The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-05-10
into the rear seats in the house of wor-
 ship and keep their eyes on their charge. Different Job

into the rear seats in the house of wor- ship and keep their eyes on their charge.
 Is Different Job
 The business of guarding the President Of the United States might seem highly enjoyable as compared with other forms of police duty, and in some respects il is; but it is not one continual round Of stimulating experiences, for all that. In the first place the secret service agent assigned to watch over the President is constantly oppressed with the seriousness of the responsibility resting on him, made more harassing by the necessity for per- petual self effacement. He feels that he must always remain at the chief exeeu- lives elbow. yet he must annoy his charge by obtrusiNe attention. He must be always there, yet never there. Presi- dents understand they must be guarded, but they are like other human beings in their dislike of constant surveillance. Also presidents sometimes manifest eceentri- city of mood and movement. when it is no simple task to keep the charge in sight. And furthermore, acting as q buff fer between the President and cranls, fanatics and other unwelcome visitors is a job requiring tact, diplomacy, firmness and patience.
 Fred M. Tate, now in charge of the government secret service department at
 
 among presidential guards. as he had protracted experience in that duty in two administrations. One summer he was at home; another summer at Beverly Mass where MT. Taft had his summer capitol and he saw service as travelling compan- ion and home guaro" in Washington The task of watching over MT. Taft at Beverly was comparatively easy, as the presidential residence was in private park, protected from public intrusion, and MT Taft S habit of life was extremely quiet and regular Conditions were less serene at Sagamore Hill Mir Roosevelt was restless, strenuous and rapid in his movements, scorned the idea of danger. and kept the corps of watchers 'on the jump in their efforts 10 remain in his immediate vicinity. Visitors, invited and
 ninvited. were numerous. and there were frequent occasions. day and night. when the guards found occasion to intercept and turn back persons determined to force their way to the Presidents pres ence. Once late at night the guards stopped a man who had driven into the grounds in light wagon. In the bed of the wagon was a rifle. and on the seat beside the driver were two revolvers The visitor explained that ne was bent on a little friendly call on MT. Roosevelt. Two secret service men rode back to Oyster Bay with him. and he now Is in an asylum for the insane in New York. In the same institution is woman who was d daily caller for weeks that same sum- mer at Sagamore Hill, where she was regularly turned back after trying to force her way into MT. Roosevet's pres ence, until she grew so violent that 1t was necessary to remove her permanently.
 Twelve secret service men were as- signed to duty at oyster Bay in summer when Mir Roosevelt was President. They foomed in the town and stood guard at Sagamore Hill in shifts of six hours each. They seldom entered the Presidents house. their duties keeping them in the open, where they patroled the grounds and met all visitors. Interviews with MT Roosevelt were by appointment, and call CTS that were to be received were pro- vided with a credential card. Each morn ing the secret service agents were given list containing the names of the visitors expected that day. and from the list they checked off each as he came. No callers were permitted to reach the house unless they came by appointment, day or night. Sightseers who drove from Oyster Bay were permitted u. ride through the grounds in daylight. but only with the understanding that thv1r vehicles should not stop nor any of the occupants alight.
 Office Seekers the Worst
 Tn spite of the occasional violence of mentally unbalanced persons who tried to reach Mir Roosevelt" Mr Tate said few days ago. the chief troubles of the secret service men were not with that class. Office seekers unabashed by pre- vious denials of interviews with the Presi- dent, made Of our work. They. came I from all directions except straight up, | and some of them were masters of the I art of maneuverng to evade us. It was 1 impossible. of course, for the President l n rl,n lad r. often difficult task to persuade some of the unlucky to go away" The diplomatic difficulties of the Presi- dents protectors are greatly increa sed when the chief executive is in Washing ton. There they must meet and treat with all sorts of conditions of people. at tend all sorts of social and political gatherings and still perform their duty with such discretion that attention will not be attracted to them. Incidentally, the Presidents guardians must be pro- vided with extensive wardrobes, contain ing garments suited to all occasions If the President should go for walk-and MT. Roosevelt had preference for ex- tended cross-country hikes on the storm jest days-two men must be ready to ac- company or follow him. If there was an afternoon function to attend, the secret l service men were expected to appear in conventional frock coats and high hats | 1T there was an evening at the theater ! or dinner party, evening dress was inn perative. The item of immaculate linen alone is considerable. and the only part | of the equipment of the guards supplied | by the government is the heavy Colts re- volver that must be slowed away some l where on the person of each wherever | he may go
 I When the President travels, he not only is accompanied by several secret service men, but one acts in the capacity of an advance agent. preceding the party 1 and arranging for the chief executive s entertainment wherever he may go. The advance agent consults with reception | and entertainment committees in cities where the President is to be a guest, and ! looks over and revises the plans. If the | President is to ride in motor car the agent makes inquiry as to who is going | to drive the car, and insists that 1t be q 1 licensed chauffer.s If there is to be a l public reception, the agent indicates on a | diagram where the President is to stand where his aides and guards shall be 1 stationed, and how callers shall enter and | leave his presence. If there is to be a 1 public dinner and luncheon. there will 1 be a chart on which is marked the Presi- dents seat at the table, the seats for his ] secretary, other distinguished members | of the travelling party, and places for two or more secret service guards. The ad vance agent has absolute authority tt | arrange all details of entertainment, SC far as protecting the President from dis comfort, annoyance or danger is con cerned.
 elaborate precautions always are taker l f Tate coi sh.lf bs