The Washington herald., 1907-09-15

To those who enjoy the friendship Of
Commissioner Henry l.. West 30 proof is
needed that he is, in the language OF the
street. "a dead game sport" But addi-
tional proof of this allegation was af-
forded one day last week at the bathing
beach, in a manner to leave no doubt of
It's truth.
The genial Commissioner has taken
great interest in affairs at the bathing
beach this summer, and it has been his
custom 10 drive down there several times
east week. 20 learn how things We're go
ing on. In fact, the Commissioner has
really carried the bathing beach on his
heart since the time he came back from
his vacation, and found preparations for
the opening so far delayed as 70 leave
some doubt rs to its being opened az all
this summer
Immaculate Attire Dishgurcd.
On the day in question, Mr. West, In
company with a friend, drove down to the
beach after luncheon. and was walking
about, showing the improvements ana
talking in an animated way of the plans
for the beach In the future. The two
went out on the pier, and were standing
close TO the edge continuing their con-
versation, while gazing at several small
boys sporting IN the water
AS iU-fate would have it, the Commis-
siouer took a step too near the edge OF
the pier, lost his balance, and fell into
the water Mr.. West was, Of course.
dressed in immaculate summer attire, in
serge, negligee shirt and blue necktie-
The effect Of the sudden wettng on the
Commissioners wardrobe beggars descrip-
tlou. He rose from the water and sandy
bottom with which he had come in con
tact IN a sadly bedraggled condition.
Bathing Boys Get Busy.
The shouts Of his friend rent the air.
and the boys In the water. claiming the
dignifcd member OF the District uium-
virate az one Of themselves, shouted and
"kidded" him in true American boy fash
ion. The Commissioner himself saw the
ridiculous side Of the mishap and laughed
heartily.
AIr. West got up on the pier with the
help Of his friend. with no greater iuc0n-
venience than good wettiug. In the
true spirit Of a sport, he made a bee
line for the dressing rooms OF the beach,
borrowed "a bathing suit. dispatched his
driver % his home for a dry suit. and
went IN swimming for half an hour until
the messenger could return. Through the
entire loyalty of the beach attendants
and those who saw the fun. the episode
was @ little slow IN coming out, but YES
terday the rumo- OF the happening proved
too great to keep all mouths closed and
the Commissioners falling ia became a
matter Of news.
Commissioner Takes n Hand.
While the Commissioner was in swim
ming. be demonstrated his ability TO keep
up with the boys Of the generation
younger than himself. and they had the
tine Of their lives in keeping away from
the sprightly swimmer who was bent on
capturing the whole tr Je and giviug
them a friendly ducking
Commissioner West was out Of town
last night. and it was impossible 10 con
firm the tale OF his mishap by his OWE
word, but enough was learned 10 show
/ that his experie1c. has been q pleasant
I Joke among his intimate friends for sev.
/ eCI days. It was practically admitted
| that the Commissioner now has q liveliel
7 interest IN the welfare Of the bathing
/ beach than he could cSer have had with.
out that unfortunate miSs,ep whlcl
| landed him in the center Of the pool.