Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-12-25
Pres. Taft Takes Quiet
Stroll Among the Shops,
Visits the Jewe|er, Leather
Shop and Book Store
TO Purchase Christmas Gifts for
Members Of His Family.

w beC. Af-TIeSlueIll dll
went shopping afoot this afternoon,
playing Santa Claus in open fashion.
He wandered from shop to shop, TAX
ing hearty interest in the store win
dows and good naturally returning the
jostling of the crowds which damned
the sidewalks. Capt. Archibald Butt
his military aide walked with him, but
Immediately behind trailed two vigilant
Secret Service men. After nearly an
hour and a halfs walk, the Presiden-
tial party returned to the White
White House.
A remarkable feature of Mr. Tafts
trip was the small number who recog-
nized him. To such as did realize that
the President of the United States was
abroad, he raised his hat in return to
their salutations, but he was not forced
to do this more than dozen times
during the stroll.
The President left the Executive Of
fees at o'clock and walked down
Pennsylvania avenue to jewelers.
shop. Here he remained some little
time, selecting a present for Mrs. Taft
and his daughter, Miss Helen. He then
walked over to leather establishment
on f. street. where Capt. Butt halted
Mr.. Taft on the walk before the broad
display window. That's just the
thing" he exclaimed. pointing with his
walking stick to an elaborate travelling
bag of Russia leather that was spread
to the gaze of the enviouS
you're right" exclaimed the Prcsi-
dent, showing the officer ahead of him
good naturally. Lets get a closer
view"
There was a connection in the
crowded store when the President and
his marty entered. They remained
nearly a quarter of an hour, going from
there to well-known book dealers
establishment where Mr.. Taft pur-
chased a number of volumes. One OF
them which he wanted to mail tonight
he turned over to Capt. Butt.
Here, Butt, you take care of this"
he said smilingly. 1--WE got all l can
do to take care Of myself"
Capt. Butt stuck the volume under
his arm and the party returned to the
Jewelers. The clerks had evidently
made record time in packing and pre-
pairing the Presidential purchases for
tney were all Tcduy AoA LILY = AS]
Secret Service Agent Wheeler was lett
behind to see that the packages reach
ed the White House and the party
started up Pennsylvania avenue, bound
homeward.
AS the President passed motel on
18th street, the pin wheel door to the
bar spun merrily. Four bibulous cele-
brants of the holiday season emerged.
They gained the sidewalk, laughing
immoderately and effusively, wishing
each other the compliments pr the sea-,
son when one spied the President.
merry Christmas Misser President"
he cried. merry Christmas"
All four managed to raise their hats.
The President looked them over and
then, with a broad grin, lifted his own
head gear.
'Thank you, gentlemen" he said.
"Let me wish you the same"
There will be no special observance
of the day at the White House to-,
morrow. The Taft family will dine to-
gether and with the children all at
home, the celebration will not be differ
ent from that in a million homes
throughout the United States. All of
the, employees of the White House will
receive turkey and the clerks of the
offices will get IS piece.
& Mr.. Taft.s presents to the personal
force in the White House it Is under
sft,ed viii esofta11ifil $500,