Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1918-03-07

the country's history the very exterior OF the
White House exhibits the seclusion of the presi-
dent In the DAYTIME a policeman stands guard
at every gate. When night comes, soidiers with
loaded guns and bayonets take places about fifty
PAGES apart the sidewalks surrounding the spa
cious White House grounds.
The soldiers have strict orders to make every
move There is no lettering whatever
about the White House after shutdown
A copy of the presidents daily engagement list
is furnished the policemen at the gates. When
person who has an engagement with the pres
fdent shows up afoot in automobile the gates
swing open and he is admitted to the grounds
The visitor is again Cooked over as he APP
proaches the entrance to the executive mansion,
where two more policemen are always on
duty.
No other persons admitted to the grounds
except at the west gate, Immediately adjoining
the executive offices. Here visitors having bust
with Secretary Tumulty may gain entrance
upon the proper showing.
The gates to the White House closed the
day relations were severed with Germany. At
the same time an order went forth denying tour
lists and others the privilege of going through the
lower of the executive mansion. Thou
sands of tourists have come to Washington ex-
pecting to Ego through" the White House, only
to be stopped by the officer at the gate
The police guard about the president when
walking riding has been doubled since the out
break of war Two motorcycle policemen clad
in khaki pick up the presidents automobile the
moment 1T swings out of the grounds onto the
street. They follow within five feet of his ma
chine to and from the golf ,inks-or wherever
else 1t may go. In big automobile twenty to
thirty feet to the ride half dozen secret
service men,
So strict is the rude against admission to the
White House that the special card" hours have
been abolished. Heretofore it has been possible
for member of congress official of the
government to obtain a card from Secretary
Tumulty admitting a constituent or friend to the
lower floors of the mansion This is now abso-
lutely forbidden and there exceptions
Those surrounding the president Will take no
chances.
In consequence of these restrictions the presi-
dent and his family spending more time on
the lower floor of the White House; they are not
confined so much to the bedrooms and rest rooms
above.
The president and Mrs. Wilson attend COM
paratfveIy few social functions Likewise social
callers are few War has virtually brought an
end social activity at the White House The
president attended the state receptions given by
Secretary Lansing to the foreign commissions
that visited this country, but he and his
wife have about eliminated social activity.
In discharging his many duties the president
is using the telephone to unprecedented ex-
tent. He confers great deal by phone with the
secretary of and navy Direct lines. touch
ing the White House switchboard only. connect
the presidents desk and those of the secretaries
A plain telephone wire, with no switchboard
whatsoever connects the desks of the president
and Secretary Lansing.
should the president be interested in legislation
pending at the capitol-and he generally is he
Is more likely to talk to the leaders of the senate
and house the telephone than to request that
hey to the White House for conference.
He has found that the telephone saves him both
face to face tntaxyfews and-letter writing