The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1905-02-22
Washington, February L." Hands

These orders were quietly spoken,
but they were said SO firmly that they
were never once destroyed. They
showed that President of the United
States will not soon again be put in
danger of his life through man or a
woman approaching him, with extend
ed hand covered By hat or handkcr-
chief, and holding underneath dead
ly weapon. No person will get the
opportunity of shooting at a Presi-
dent through the pocket of coat or
overcoat. The secret service will see
to that.
1t was January ! when these orders
were given to g few Of the four or five
thousand visitors who shook hands
with Mr.. Roosevelt in the blue parlor
Of the White House. The long line
Of people passed in through the main
north door, across the corridor to che
Red parlor, to where the President
stood surrounded by his receiving par
ty, and, incidentally, by secret service
officers.
Just at the door where the line en-
tered the Blue parlor, within twenty
feet of the President, stood Chief
Wilkie, of the secret service, and one
of his best men. The orders were i'm
perative that no man should pass in
through the door with his right hand
holding his hat or covered in any
form, or with his right hand in his
Oyercoat pocket.
The day was cold and every one
wore an overcoat. The line Of people
passed in between the two detectives,
and whenever man carried his hat in
his right hand or his right hand in his
pocket, he heard the quick but quiet
command mentioned. There was in
stant obedience, too.
Every person passed the President
,on his right and shook hands with the
right hand. Consequently the pre-
caution was a good one. These i'm
mense receptions are so arranged, too,
that the man in line does not see
the President until right upon him,
and it frequently happens thata Glow
witted fellow has shaken hands with
the President and got few steps be-
yond before he realizes that his desire
has already been gratiHed.
The President himself gives little
consideration to the possibilities Of
harm from contact with thousands of
curiosity moved people. He has often
said that if the life Of President is
sought it wonld be easy to take it
froc1 : distance with rife or some
other long distance weapon. But
those whose duty it is to guard the
President leave nothing undone to
protect him.
They arrange all receptions with as
much view to his comfort and safety
as to anything else. The great New
Year receptions at the White House
furnish openings that are not relish
ed, and that is why secret service men
aud policemen are on duty every few
feet inside the building and keep o
close !. watch on the movements of
thousands Of people.
4 Washington people are. usually 80
accustomed to Presidents, Senators,
Cabinet officers and other dignitaries
ILL., .1,o,, Jo ook ;,,+orca,a 1y;kb' kbo
President on hisrounds through the
city, but some thousands of them will
insist on Furnishing him on New Year S
Day by going to the White House to
shake bands with him. At any other
time ho may walk the streets OF drive
wherever he desires, and there will be
no attempts to disturb him OF take up
his time By hand-shakiug.
Citizens who pass him raise their
hats or salute him verbally and pass
on. President Roosevelt is frcquent.
ly on Wash;u gton streets, nearly
I always walking.
Several weeks ago he and Senator
Lodge, of Massachusetts, walked from
near the point for the new Connect.
5. cut avenue bridge to the White House
1 In just twenty minutes. The distance
Z is close to two miles and they almost
walked the legs off the secret service
&; athlete, whose duty it was to keep
near them and to watch for suspicious
characters. a%f
5 That is merely sample of what the
a President can do and does do in the
walking line. Shortly after Secre-
& taries Morton and Metoalf entered the
Cabinet he invited them to accompany
3S% him on stroll of the suburbs. When
I 4. Il IL -.