Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1882-08-10
The Presidents Four-In-Hand.
Haxhmqton Clrrcsp2 ndence.


Speaking of driving reminds me OF
the new fOur-in-hand of the President
that made trial. trip the other day.
Albert, who has handled the ribbons
ever since Gen. Grant went into the
White House, about Ii years, took out
the four bays, and was accompanied by
Alan Arthur, who manifested much
honest, buyiSh delight over their good
behavior. Albert always enjoyed Gen.
Grants fOur-in-hand, and Is pleased to
have the opportunity again. He drove
around the curved drive leading to the
White House to 1tShOw OFF, the new
horses, little Nellie Arthur and her lit
tie girl visitor running out to the door
to see them, quite full of childish ex-
element. The President happened to
be at the window of his room, and he
soon caught the enthusiasm, and called
out: "Bring them up here, Albert"
But Albert seemed too intent on the
happy privilege of handling four-in-
hand, and for some moments did not
hear the call from the window; indeed,
not till the President clapped his hands
and got his attention. Then he went
round with flourish of the ribbons and
his dark face quite beaming, and drew
up under the window to report the new
team. have always felt as much in
terest in the horses as in any other part
of the Administration. One rarely
loses faith in horses and dogs. They
can be kept out of politics, So have
been acquainted with the horses of
every Administration for some time.
Gen. Grant had the finest horses. Mr..
Hayes was content with pair of grays
that were commonplace, but eminently
respectable. Mr.. Garfield bought a
span of bays after he entered the White
House. He took them on trial, and, if
satisfactory, was to pay $500 for them.
He kept them, and after his death they
were sent back to Ohio.
Mr.. Arthur brought on pair of bay
carriage horses from New York, q bay
saddle horse he had used, and black
saddle horse that had belonged to Mrs.
Arthur. The new horses are the leaders,
bought here, not because extraordinary,
but because they match, in color, build,
and size, the other bays with which they
are to be driven. These leaders ar e a
tritle smaller, but in every way are a
handsome match. All four have the
Square-cut tail Alan Arthur has a pair
ofpretty light buggy horses, also bay,
but lighter shade. He drives them to
new, very light buggy with red run
ming gears. 1t is a daShing little turnout,
very pretty, and Just what young man
of his years delights in. But the favor
lie Of the stable is the black horse that
Mrs. Arthur always rode. The animal
Is small and trim, with a lovely head,
and coat smooth and shining as satin.
1t IS very gentle, and Is here for the use
OF Nellie Arthur, who is just learning to
ride. The President does not ride, and
has rarely done so for two or three
years, but he is much attached to his
saddle horse, and likes to have the ami
mai here, where can see it at any time.
Inc four-in-hand, the two saddle
horses, and the light buggy span occupy
stalls on the north side of the stable,
while the four Office horses, stand
on the south side. Two OF these office
horses belong to the Presidents private
secretary, Mr.. Phillips, and are a "fast
team, /" one of the two having a noted
record for speed. Mr.. Phillips seldom
gives them a chance to show their
speed here, for the pavements ere CON
sldered ruinous to q good horse. Presi.
dent Arthur is like Gen, Grant in his
appreciation of the fine points of a horse
anu showing good horse when he sees
one; The stables are taking on a touch
Oh tne days when the Presidential turn.
OUT was really worth looking at, and
aIDerts beaming face and erect figure
on the box show that uRicbar5 ;s -.
! self again" 20 "''ii'