The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1909-07-05

within thirty OF forty feet OF the
presidents car. The theory Is that
the policemen will guard the presi-
dent from attack by crank or enemy
or. n he gets into a crowd, Will save
him from annoyance by over euthu-
siastic admirers.
This theory looks good az first
sight. but how on earth their pres
ence ia the rear. busy as they are
with the manipulation Of their chug-
chugglng machines. could prevent a
bullet or bomb from striking anyone
In the automobile. Is more than any
reasonable person can understand
The bicycle guard OF the president
has become an institution In Wash
ington just like the Easter Monday
egg rolling. the white house recep-
itons and the monument OF the father
OF his country. II anyone suggested
that the coppers be dispensed with
there would be a groan ok hofroi
that could be heard across the Poto-
mac. Brown and Davis. the police
men holding down the Job. would
probably groan louder than any "
the idea were preached. for they Ike
their job. No one can blame them
for that because they have The easiest
assignment OF any policemen I'm the
capital They are supposed % be on
duty all the time. ready 10 follow the
president whenever he stirs from the
white house but their activities usu-
ally average about four hours day.
They have their headquarters In the
garage wherein are kept the white
house automobiles. down near the
Corcoran art gallery, south Of the
state. war and navy building. and
their hard work IN the forcnoons con
slsts solely In interviewing Captain
Archibald Butt, the presidents chief
military aid.
They wait around the entrance 10
the executive Office In the morning
until Captain Butt arrives alone
about $3.50 or 10 and learn from him
the presidents program for the day
Nine chancesto one II is golf IN the
afternoon at Chevy Chase or ride
out in the direction OF Rock Greek
park. During these exciting days of
nothing doing at the white house the
president as rule leaves the man
sion for his afternoon recreation at
or $3.50 y. m. The bicycle police
men are at the entrance of the white
house half an hour or so before the
appointed time The president o.
half an hour or so behind the APP
pointed time in getting away. In
company with Captain Butt. General
Clarence Edwards. the vice president
and Senator Bourne. or whomever he
takes with him, President Taft
emerges from the glass doors, leisure
y climbs into the big steam car, and
Robinson. the road-burning chauffeur
opens the throttle. Brown and Davis
leap on their motor cycles. start the
engine, and spin after the cloud OF
dust rolling out of the avenue gate.
Secret Service Guards.
Unless the president goes walking
or leaves town the secret service
guards, Sloan and Wheeler, do not
accompany him. They remain at the
white house as long as he does and
then are of duty until he returns.
They follow him to the theater or
dinners in the evening and TO church
on Sundays Since the end of the
Roosevelt administration the secret
service men have been losing their
muscle. There are no more fifteen
mile runs, IN the mud or snow. no
more cross country, cross river jaunts
got up at a moments notice. III
President Taft walks at all, about six
blocks Is the limit and he does not
banker after inclement weather