Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1857-07-31
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A WESTERN PICTURE OF THE PRESIDENT
One of the Western Railroad visiters to Baltimore
Sc, thus writes to the Cincinnati Gazette:
We were conveyed in omuibuses and carriages to
the White House; every body of course being bent
on shaking bands with the President, and inspecting
bis physiological, Pbyslognomleai, ana pereno'ogica
appearance, as we'll as that Of the Cabinet.
The President had not yet arrived from his country
quarters, the "Soldier's Home" The reception wa
TO have taken place in the celebrated East Room but
owing the fact that was in process OF repair and
full of scaffolding, this inpracticable The com
pany therefore adjourned to tue beautiful mounds
south of the White House, where several bands en-
livened the time with music. Meantime, OF course
every body was studying up something handsome TO
saw in case the President should make remark about
the weather or some other subject of interest.
Suddenly cry was heard, here he comes" aud,
glsncing up TO the White House, sure enough there
most Of the Cabinet Forthwith rush was made,
particularly by the younger portion OF the audience,
TO get the first sight at him. before he reached the
main body. He marched boldly and steadily down
the walk, between the extended lines Of spectators,
which had been formed with more than military "a.
pidty the lines closing upon bun and deepening as
hs passed, until, by the time hs reached the mound
he was hemmed in by deuse and solid mass, every
to Twelve nche. beyond their usual altitude. Hav
uy with difficulty succeeded in gaining the top Of the
mound, pass.way was at length formed, aud the
company filed past two aud two each one shaking
remaining silent spectators. Two or three prominent
Democrats from Cincinnati were not satisfied, how
ever, with simply shaking hands with the President.
but insisted being introduced personally to both
him and the Cabinet, each OF whose diglts they
grasped with nervous and tenacious energy, bowling
and smiling all the while in the blaodest style. So.
vsral others adopted tho more convenient mode Of
introducing themselves. He was particularly polite
to the ladies, whose hands he shook with great
warmth and cordality.
This ceremony through, the President and Cabinet
started back to the White House, followed by the
company. On bis way back one ragged apecimen of
Young America" about IS years old, suddenly
planted himself directly in front Of him aud extend
ed his hand, which was Of course very kindly and
oondescendingy taken. moment after q man.
who was apparently from the rural districts" and
had his wife on his arm, came up, and sezing him by
the hand, exclaimed, "How are you old Buck?' Ex
cuse me. but must have shake Of your paw
used to be a know.Nothing, but voted for Jimmy
Buchanan and I'd like 10 have chance to do 1t
again. Good bye, old fellow! Keep your eye
skinned, and don't let these rascay Know Nothngs
and Black Republicans get the advantage of ye!"-
Several ladies whom he encountered on his way back
be voluntarily stepped aside aud shook hands with,
Of course not recolleong that they were among the
number who had enjoyed that pleasure few mi.
nutes before.
This hand shaking business ia peculiar feature Of
Presidential life 10 our country. Whenever there is
President or Ex- President about, the "sovereigns"
are not satisfied without seeing him and shaking
hands with him. 1t is perhaps rather relief to him
than otherwise however, it obvistes the necessity,
ss in this case, of making speech.
Mr.. Buchanan looks bale aud hearty, has the ap-
psarance Of possessing vigorous constitution, and
we should thick is fully equal to the task Of sustaining
the labors of another Presidential term should the
people see f. to require such degree Of selfsacrce
on bis part.
He has kind, good.natured aud benevolent ex.
preston of countenanoe, and his manner is urbane,
frank and cordial. Our company were all highly
pleased without distinction Of party, aud even those
most uncompromisiugly opposed to him in politics
seemed disposed to concede that "Old Buck" was a
pretty good sort Of fellow after all.