The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1913-12-27
PRESIDENT WILSON
PLAYS HERO ROLE;
ACTSAS FIRE CHIEF
Leaves Auto to Fight Fire
in Gulfport, Miss, and
Causes a Mild
Sensation

Pass Christian, Miss, December TO-
President 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 blaze that threatened to destroy
one of the handsome homes of the south
ern shore and that he had acted the vol
unteer fire chief in a manner that Ions
VIII be remembered in this region. The
Incident created stir in the otherwise
quiet life of the gulf section.
The President was returning from a
quiet game of golf toward noon, and on
passing through Gulfport. eight miles
from here. saw blaze on roof of big
house 1t was the honse of Judge ]. H.
Neville, who won fame in 1891 by prosecut-
ing John L. Sullivan for prize fight here
with Jake Kilrain. Mrs. Neville, who
was alone in the building. had run 10 the
window TO watch the President go by,
when suddenly two machines stopped ard
the President himself alighted. Quick as
a flash he darted up the front steps, fol-
lowed by DR.. Cary T. Grayson, u. s. N,
the. secret service men, and chauffeurs,
who had unstrapped the fire extinguishers
from their machines and awaited the
Presidents orders. Mrs. Neville was con-
fused.
Don't be alarmed" said the President
cody, your house is afire, but these men
win put 1t out quickly If you will show
them the way to the attic"
Attendants Fight Fire
Mrs. Neville pointed the way upstairs
and Robinson and Fredercks the chauf-
feurs, broke window and climbed out 5n
the roof while James Sloan and Jack
Wheeler, the secret service guards. tore
away the shingles and helped fight the
flames. Mrs. Neville did not know now
to treat her unexpected, distinguished
guest, who urged her to keep calm, as
there was no danger.
'Will you come into the parlor?'' she
asked.
No, thanks replied the President,
E"but you might let me get a bucket
of water" Mrs. Neville FASTENED to
comply but before 1T could be of serv-
ice the fighters the roof had de-
scended with the report that little dam
age 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 appa-
ratus.
THE fires over" announced the Pres
ident 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 a big
crowd collected. The Judge was pro-
fuse in his thanks and spoke appre-
ciatively of the Presidents thoughtful
concern for Mrs. Neville.
Rests in Afternoon
The President took no motor ride in
the afternoon, resting after his exer-
ton at golf. He enjoyed the change
in the temperature and was enthusiast
tic about the links, which lie along the
shore of the Gulf of Mexico, and were
warmed today by balmy sunshine in
stead of being swept by chilly winds
like those of Christmas day.
The President dictated few letters
and read scores of kilograms that
poured in today as they have been 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.