The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1917-04-03
TROOPERS
LINE PATH
TO CAP|T0L
All PrecautiOn Taken
To Safeguard
President
BARRICADES
ARE ERECTED
Police II eserv On
Duty While Wilson
Speaks

0PNdhS
WASHINGTON, April "A stage
setting betting so epochrsl a ma
tional drama was found at the capt
tol Of the United States last night
when President Wilson came TO de-
liver his war message to the sixty
nfth congress
The president had appeared be-
fore congress more than a dozen
times within the past four years but
about none Of his former appear
anees had there been the glamor.
the thrill and the sober display OF
his visit 10 the war making power
tonight.
Two troops Of ne Second Cavalry
were on guard outside the house
wing OF the capitol silent sentinals
OF protection. they moved I'm the
shadows OF the capitol building or
stood silhouetted against the lamp
light OF the big white globes about
the grounds.
The khaki Of their uniforms
blended with the blue Of many DO
licemen. drawn from every precinct
Of the city 10 do guard duty while
the presidenf spoke. In the crowd
outside too. were the secret ser
vice men In civilian clothes
when n became known that the
president would make a night Wait
TO the capitol. workmen were sent
scurrytng across the greensward
OF the eastern front. they brought
long boards with them and a high
fence. or barricade. was built across
the vide steps OF the main entrance
TO the house wing. The men lab
ored almost until the hour OF the
presidents arrival and when they
had concluded there was no posi-
bility OF any person entering excep:
by the narrow doorway that had
been left open. but heavily guarded.
From lighted dome to basement.
the capitol building reflected life.
color and history making activity
Two great searchlights played upon
the dome and the surmounting sta.
tue OF freedom. Underneath this
statue hung four great American
sag their eeleFs FesPleRaeRt, ia
spring. against the darkness OF the
night.
They could be seen from afar and
they carried a story Of patriotism
and the big event transpiring be
meath.
Little pscihst groups had stood
about the capitol steps all after
noon. They remained. moved from
post 10 post by policemen as night
fall came AS the hour for the
presidents arrival neared, they
we're shunted farther back. No one
was allowed near the police lines.
the bearer OF the war message drove
up to the capitol.
Inside the big building. wherein
has been enacted many stirring
scenes. there was a tenseness. a
feeling OF excitement such as vet.
eran legislators have never eKper-
fenced
The very fact that the president
bad chosen the night time 20 come
TO congress lent an additional touch
OF the dramatic TO the unprecedent-
ed occasion--the entrance OF the
United States into a world war
The president reached the capitol
about 9 30. As his big motor swung
around before the east front OF the
big building. two troops OF the Sec.
ond regular cavalry on guard. sabers
glitterfng under the arc lights. E-gept
the plaza clear while the hundreds
OF people cheered
He was taken Immediately 10 the
speakers room and then into the
house chamber. where the senators
were just Ming in Sir members OF
the supreme court who had taken
seats in front OF the speakers stand
stood and faced him
The president entered amid deaf.
ening cheers. Never had he been
greeted a. he was tonight. Both
sides joined with a will.
II was noticed, however. that Sen
stors La Toilette. Stone and Cum.
mings. who helped defeat ne armed
neutrality btu In the last session.
did not Join In the spplauEe. sena.
tor Ia Toilette stood with arms
crossed and head sunk over his
chest. Senator Lane. another 81 the
group. applsuded mildly. and sena-
tor Kenyon more vigorously.
The president began his address
a. soon az quiet was restored He
spoke slowly a. first. then faster
than usual. His voice was clear and
grew stronger as be proceeded.