Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-07-31
PRESIDENT RIDES TO
BALTIMORE IN AUTO
Motors Through the City and
Goes Out to Druid Hill Park.
Recognized by Many.

BALTIMORE. July 31.-A big touring
car dashed in the Fulton avenue entrance
OF Druid Hill Park a little after o clock
Yesterday afternoon. leaving a trail OF
smoke and dust behind. The crowds
strolling down the paths gazed after it
in amazement. for seated in the rear of
the car, waving his hand to them, was
William Howard Taft, President of the
United States.
He came to Baltimore for sightseeing
trip. Residents of North Fulton avenue,
just above Baltimore street, were the
first to sight the cars (for there were
two) a little before 5 o'clock. In the
first was the President. his BROTHER in
law, William Heron of Cincinnati his
cid. Maj. Archie Butt; his private sec
rotary, Mr.. Hilles and chauffer dressed
in khaki uniform. In the second car were
secret service officers also dressed in
khaki.
The automobile in which the President
rode was a big black touring car while
the one which contained the secret serv-
ice men was smaller and white in color.
The two cars left Washington about 3
o'clock The President wure stiff straw
hat which he had to constantly guard to
keep it from flying away. for the wind
was strong.
1t was fine riding all the way The air
was cool and brisk and the roads were
smooth Once, just outside of Beltsville.
the President nearly lost his hat. but Maj.
Butt was fortunate enough to catch 1t
before 1t sailed away. When Baltimore
was reached Mr., Taft expressed wish
to ride around the city.
Recognized by Young Woman.
The first to recognize the President
in
costume. at Saratoga street and Fulton
avenue.
Hello, Mr.. President" she called, and
Mr.. Taft heard her. Rising in his seat
he tore q big white handkerchief from
around his neck and waved and smiled at
her until the car disappeared.
The young woman's recognition OF the
nations chief executive, at Saratoga
street. seemed to start the ball rolling,
and soon it seemed that every one knew
him. He took it good-naturedly, however,
and bowed and smiled to all. In the park
there were many who shouted, There
goes President Taft" and he settled back
in his seat with a resigned air and waved
affably at them all.
Gasoline Gives Out.
1t was then that the chauffeur turned
and whispered something to Maj. Butt.
The major. who by the way, had discard
ed his brilliant uniform and wore only
civilian costume. looked worried. The
gasoline was exhausted.
A hurried consultation was held and
run made through the park and down
Mount Royal avenue to a garage. BY this
time many of those who had recognized
the party had been left behind, but while
the chauffeur was in the garage buying
fuel a crowd soon gathered abut the car.
The secret service officers, who were in
the car behind, forced them to keep their
distance, however. Some one in the
crowd cried, Speech" but the President
shook his head. But he bowed and smiled
and looked pleasant.
Departed Amid Cheers.
All in the party seemed relieved when
the chauffeur announced that everything
was ready, and with snorts and chugs
the two cars sped down Mount Royal
avenue, with the cheers of the crowd
waited after them as they disappeared.
The last the spectators saw was the big
clouds Of dust which the machine left
behind. waving farewell
Before the left Maj. Butt said they
would go down Mount Royal avenue and
strike the Washington road expecting to
reach home about Z o'clock.
Over supper tables last night hundreds
of Baltimoreans discussed the appearance
said it couldn't be the President. because
"he wears high silk hat on Sunday
and carries cane
But it was the President. although he
wore a straw hat that was dusty and
didn't carry cane.