Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-19
Eighteenth Congress.
~ TIE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
SATURDAY, March Is, 1925

The question being on concurring in the APP
preparation of S25 900 for the North Fort; co o.
the Presidents House
MIR. Cushnan, of Maine, addressed the
House to the following effect:
MIR. Speaker: hope the article under con-
sideration will b, retained in the Bill; AM [ ap-
peal TO the good sense AMI patriotism OF the
House for support--no- do / despair of assis-
lance from gentlemen in whose nature the prin-
clPics OF economy seem to be deeply iYtiicGicti.
Ut appears from statements already made, that
the portico, to erect which, the appropriation is
required, IS Il part ofthc original plan of the
House built for the of orr Presidents. ii
IS to be presumed, that the cdilice, at some Pc
Rod of Our Republic, is to be finished. The
present, on various accounts, appears to be the
proper time, to carry on the work to compile
lion. Oar country is at peace with all the
.@yorid--and, rich In resources. can command
ample funds: the materials for building are
cheap: the price Of labor is low: the Treasury
is i'll condition to afford the expenditure, and
there seems 10 be n laudablc spirit 10 coulte-
nance economy, and to protect domestic jnd,ts-
Try; and on the principles Of economy and for the
benefit of industry, among other reasons, urge
the appropriation. If adequate sums Should be
granted, the public cdIhccs in the course OF
two years, will be brought to such perfection,
that the skill and superintendent of the Archi-
tacts may be dispensed with, together with the
principal ar!iEccT2, and most Of the worknen;
and hereby, great saving Of expense will be
,nadc 10 the nation. These considerations adj
dress themselves with great force 10 our passion
Cor economy; and, if we consult its true max
ms, &c shall certainly grant the appropriation
j} 4, there are other reasons. The poftco
when completed, will be not merely an orna-
mental but useful appcndage.
Tho house OF the President resembles, il
some respects, n CHy SIT on n hiH: II canno
te nil. 1t becomes the dignile1 resort of citi
zeus AMI strangers; the attractive point of al
official characters, both of the United State,
and of foreign governments. Here, also, arc
70 be seen, on suitable occasions, brilliant as
Sc 5ia~as Of both scNCs--a bright coilsteDa
ton Of beauty and accomplishments. If it bt
sled, for what purpose The answer is, L
~. inc aspcrltics of human nature: TO har
monte what is harsh d;scordant in the mind
10 r'i1c the social affections; to interchange CT
Whites; 10 pay respect to the Chief MAGISTRATE
of the nation, and hiS family to relieve the state
scOyn patriot from the nOuotonous scene of busi-
ness; TO cherish virtuous emulation, and 10
foster good feelings.
And to not reason and proprety require, that
the convenience and elegance of thc mansion
should be adapted to tho station and dignity OF
the occupant, and to the responsibility, refine
ment, and deIcacy, Of his guosts' Ought not
every circumstance and appuricnance cOnspirc
to give pleasure, and to make a favorable i'm
preston of our national character and taste.
But, Sir, what is the flct' Need ! remind Won
of the serious Inconvenience to be encountered
on an Indictment evening, in descending from
the carriage, or returning from Inc saloon, If
the hcatthy and robust Of orr acx have noGliDr