The Washington times., 1901-10-14
THEPRESIDENT At CHURCH
He Returns to the White House by
Il Roundabout Way.
Pedestrians on Connecticut Avenue
Exchange Courtcsies With the
Chief Mngistrnte-Mrs. Roosevelt
and children Mt st. Johns.

Threatening skies did not deter Presi-
dent Roosevelt from walking to church
yesterday morning. On his return to the
White House he pursued a long and de-
vious route through the northwest sec
tion Of the city at pace which made 1t
difficult for two local detectives to keep
him in sight The sleuths suspicioned
when they arrived at the White House
grounds gates considerably in the rear
of the stalwart figure of the President
that the athletic Chief Executive had
purposely led them the long chase.
President ROoseyelt's objections to a per
sonal guard are well known. If there was
any Secret Service man detailed to keep
the President in sight yesterday he did
his work effectually and with scarcely
anyone knowing of his presence
President Roosevelt attended church
alone. Usually one or both of his chill
dren, Kermit and Ethel, accompany him,
but yesterday they went to church at St
Johns with their mother. President
Roosevelt escorted them thither and then
continued afoOt to his own church, Grace
Dutch Reformed, at Fifteenth and o
Streets northwest. 1t was communion
Sunday there and the President partook
of the sacrament, the first since he came
to Washington as President.
Upon emerging from the church he evil
IDENTIFY noticed the presence of the two
detectives. At a smart pace he started
northward on Fifteenth Street In this
direction he continued until he reached
Madison Street where he turned west at
a quickened pace until he arrived at Sew
teenth Street. The following detectives
were somewhat surprised when ne took
turn to the south at this point.
but they naturally assumed that he was
on his way to dine with some friend in the
northwest section of the city They were
satisfied that the brisk walk they were
obliged to take in order to keep up would
soon be over.
This idea was dispelled, however, as
soon as Mr.. Roosevelt reached the inter
section Of Seventeenth Street I'D Massa-
chusetts Avenue for here he turned
toward Dupont Circle Midway in the
long block he shot keen glance back at
the detectives following. who were walk
ing separately and looked like any other
citizens on that broad thoroughi'aIe.
Without in the least slackening his pace
the President made another turn to !ne
south when he arrived at Eighteenth
Street, and as he went around the corper
was hidden from the sight OF his follow
ers for a moment.
Soon, with his customary vigorous
stride. the President swung into Connecti-
cut Avenue. The broad sidewalks were
well filled with people returning from
church, and the President frequently re- |
turned their salutations by raising his |
glossy silk hat As he moved farther on
his pace perceptibly quickened
Generally when the President returns |
from church by way OF Sixteenth Street
he cuts across Lafayette Square to the |
White House Instead of doing this yes
terday he made dstour around the east |
End OF the square and entered the White
House grounds at the east end. He |
maintained his swift pace until he |
stepped on the stone tagging beneath the |
porte-cochere of the White House.
Mrs. Roosevelt had returned to the |
White House some little time before with |
the children, after having attended the |
service at st. Johns. She as usual oc- |
cupied the Presidents pew in that
historic church. The service was con-
ducted by the Rev. L. E. Grammer, of
Baltimore. who has been occupying the /
pulpit St Johns on alternate Sundays.
He was assisted by the Rev. Z. S. Dun |
Ian