The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1900-07-12
SCOFFED AT
DAVID J. HILL.
Hays Assistant Stopped by
Guard at MI. Wu's Door;
OFFICIAL IS IN FIERCE WRATH
Secret SsvIce Man on Watch Duty
Finally Discovered Identity Of Caller
SECRETARY WORE CITIZENS CLOTHES
He AngrIIy Threatened TO Have The Door. |
keeper Arrested II He Didn't Get Away
From There Al Once
SECRETARY WORE CITIZENS CLOTHES

washington, July lz.-lne uiscoNery
was made last night that during the past
two weeks. or since the Chinese Boxer
troubles began to assume an extremely
serious and warlike aspect, the United
States government has had the Chinese
Legation In this city under close sur
veillance and that four members OF the
secret service force, acting under or
ders of the state department, are con-
stantly watching every move made by
the genial and bland Minister WI. Al
least two OF the force are on duty all
the time, day and night, and their in
struStions are TO observe those who en-
ter the handsome building at Eighteenth
and q streets, as we'll as those VINO at
tempt to leave the structure
The well laid plans OF the government
went astray because of an all too anxious
official who insisted upon seeing Mr.. Wu
Ting Fang last night. There are more
persons than himself who are wishing
that he had been In Labrador or some
other place when he became possessed
of the idea that he must call at the Chi
nese embassy.
According to accurate statements which
have leaked out and passed the censor.
it seems that Assistant Secretary OF State
David ]. Hill, who is an old friend of
the Chinese minister. desired to call on
the latter last night and pass the time
OF day. to show that there were no Ill
feelings. About $3.50 p. m, after few
other calls, he walked to the Chinese
embassy and. tripping lightly UP the
steps. rang the bell He waited for a
time and then again agitated the push
button.
Just then a strange man in citizens
clothes came UP the steps, and after
looking the second head OF the state de-
partment all over, planted himself In the
doorway with his brawny chest swelled
out TO meet all comers.
Would you mind stating whom II is
that you want 10 see?" said the rough
necked newcomer.
ness" said Secretary Hill. after sizing
his unwelcome companion up carefully.
well. you can't get past this door
business, nationality and previous condi,
tion OF servitude, mister man. said the
able bodied intruder with little snow
Of bad feeling because OF the resentment
"In have you arrested. that's what I'll
once" answered Mr.. Hiil,a as he pressed the
coming of some one to the door.
The strange man laughed long and loud
and then laughed again. but still main
tanned his hostile attitude. The two
glared for time ana then after few
words Secretary Hin grew extremely
s'[ook here, you rowdy." said he, .I'll
From here. and II you don't iii have You You
cared for by the police"
IIIrNTg POI ICEMAN
Again the stranger laughed long and
loudly, and so exasperated the called that
he ran down the steps and went off 10
hunt a policeman. He found one after a
search around Dupont Circle and hurried
him OF TO the Chinese Legation Here
the merry stranger still held down the
approach to the front door, and Mr. Hill
ordered that he be arrested at once The
brawny policeman approached the in
truder and requested him To come along
and make no trouble IL he knew his busi-
ness. OF course the stranger refused "a
accept tho polite invitation. and further
ordered the officer to so on and attend
70 his duties.
After some parley the stranger and the
policeman got together. and before any
damage was done the man In citizens
clothes explained that he was the real
thing, secret service man.
Then do you know who l am?" de-
manded Secretary Hill
tell me- H said the eesssss defective You refused 'c
Il am David ]. HILL" was the proud
reply, and want no more delay I'm get
ting into this place
THAT jolly don't CO." said the detec-
tive. II have seen Dave Hill often In
New York. and you don't look anything
like him.
The matter was finally explained, bu,
Qt such length and with such bother tina,
0r. Hill finally decided that he didn',
care TO call on Mr.. Wa anyway. He de-
parted during a flood of apologies from
the secret service man. and was so mixed
uD over the matter that he related IL te
some Of his friends Therefore II got out
And the silent guard still spends twenty.
four hours day In carefully watching
things around the Legation.