Daily Kennebec journal., 1913-12-27
DiSCoversBIaze Threatening
HandSomeSOuthern Home.
Men Put Out Roof Fire on Judge
H. H. NeViIIe's Home.
Passes Quiet Day with Exception
OF GoIf..Sc0res of kilograms.

Pass Christian, Miss. Dec. 20
President Wilson tonight found HIM
self the hero of the Gulf coast. Word
spread far and wide that the watchful
eye of the Chief Executive of the Unit
ed States had spied a blaze that
threatened to destroy one of the hand
some homes of the southern shore, and
that he had acted the volunteer fire
chief in manner that long will be
remembered in this region. The Incl
dent created stir in otherwise quiet
life of the Gulf section.
The President was returning from
quiet game of golf and on passing
through Gulfport, eight miles from
here, saw a blaze on the roof of big
house 1t was the home of Judge j.
H. Neville, who won fame in 1891 by
prosecuting John L. Sullivan for
prize fight with Jake Kilrain.
Mrs. Neville, who was alone in the
building, had run to the window to
watch the President go by when sud
denly the two machines stopped and
the President himself alighted He
darted up the front steps followed by
Cary T. Grayson, U. S. N, the Secret
Service men and the chauffeurs, who
had unstrapped the fire extinguishers
from their machines, and awaited the
Presidents orders.
Mrs Neville was confused.
Don't be alarmed" said the Pres
ident cody. Your house is afire but
these men will put it out quickly if
YOU will show them the way to the
attic"
Mrs Neville showed the way up
stairs and Robertson and F'rederieks,
the chauffeurs, broke a window and
climbed out on the roof, while James
Sloan and Jack Wheeler. the Secret
Service guards, tore away the shin
giles and helped fight the flames.
Mrs. Neville did not know how to
treat her unexpected, distinguished
guest, who urged her to keep calm, as
there was no danger.
viii you come into the parlor ?"
she asked
No thanks" replied the President,
but you might let me get a bucket
Of water"
Mrs Neville hastened to comply, but
before it could be of service. the fire
fighters on the roof had descended with
the report that little damage had been
done and that the blaze was out
well done,' said the President. and
the entire party left the house for the
automobiles. The chief of the local
fire department was just arriving with
his hook and ladder and other appara-
tus.
The fire is over" announced the
President and added with a proud
smile, My men have just put it out"
Judge Neville and his son came run
ming up at that moment and big
crowd collected. The judge was pro-
fuse in his thanks and spoke appre-
ciatively of the Presidents thoughtful
concern for Mrs. Neville.
The President took no motor ride
in the afternoon, resting after his ex-
ertion al golf. He enjoyed the change
in the temperature, and was enthusi
astic about the links, which lie along
the shore of the Gulf of Mexico and
were warmed loddy ny pdlHly sun
shine instead of being swept by chilly
winds like those of Christmas day.
The President dictated a few letters
and read scores of kilograms that
poured in today as they have for the
last few days, congratulating him on
the enactment of the currency bill. He
took a nap during the afternoon and
again spent the evening with his
family.