Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1885-07-09
Lamont as Priva tie Secretary.

lkrVm the ST. Paul Pioneer Press {Rep,l
Colonel Lamonts relations 10 the Presi-
dent have been reasonable subject of Cos
sip since the 4th of March. He is great
deal more than a clerk, if the observation of
people of all sorts who visit the White
House is good for ANYTHING. Senators who
go to the White House to recommend their
friends for office say they always come away
feeling that what they have said stands no
chance with the President, for Lamont will
have the last word at him. Mr.. Bayard is
the Premier, nominally, Of the Administra-
ton. But he hasn't 1.-THE of Iamont's in
iluence. Nor has any man III the Cabinet.
The private secretary is virtually member
of the Cakinet-and more; if he is not at
the head of the Cabinet he is ahead Of it in
point of opportunity. He is with the Pres
ident constantly outside Of Office hours
riding, walking, smoking and chatting. The
two are as intimate as brothers, and more
so than most brothers.
Now, all of this is in no wise dIscredIta-
bic to either Lamont or the President. But
it is a little surprising to Democrats of all
grades, and especially 10 members OF the
Cabinet Lamont, as YOU see him, has not
=
ness has made him more than usually pale.
His ewes have weaselish expression, and
under a yellow mustache YOU see firm.
ught-hpped mouth. The shape of his head
strikes you as familiar. Colonel Lamont
has the best explanation of the fact. few
weeks ago be had his hair cut pretty short.
II was never so ashamed of my looks be-
fore said Lamont to a friend. 81 looked
exactly ike Guiteau." Ii is true the shape
is unsymmetrical, but there is no evidence
Vet Of any il-arangement within IN con-
sequence. The private secretarys room Is
at the head Of the stairs leading to the bust
ness Offices in the White House. Ii is a
large chamber, and it is usually well filled.
There is little difference in either numbers
or quality between the Presidents guests and
Colonel Lannon'S. Senators and Members
who want the President 10 make an APP
pointment for them lake good care not to
offend the private secretary. In ordinary
life they might not remember to recognize
him after the first introduction. But this
isn't safe for political leader now. \ step
or two from Lannon'S desk is door OPEN
ny into the Cabinet chamber. and so con-
Meeting with the library, the Presidents bus
mess Office. Senators and Members long
ago caught on 10 the trek Of gong IN 10
SIZE Lamont. and stepping in 10 have a word
with the President thu, escaping the door
keeper. who takes the visitors card and
keeps II for the scrutiny Of the newspaper
men.
The manner Of the private secretary Is
modes; and quiet. He talks less than the
President TO HI, callers. and listens With
close attention TO all th.; Is SAID 10 hm.
Between the two. the President and the
secretary. the Iascals are likely to be found
out Il their stories do not hang together.
Ii was discovered long ago hy the poll
tlcian> tia, the two men talked these mat
tiers over. The evenings afford time for CON
>u,aliol. and the President seldom has an
evening that he can call his own. Soon
after dusk YOU can see Colonel Villas with
big bundle Of papers, Mr.. BAyard Mr..
Lamar. Mr.. Manning or Attorney Genera!
Garland step IN quietly and alone, and pass
quickly up the stars to the Presidents
room. Lamont j. welcome al all times.
With the exception Of Whitney and Man
ming, there isn't member OF the Cabinet
whose recommendations are not revised by
Lamont. The fact ) curious one, aud
worth notice and study. Lamont, rise IN
opportunities j. no more nor less phenome-
nal than Nh Cicveia'ls advance from HI
Buffalo .aw Office TO the White House From
newspaper REPORTER good one, mind
YOU. Win a keen scent for coming events
and uliciou> in every use Of hi uforma-
ton Lamont has slipped IN between TIE
historic lines Of this first Democratic Admin
is,ratlon since the war-an event that Is
destined to grow IN wonder a time goes on.