American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1851, 1851-05-12
For tho American Telegraph.
"STEALTHY MOVEMENTS"

GENTLEMEN: In your paper of the 10th
instant observe q communication under the
above caption, and over the comprehensive sig
nature Of " The Masses" in which tho author
seems to entertain the opinion that the grounds
at the south front Of the Presidents House
should be thrown open to the public ut all hours
of the day; and he introduces " those at the
west end" as particularly anxious for this thing.
live at the "west end" or, rather, in the
First Ward; and no person would enjoy, as
luxury, more than I, during the approaching
hot days, the privilege of promenade, or
repose, upon the delightful green, amid the
beautiful flowers. and in the shade Of the mag
nifcent trees that adorn those grounds. But
my selfshness will not prompt me to forego
propriety, or disregard public interest
Our President requires no body-guard in mar
tial array; no sentinels stationed at the avenues
leading to his mansion, in order to protect the
safety Of his person. 1t is and ever should be
our pride that he has safer protection in the
hearts of the people. While his person is thus
shielded from assault, would say, let his mind
be equally free from needless annoyance The
public interest requires this. If, when wearied
with the cares of his Office, and perplexed by
the conflicting interests and opinions pressed
upon his attention he desires recreation in the
open air, combined with retirement for refec-
ton, or if his family desire to inhale the pure
breezes of heaven, in the name of mercy let
them have one spot where they can enjoy these,
unannoyed by the stares of the curious or in
trusions of the impairment
Everybody, at all accustomed to head-work,
knows full well the Importance Of bodily exer-
else and reflection combined in such cases. You
and /, Messrs. Editors, can enjoy these, even
in throngs. 1t is not SO with the Executive of
nation as great as ours. Everybody knows
who is President, and most people are curious
to see how he looks, how he walks how he
bears his honors, to hear the sound of his voice
and feel the texture of his hand
We now have the free use of all the other
grounds about the public buildings, and the
principal rooms of the Executive Mansion du-
ring all hours of the day, and frequently good
share of the night. The enclosure in question
is thrown open at certain hours Of every day,
except Sunday, and, during the warm season,
one evening of each week. on which latter occa-
sion the scene is enlivened by concert, gratu-
tously given by the Marine Band, Of music.
Ought not this to suffice? The same principle
that would demand more would claim their
freedom at night and on Sundays and the con-
tinuance of these i" stealthy movements" would
require the use for the public of the kitchen,
and in the end, the sleeping apartments provi-
ded at the national expense.
The President is always accessible during
proper hours) to those who wish to see him on
business except when in consultation with his
Cabinet, or otherwise specially engaged; and he
sets apart certain hours every day, except Sun
day, for receiving calls of courtesy and curiosity
Yet this does not come up to the peculiar no
tions entertained by some persons who, it
would seem by their talk, would not be satisfied
with any thing short of his taking a stand in
some convenient place-say in the East Room,
or portico-and entertaining everybody who
might call, to their full content, regardless of
time or other duties.
ONE OF THE MASSES.