The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1917-09-10
Extraordinary Precautions TAX
en- to Protect President.
SECRET SERVICE ON JOB
War Has Produced Many Cranks Who
and Destruction of Public Buildings.
Soldiers Always on Guard at Vital
Points.
BY ARTHUR w. DUNN.


Washington, Sept. 10 Especial. l.
Double guards seem to be necessary to
protect lives and property In the United
States. Never before was such precau-
tion taken to protect the president. He
never stirs abroad without a number of
secret service men In his automobile
with secret service men. On either side
of the automobile containing the presi-
dent Is a soldier on a motorcycle.
Around the White House equal pre-
cautions are taken. All day long motor
cycle policemen are stationed, so that
at all times they car command a view
Of every approach to the White House,
as well as the iron fences which sur
round the grounds. At night soldiers
picket the White House grounds so as
to prevent any one from entering.
Threats From cranks.
Whenever there are unusual condi-
lions In the country the wheels begin
to revolye In the heads Of the many
cranks, and they begin writing to the
president. The more violent make dire
threats, which cause the authorities to
double their vigilance. Then there are
mild minded men who associate with
the fanatical fellows, and they write
warning letters. They are a beneficial
class, for they do not mean any real
harm and do not countenance violence
against the president.
Tending to Destruction.
Just what sort of minds a certain
class OF men have may be found In the
tendency to destruction that seems to
possess them. Not only has 1t been
necessary to guard all bridges, tunnels
and manufacturing establishments. but
there are cranks who would destroy
public buildings. II can be understood
that German sympathizers might think
that the cause Of Germany would be
advanced by blowing up munition
plants on destroying a railroad bridge,
but OF what use would Ii be to destroy
the new Lincoln memorial or any other
building In Washington The Lincoln
memorial, now nearing completion, IL
nightly guarded by a dozen soldiers,
and all public buildings are carefully
patrolled to prevent the men Of vandal
minds carrying out their plans OF de-
struction.
What Could Be Done With II.
When there has beer discussion
about preparations for war there has
always been allusion as to what could
be done with money In the way OF pro-
yiding facilities for the bettcrment OF
the people. When these computors get
ready they can make some interesting
comparisons as to what might have
been done with the money spent on the
European war. They could build the
immense system of waterways and wa
ter control contained In the dream OF
Senator Newlands. They could build
a system OF highways throughout the
country which would be the wonder OF
the world. They could establish
schools, erect hospitals, establish play
grounds; In fact, there Is scarcely any
thing I'm the realms of Utopia that
could not be accomplished by the ex-
penditure Of the money which the war
will cost.
Served In Three Wars.
When Major General William II. Car
ter was ordered back into active serv-
ice and given command OF the middle
department II was not generally under
stood that this was the third declared
war In which he saw service, besides
the Indian campaigns. General Carter
Is the only man serving In the war
against Germany who was In active
service In the civil war. In that great
struggle he was a dispatch bearer. al
though only a young lad.
Might "ChiIl the Ardor.r
Senator La Toilette was arguing for
a heavier tax on war profits when he
was interrupted by Senator Reed, who
asked:
referring to a statement Just made
by the senator from Wisconsin that 1t
is claimed that further taxation Of war
profits may chill the ardor OF the war,
the enthusiasm for the war, l ask how
long does the senator think 1t would
Iake US 10 Win the war VIII GERMANY
II we had to do 1t with gentlemen
whose ardor would be chilled If they
did not make great profits out Of the
warp
"Well." replied the Wisconsin sena-
tor. 81 do not think the war would end
for several years. to say the least, and
when 1t did end, II we had to depend
upon those gentlemen, 1t would end to
our everlasting modification. humilia-
ton and shame"
Hoks Smith, Newspaper Expert.
They never forget that Hoke Smith
was once a newspaper man. and at
every opportunity they call upon him
FOR expert testimony when there Is a
newspaper discussion. No doubt the
Georgia senator would appreciate 1t a
great deal more II the senators would
call upon him for expert legal advice
and follow his ideas to q greater sx-
tent In matters Of Legislation.