Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-02-04
STRANGERS BARRED
FROM WHITE HOUSE
Officers Patrol Grounds and
Credentials Are Required
From All Who Enter.
MAY NOT HOLD RECEPTION

President Wilson had barely returned
to the White House from his dramatic
and history making trip to the Capitol
when strict orders were issued for the
closing of all gates to the White House
grounds and the prevention of en-
trance Of visitors. Strangers in the city,
heretofore at liberty to roam at ran
dom through the White House grounds
and even in the White House itself,
Yesterday afternoon looked through the
iron fences and noticed blue-coated Of
fcers patrolling the grounds. watchful
of everything that is going on.
There will be no great increase in the
force of police and guards on duty in
tho grounds and buildings. but there
will be q sufficient number to protect
the President and his family against
possible attempts to do them harm or
to in jure the White House itself.
To Apply Rules Strictly.
The only entrance for those having
business will be by the steps opposite
the War Department and close to the
executive offices on the street between
the two buildings. Every person, I'M
less well known. will be halted by
policemen or guards at this gate and
required to tell his business. This will
be applied strictly. Newspaper men
wishing information will have to make
themselves known or furnish creden-
tails If they are not already known.
The President himself was not aware
of the instructions that had been given
for his safety. but he will soon have no
difficulty in seeing the situation and
realizing how promptly those under
him act when occasion arises.
The instructions regarding the clos
ing OF the grounds and building will be
in force for an indefinite time, and II
actual hostilities with Germany should
follow the guard will be increased and
the instructions made broader and
strfcter.
Several Thousand Invited.
Suggestions were made during the
day that the last White House recep-
ton for the social season. scheduled
for next Tuesday night. may be called
of. but so far nothing official to that
effect has been issued. The President
may offer objection to the canceling of
invitations to the reception If officials
sponsibility for care rests with officials
under him. The invitations to the re-
ception number several thousand and
some of the White House gates must be
open to admit the guests. That would
enable strangers to gain access to the
doors of the White House itself and 1t
might be possible for invitations to
pass into the hands of persons bent
upon mischief. Officials under the
~ % -,
bilities and are likely to press strongly
for the President to permit the recall
ing OF invitations.
Old Signs Removed.
AS a measure of precaution. orders
have beeh issued closing to all visitors
the big granite building housing the
State. War and Navy departments All
the old signs saying that the building
, is open daily. except Sunday. until 2
o'clock. were removed early yesterday
afternoon. Later in the afternoon cards
of admission to the building were is
sued to all the officials and employees,
to newspaper men and others having
legitimate business with the officials,
and the watchmen were instructed to
admit no one else unless the nature of
In all cases Of doubt the matter is to be
reported to the captain Of the watch or
the officer acting in his absence.
New signs were placed at all the en-
frances saying: "Admittance by pass
only"
Extra guards were on duty last night
at the great Treasury building here
and other unusual precautions were
taken. including q prohibition agains,
carrying any packages into the build
ing. While officials would not say what
orders had been sent to officers of the
Treasury Department stationed else
where, it was Indicate that the caution
to be exercised at subtreasuries and
mints would be of an extent unequalled
in peace times in the country's history