Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1917-09-10
AT GLOUCESTER
President and Mrs. Will
son Call Unexpectedly
With Col. and Mrs. House Motored
Along North Shore-No Political OF
international Significance to Visit
Says Col. House

Gloucester. Mass. Sept. 9.-Presi-
dent and Mrs. Wilson made an unex-
pected call at this port today on
board the presidential yacht Mayfiow-
er, motored along the picturesque
North shore for two hours with Col.
ard Mrs. Z. NJ. House and tonight dim
ed on board the yacht with Col. and
Mrs. House as guests. Col. House,
who has & summer home at Coolidge
Point, Magnolia. assured inquirers
that the visit of the President was
purely social and had no connection
with any international question.
While the Mayfiower was familiar in
these waters during the administra-
ton of President Taft, this is its first
visit here with President Wilson on
board and his arrival was a surprise
10 the summer colony. The yacht
slipped into the harbor this afternoon
and dropped anchor at a point oppo-
side the estate of John Hays Ham,
mond.
In few minutes President and
Mrs. Wilson came ashore at the pub
lie landing where Col. and Mrs. House
We're on hand 10 greet them. There
were no other persons in the vicinity
except the caretaker of the wharf. who
stared in open-mouth astonishment as
he recognized the President ard fur
lively dubbed his rough chin as if he
regretted not having taken time to
shave and spruce UP.
Three automobiles We're in readiness
a. the landinc. two Of them belonging
TO Col. House. and the other to a
Boston business man After chatting
on the wharf fnr few minutes Presi-
dent and Mrs. Wilson GOT into one
car Col, ard Mrs House into the sec
ond machine and the secret service
men who came ashore with the Presi-
dent took the third The party went
through the main streets Of the CITY
almost unrecognized while few per-
sons who did catch glimpse Of tie
Presidents features We're 50 surprised
that there was almost no demonstra-
tior.
The three powerful cars sappeared to
the southwest along the North Shore
boulevard and were gone two hours
When they returned they found the land
Ing where the launch was tied up still
deserted except for the caretaker. The
Presidents automobile preceded the 9TH
ers by several minutes Mr.. ard Mrs. Will
son at once boarded the launch and were
taken out to the Mayfiower. The launch
promptly put back to the landing for Col.
and Mrs House, who said they were go
ing to dine with the President.
1t was stated the President had taken
advantage of the perfect early autumn
day to enjoy motor ride along the shore
with its rugged cliffs and magnificent
summer estates. Shortly AFTER Col and
Mrs. House boarded the yacht three OFF,
GERS from the Mayfiower came ashore.
Two of them strolled Up to the telegrap n
office to file dispatches, while the third
inquired how far it was to the residence
of Col House. He was told il was only
a few minutes run in machine, and the
car in which the secret service men had
accompanied the Presidential party was
placed at his disposal
The Mayyfower cana here from New
York where President and Mrs Wilson
boarded her yesterday morning It was
said then the President hal planned to
take cruise of a few days IN urder to
get rest, keeping in touch wifi his execu-
tive Offices by wireless.
Col and Mrs House came ashore after
a stay of five hours with the President
and Mrs Wilson. The colonel reiterated
upon landing that the Presidents call
was purely of social nature.
You may take my unqualified word for
il. he said, that there is absolutely no
political or international significance to
he attached to the Presidents visit at
this time 1t is merely social call. The
President is taking a rest and I am very
happy to be given an opportunity to en-
terrain him We had an enjoyable ride
along the shore this afternoon and the
President was glad to explore the coun-
try roundabout"