The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-10-25
TRAGIC EXAMPL
 ARE SLEMP'S GUIDE
Presidents Secretary Would Avoid Fate Overriding Both
 Wilson And Harding
By RAYMOND CHAPTER Leased Wire To The AGe-HeraId.)

' IT
 WASHINGTON, Oct. 24.--With the tragic examples of Woodrow Wilson and the late President Harding be- fore him, c. Bascom Slemp, secretary to President Coolidge, has decided that his most important job is to save his chief from the overburden Of work which broke the two previous occupants of the Write House.
 He has come to this settled convic- tion, after almost two months serv- ice as buffer between the President and the outside world. From now on it is going to be more difficult to get in to see the President.
 T have been rather liberal during the last two months because 1t was the honeymoon period and he Presi- dent naturally wished to receive those who came to pay their respects" Secretary Slemp told the writer.
 But when Congress reassembles, we will have to be more strict, as the demands on the Presidents time will be infinitely greater"
 While the secretary was speaking his telephone rang. It was South Carolina congressman. He sought an appointment with the President to take up matter concerning con- stituent.
 Have you the affidavits here?" Secretary Slemp asked. Apparently the answer was negative.
 Then you'll have to write down to South Carolina for them. Glad to take it up later"
 Turning around again in his chair, he continued:
 There was a case that illustrates that members case. But 1t would be a waste of his time and the Presi- dents for him see the President before he obtains the necessary documents"
 Secretary's Personality.
 There is nothing officious or im- pertinent about Slemp. He is a modest, kind-eyed man, who speaks with somewhat timid, hesitant voice, always pleasantly. He was discuss ing various incidents of the days work.
 I'm going to tell you what my idea of a secretary's job is," he said. Picking up a scratch pad he wrote this:
 T think the best service secre- tary can perform is to make 1t pos- sible for the President to have time to consider the real problems with which he has to contend, minimizing the personal calls on the President, conferring with departments on rou- tine matters. and placing before the President only the larger questions.
 'If,. for example, the afternoons are not pre-empted by Presidents secretary. time will be hard for the President to send for parties with whom he wishes to consult, or read, or take recreation. Without this time, 1t is very hard for the Presi- dent to function to the best advant- age. Even with this, it is a great tax on any one's physical energies. D.,.r.ao,,. Tisne Saved
 "One Chamber of Commerce wrote for permission to send a delegation to ask the President to visit It's city.
 q wrote back that they could come If they desired. but that the President would be unable to accept the invita- ton and that it would be a useless expense for them to send delega- tion," Slemp said. They thanked me for the information and saved themselves time, money and a fruit less trip here."
 Sixteen years in Congress as re- publican m member from Virginia made Slemp familiar with the trials of the senators and representatives.
 q am just as sympathetic with them now as I was when l was on the hill," Slemp said. T think most of the requests they make are per fectly reasonable--50 per cent are. My dealings here will be with con- gressmen largely and I want them to coms nere feeling that they have a friend in the Presidents secretary"