The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1882-04-13
LIFE AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
How business 10 Conducted Mt the Nation,
Headquarters.

We find in the washington Ere1ling
Stur the following interesting descrip
ii on of how business is now conducted
at the White House: The White House
under the present administration is
truly place of business, and is run on
thorough business principles. President
Arthur has set apart certain days of the
week for special purposes, and all the
employees know that nothing can be
allowed to interfere with the regular
work for each day. One day in every
week the President has reserved for
himself. Few people can realize the
constant strain to which the President
is subjected. 1t is absolutely neces-
sary that he should have some relief
from thepressure which is brought to
bear upon him from morning until
midnight. President Garfield gave
himself day and night to the duties
CT his office, and the constant strain
on his nerves and strength told upon
him very apparently even in the short
time that he held the Office. At first
Saturday was the day chosen 10y Presi-
dent Arthur when he should seclude
himself from the crowd of sight-seers
and business callers who daily besiege
the White House, but as that day is the
one when Senators and Representatives
are most of leisure to look after affairs
which necessitate a call upon the Presi-
dent (both houses OF Congress usually
adjourning over that day., he decided
upon Monday as "his" day. Tuesdays
and Fridays have long been "cahinet"
days. Members of Congress, however,
are received on these days from 10 until
12 o'clock. The latter hour is the time
for the regular cabinet meeting.
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
are what are known as business days,
when those who have business to lay
before the President, or who merely
wish to see him and shake him
by the hand are received
from II till l o'clock. The
President generally breakfasts about
7:30 o'clock, lunches at 2, if the pres.
sure of business allows him, and dimes
at 1880 o'clock. About 4 o'clock he
goes out driving. During the evening
ers, either personal. friends or officials,
with whom he has appointments. When
the last caller has departed the Presi-
dent usually devotes several hours to
matters which he has set aside to be
considered at this time, or which have
been crowded over during the press of
the day. 1t is at this time a decision is
reached on many matters of weight, in
cluding frequently important appoint
ments. The rules which have been laid
| down in the White House are not devi-
ated from except in case of special ap-
pointment. In fact, business is done
somewhat as it was under the Jackson
and Grant regimes. It will be
remembered that President Garfeld's
private secretary, j. Stanley Brown,
acted in the same capacity for Presi-
dent Arthur for time. Owing to the
request of Mrs. Garfield that he should
take charge of and arrange certain pa
pers with a view to their use in the
biography of the late President he was
obliged to sever connection with the
White House. Fred j. Phillips, q per.
scnal friend of President Arthur, sue
ceeded Mr. Brown. Although President
Arthur has much smaller force OF
assistants than his predecessors. the
work at the executive mansion is dis.
patched with remarkable promptness
and accuracy. This is owing more,
perhaps, to the signal abilities OF Mr..
Phillips than to anything else. He is
thorough man of business. The
President has implicit confidence in
him, and relies on him great deal,
and consequently Mr., Phillips succeeds
in relieving him Of much that would
otherwise occupy his time and annoy
him. The many callers whom he
is obliged to see are dis.
posed of with rapidity and satisfaction.
The hungry oflioe-seeker is rot lured
by false hope, because OF disinclina.
tion to say no, but he is told at once
whether there is any chance for him OF
not. When he is told no he under.
stands it to mean no. Mr.. Phillips
time is more than occupied. He is
rushed. He has no relief and no time
for recreation. No matter how busy,
he always has pleasant word for those
who approach him. He is not only
recognized as thorough business man,
but as thorough gentleman. Mr.
Crump is the steward of the White
House. He came there with Hayes,
and rendered valuable assistance during
the late Presidents illness. Mr.. Crumr
and the new French cook make the
Presidents dinner parties.
The Presidents doorkeeper, CHARLES
Loetfier, knows every person of any
prominence. He never forgets a face.
He is daily passed by crowds of people
desirous of audience, but he knows
how to discriminate, and his phleg.
matte temperament keeps him level
headed. He came with General Grant
Arthur Simmons has been the door
keeper of the private secretary's office
since 1866, and he is likely to remain
there for q good many years. Edgar
Beckley, doorkeeper of the reception
room, came with General Grant. There
are several messengers connected will
the Office. The Presidents mounted
messengers, James Sheridan and Thos
Dolan, are daily seen riding through
the streets. Albert, the driver, ant
Jerry, the footman, must not be forgot
ten. They were we'll known unde
General Grants administration, whel
they looked we'll behind a fin
team. They didn't seem to TAX
much pride in President Hayes's turn
out. 1t is very doubtful if Presiden
Arthur, who has a turnout beftting
President, will allow his driver to hol
the reins in one hand and larg
umbrella in the other. There is on
man about the White House authorize
to make arrests, Sergeant Dinsmort
Two other policemen are on duty 6
n