The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1912-01-02


or tho House. went directly to Presi-
cent Tart Friday and asked him II It
were not possible to cut the White
House force. Tho President imme-
diately sent for Commissioner John
ston and gave orders that tho force DO
reduced TO the limit
Gave the Order Direct.
The President did not even consult
secretary Iiilles or Assistant Secretary
FORSTER to ascertain the number oc
men on the force or whether any Of
them could be spared. All he know was
that Mr. Burleson. inttmating that en-
penditures must be kept to the limit.
had desired to maize some OF tho
cut In the White House. and he uc-
quiesced without further ado.
Major Sylvester received his orders
from Commissioner Johnston, and
without delay Issued orders for tho re-
turn to their respective precincts of
twenty-five men. These orders were
temporarily delayed SO as to permit
the use OF the present force at tho
White House to-day. during the Pres
idcnts reception. Unless there Is a
change in the situation the orders will
go into effect January 3.
The men ordered to their stations
are those who do inside duty through
out the White House. Major Sylvester
In opposed to sapring a single man on
outside duty in the grounds. and his
orders concern only the others. These
men are on watch Mt tho doors. d part
of them at the executive Offices. Two
of the best men. headed by Policeman
Dalrympie. have long been stationed at
the main door OF the executive Offices,
and on more than one occasion they
have kept violent lunaucs and bad
men" out OF the Offices.
Three secret service men are on
duty at the executive Offices, and with
the President wherever he goes. All
three OF these men cannot be con-
etanuy on duty. their hours ranging
from 0 o'clock In the morning until
midnight and after.
Biuecoats Effective.
1t has always been held that the
presence Of bluecoated men at the
doors of the White House Ia much
more effective than secret service men
dressed in civilian clothes.
Fourteen OF the twenty-five inside
men arc on duty inside of the White
House proper and at the doors. where
! thousands OF sightseers enter daily.
These men aid in handling the crowds
keeping persons out of private places
anu Keeping lookout for cranks. a
number OF the worst cranks ever taken
| at tho White House were arrested In
these parts Of the building. The off,
GERS serve during the large receptions
in he!pi&s to handle the crowds and
IN watching the doors and property.
Because the President directed the
Withdrawal of a largo part OF the
force protecting him, White House oili-
Gals do not know what to do. Some
OF the men to be taken away are nbso.
! lutely needed IL is declared. especially
those at the door OF the Presidents
| Offices and al the doors OF the main
! building where the public enters
! There will probably be some adjust
| nent of the matter so that the wholly
twenty-five will not be withdrawn.
bat nothing has yet been decided.
There has been no increase of tho
| police force at the White House since
President Roosevelt's time.
Twents-four to Remain.
The twenty-four policemen left on
duty In the White House grounds will
remain. There Will be eight on each OF
the three shifts daily. with a sergeant
| In charge.
Mr.. Burleson. II was suggested to-
! day. may contemplate giving the White
I House additional men on the civil pay
| rolls to take the place of some OF
those needed as doorkeepers.
| The commissioners and Major Syl
vestcr, It Is understood. welcomed the
order to withdraw part of the detail
| of Bluecoats from the White House
Year after year Major Sylvester ha:
complained of an Inadequate police
! force. calling attention to the big de.
! tail OF policemen ut the White Mouse
| 10 serve as guards.
| Reports OF the police captains sub
rnitted to Major Sylvester this morn
ing show a permanent detail at the
| White House OF forty-soven policemen
Sixty men were on special duty there
to-day to handle the holiday crowd
| Twenty-four OF the men were in sum-
mer attire. for duty Inside tho Execu-
| tive Mansion. while those who per.
formed duty outside were in winter
| uniform.