointment as private
watchman through his wife's influence
with the mistress of the White House.
Later the same power was invoked to
secure his transfer to the secret serv-
ice branch of the Government, at a
considerable increase in salary and
with more congenial duties.
tFrenchy' is a native of Switzerland,
but has made his home in the United
States for more than fourteen years.
He is a typical French butler, small in
stature, not large in intellect, but pos
sessing considerable native cunning
and liberal supply of egotism. The
latter character has developed with
marked rapidity since his elevation
from the basement to the top floor of
the Presidential mansion.
1t would be difficult to describe
"Frenchy's" official duties unless he is
designated as an understudy for Cap
tain Charlie Loeffler, the German vet
eran who guards the door leading to the
Cabinet room. When Captain Loef1er
is absent "Frenchy" bobs I'D serenelv
at the entrance to the council chamber
and holds the fort until relieved by
Herr Loeff1er. 1t has been said that
frenchy is the valet of President Nc
kinney. That is mistake He could
perhaps fill such position to better
advantage than the role of an amateur
sherlock Holmes, which he is now en-
deavoring to play. 1t is understood he
is an experienced house servant. having
served as butler with the Cutting fam
lily in New York. However. he is now
carried on the rolls of the Secret Serv-
ice branch of the Government. at a sal
ary aggregating about 81, 400 a year.
His new responsibilities are beginning
to tell upon him. He grows thinner and
thinner each day. and his eyes are be-
coming contracted from their ceaseless
search for cranks and suspicious char
acters who sometimes visit the White
House
''Frenchy" may be seen daily in the
anteroom, mingling with the persons
who call to see the President. He does
not converse with them unless he is
asked question. Then his replies are
evasive and non-committal, so that he
cannot blame himself for having be-
trayed the confidence of the President
So faithful is he to his new trust that
he lives at the White House, so that he
may be prepared at any moment to
give protection to the President If called
upon. Nine. Tharn and her husband
have an apartment in the Executive
Mansion, and they take their meals in
the state dining-room with the house
keeper.
1t is said to be the ambition of Mon
sieur Tharn to become famous de-
tective. He closely scrutinizes every
visitor who enters the White House.
day or night. He has accompanied the
President on one or two out t-of- town
trips, not in the capacity of valet, but
as a guardian of the Presidential per-
son. 1t is understood that "Frenchv''
makes weekly report to Chief Wilkie
of the Secret Service. The nature of il
is a mystery. Under no circumstances
can "Frenchy" be induced to discuss
the contents of that important docu-
ment.-New York Herald.