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ARREST MAIM WHO THREATENED PRESIDENTS LIFE WASHINGTON, D. C, May 17.— A 22-year-old Philadelphian, armed with a small knife with which he said he intended to assassinate the President, was arrested outside the White House early today and taken to a hospital for mental observation. The Philadelphian, who gave his name as Joseph Frank Towers, was taken into custody by Policeman Walter T. Grimes of the White House guard, and then was turned over to the city police. When arrested, Towers was carrying a large rock which, he told police, he planned to hurl through a window to gain access to the executive mansion. Asked by police why he intended to attempt to kill the President, Towers replied: "Because he does not treat the poor people right." Grimes was on duty in the White House police headquarters when he was notified that a youth had been prowling outside the grounds for two hours. Police were ordered to watch and see that the youth did not climb the fence in an attempt to enter the mansion.