The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-12-31
PRESIDENT PLAYS NEW ROLE.
DIRECTS FIGHT AGAINST FLAMES
AND BECOMES HERO OF THE
DAY.
"ounds the Alarm and Makes Tre-
mendous Hit as Volunteer Fire
Fighter When Judges House Catch
60 Fire-Enjoys Himself Too.

Pass Christian, Dec. 26.-Fresident
wilson tonight found himself the
hero OF the gulf coast. Word spread
far and wide that the watchful eye
OF the chief executive of the United
states had spied a blaze that threat
snsd to destroy one of the handsome
homes OF the Southern shore and that
he had acted the volunteer fire chief
In a manner that long will be remem-
bered In this region. The incident
created stir I'm the otherwise quiet
life OF the gulf section.
The president was returning from a
quiet game of golf towards noon and
on passing through Guifport. eight
miles from here, saw q blaze on q
roof OF a big house. 1t was the home
OF John J. III. Neville. who won fame
In 1891 by prosecuting John L. Sulli-
van for a prize fight at Richburg
Miss. with Jake Kilrain.
Mr,l Neville. who was alone
In tho building. had run to the win
dew 10 watch the president go by
when suddenly two machines stopped
and the president himself alighted
Quick a. fash he darted up the
front steps. followed by DR.. Cary T.
0rayson, ". 8. NJ, the secret service
men ind chauffeurs. who had un-
strapped the fire extinguishers from
their machines and awaited the pres
ident'u orders. Mrs. Neville was con-
fused.
Don't be alarmed" said the presi-
dent cooily. your house Ia afire, bu,
the men will put 1t cut quickly II you
viii show them the way to the attic. '
Mrs Neville pointed the way up
stairs and Robinson and Fredericks
the chaufteurs. broke a window and
climbed out on the roof, while James
Sloan and Jack Wheeler. the secre,
service guards. tore away the shin
giles and helped fight the flames. Mrs
Neville did not know how to treat her
unexpected but distinguished guest
who urged her to keep calm, as there
was no danger.
will you come into the parlor p
she asked.
No, thanks" replied the presi-
dent. Tbut you might let me get q
bucket Of water" Mrs. Neville has
H-fencc TO comply. but before it could
DO OF service the firefighters 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 70,
the automobiles. The chief OF the
local FIRE department was just arriving
with his hook and ladder and othe,
apparatus.
The fires over" announced the
president. and added, with a proud
smile. my men have just put II out. >
Judge Neville and his son came
running up ut that moment and a big
crowd collected. The judge was pro-
fuse In his thanks and spoke appre-
ciatively OF the presidents thoughtful
concern OF Mrs. Neville.
The president took no motor ride
In the afternoon. resting after his
exertions at golf. lie enjoyed the
change In the temperature and was
enthusiastic about the links which lie
along the shore OF the gulf.
The president dictated a few letters
and rend scores OF kilograms that
poured In today. as they have been
for the last few days. congratulatin;,
him on the enactment OF the cur
rency bill. He took a nap during the
afternoon and again spent the even
Ing with his family.