Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1885-05-09
A PROMPT PRESIDENT.
How Mr. Cleveland Gains Time by q
Systematic Life.

REGULAR MEALS AND RAPID DnPATCH OF
Observation-Disclosures ARTHUR's NRrHoDs
AND THOSE OF HIS SUCCESSOR coNTRASFED-
THE PRESIDENTS TABLE AND LOVE OF con-
GENIAL COMPANY.
Any one who has been in the White House
often since the 4th of last March, and has OBJ
served ut all closely, cannot fail to have netiood
how differently things are done there now from
what they were during the last administration.
President Arthur was proverb!ally procrasti-
mating both in official and private matters. He
Aever made up his mind until the last minute,
and then he wanted everything done in a rush,
and the least delay worried him greatly. He
couldn't decide upon an appointment until 1t
was absolutely necessary that 1t should be
made. He took q great interest in all social
matters connected with his office, and all his
entertainments were of the mcst hosiitable and
LAWS: character Nothing was too good for his
table: Yet i'm making arra' Csments for q din
ner those who had the details in their charge
were always at a loss how or where to begin.
The steward would learn that there
was soon to he a dinner, and that per-
maps would be the extent of his information.
Ee would make incossant inquiries to learn
these two points were fixed everything else was
plain sailing. When the dinner came off it
would be very unfortunAte IL everything was
not just rs ii should be. President Arthur had
no regular business or private hours, and this
fact necessitated his setting apart Monday as
his private day or dies nom as 1t was known
about the White House. He retired at any hour
and rose when it best suited him. often not
until after high noon. The meals at the White
House were consequently very irregular. Often
the breakfast table kept waiting for him
for four hours. He nearly always had one or
more quests at dinner and as frequently inii
until late hour. Just as likely as not q
supper would be ordered ut nearly midnight
and Chef Forth constantly on the 9td riue
In the evenings President Arthur always Or
dered up wine and cigars, and particularly
pressing the latter upon hisgue>ts, urging them
tnio have tn n N h0f
cts As his cigars were OF the best imported
brands. the cigar bills were pretty steep. He
never objected to the table able exnsnnses OF the
understand why his cigar bills footed up 80
much. He delighted to inger with his GUESTS
at the table after the conclusion of the meal
and enjoy n smoke after the English FASH
ion. In this way an hour ar more was often
raised. President Arthur was always rushed
He was invariably behind hand In keeping ap-
rriniments, and the most important de,ega-
lions often kept waiting for him for an
the part OF others, and if, by chance, they were
not ready when he was he became very impa-
tient. He seldom had time to listen to state
nients of matters connected with the White
House, but would say 81 haven't time to be
bothered about that. Attend to it yourself, and
do the best you cam BY becoming accustomed
to his habits those about him were enabled to
keep things running pretty smoothly.
THE CHANGE UNDER THE NEW ADMINIsTRA-
TON.
President Cleveland. in a very short time,
showed himself methodical and systematic, both
officially and privately. He has SO arranged his
time and his affairs that there is no clashing. He
has his hours for working, and when thev are
over he stops work. In this way be is enabled
to keep his appointments promptly. and to keep
himself in good working condition He rises at
a reasonably early hour. and Is always ready
for breakfast, which is fixed for nine o'clock.
He has never missed his mornings meal, nor
White House and he expects the same punctu-
ality from those who sit at table with him. AL
most Immediately afterwards he Is ready to be-
gin the business of the day, and after attending
to important letters o other matters which are
brought tn hi> attention. he begins to receive
callers Before O'Clock he has his
posed of visitors. This Is about the hour
when his predecessor began receiving callers
gives an audience to the general visitors who
may be waiting in the east room. AT haf-pa I
one O'Clock lunch is served, aud no one is after
wards admitted to his presence except by spe
cal appointment Thus he has time at his dis
pos;tl TO special delegations. to shut him
self in his office for the consideration of impor-
take his customary afternoon drive. Dinner is
served promptly at seven o'clock. The evenings
are devoted the relax of con versatiOn. or
to the consideration OF business just as 1t hap
fens. The above is the regular daily routine at
the White House. and from 1t there is no devia-
tiOn AS a consequence everybody connected
with the house knows just what to do and just
when to do it. The President himself has been
enabled TO stand the strain upon him for the
pa~t few months remarkably we'll He is look
ing in fine condition, and seems perfectly we'll.
Since he has been an occupant of the White
even seen heavy" day. He expends lots OF
steam but he keeps good fire under the boiler.
He Is good strong eater. is fond OF a good
House table is just we'll spread now it was
during President Arthurs administration.
THE PRESIDENTS TABLE.
President Cleveland is fond oftnviting an in
innate personal friend a cabinet officer to
stay to dinner with him. but as yet he has not
given either a state or private dinner party,
and probably will not until next season.
Wine is served at the table and the Presl-
dent enjoys it in moderation. AS soon az the
meal is concluded the table is deserted, and
the President with his guest, If there hap
pens to be one present, goes. up stairs to
enjoy after dinner smoke in private. Tho
President likes a cigar. but he is a light
smoker, and no one about the house has yet
seen hi1n with cigar In his mouth during the
imported, but they last Ion er. The same stew
ard and the same French c. Ok have change of
the culinary department OF the White House
as during President Arthurs administration,
and just as much care Is taken to have the table
supplied with the best the market affords as
an audience with President Cleveland. He is
willing 10 give everybody a chance. All who
approach him are pleased with the cor diality
ceived. He is always willing to listen to what
$ said to him, particularly with reference to
tAe AFFAIRS Oh the ana tulS Is pleaAanC u
the mployes. great deal If credit for this
systematizing of affairs at the White House Is
due to Col. Lamont, his private secretary, who
worked himself sick in couple of months. 1t
was only a few days ago that he again made
his appearance at his Office desk, looking some
what pale. His ways are the Presidents ways,
and the two understand each other perfectly.
Before Col. Lamont was taken sick those about
him had learned his ways and methods SO that
whom he no longer fit for duty they knew
how lie wanted things done and that way
suited the President, SO that rything ran
smoothly.