Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1886-04-22
WASHINGTON LETTER.


rotary, Col. Lamont, VINO mas Deeh
sick. and who Is sometimes called the
President, you know, because he Is
thought by many TO be the master
spirit of tho flrm in everything but
name, could i'll be spared from his Of
fetal post. and Is at work again.
Since 1t 10 conceded that Mr.. Man
ming, even if no should recover. will
never again venture to return to the
head of the Treasury department,
gossip is afloat as to his probable sue
cessor. One of the latest ruinors is
that the wealthy Pennsylvania Con
gresham, Mr.. Scott, will be the man.
The lower House of Congress has
been on strikes during the greater part
of the week, and it was not until af-
ter a four days debate and good deal
of opposition, that the Labor Arbitra-
ton bill was passed. Representative
Farquhar, of New York, who is the
cliief Executive of the Typographical
union of this country, objected to the
bill, but announced that he was will
ing to vote for it, as its friends were
30 anxious to give it IA trial. He stat
ed that lie aud MFR. Foran, OF Ohio
were the only two representatives OF
skilled labor in this country who hold
seats in the House; the only two men
entitled to speak for two great unions
of skilled mechanics.
You may be interested TO learn that
the White House IL to have n new tin
roof, ind that there is some probabili-
ty of having new White House, or
an annex to the Presidents House."
as Miss Cleveland characterizes the
Executive Mansion in her invitations
to lunch.
A bill providing for an extension of
of the Mansion was introduced by
Senator Morrill, and passed by the Sen
ate four years ago. Recently it has
been reintrodnced by him. 1t appro-
pirates $500, 900 for a southern addi.
ton to the present structure, of SINH
lar exterior character, and connected
with it at the center by broad cori-
dor. The old edifice would be occr-
pied as executive offices and for public
use, and the extension for the private
residence.
1t has long been a cherished wish of
the senior Senator from Vermont to
provide more suitable residence for
the Presidents OF the United States.
He holds that the present building,
which has been occupied since 1900,
has long been inadequate to the uses
required. Our population is ten times
greater than when the old house was
new. There are thirty-one rooms in
it, but the family dining room and six
chambers are oil that belong exclusive
ly to the Presidents family. The pub
lie business has grown until it requires
Us Iuucn space as the entire mouse
would afford. Senator Morrill, thought
that the site being free of expense, the
whole cost would be comparatively
small. Said he: There are no local
constituents pushing members here TO
remedy the notorious deficiency in the
White House, but expect to see the
bill pass, as it has merits equal TO or
greater than those of any of the bills
for buildings in which the constituents
of members have interest"
But Mr.. Morrill's scheme will en-
counter much opposition. There are
several Senators and a dozen or two
members of the Lower House who ar
que that because men can be found
who will gladly accept the Presidential
Office and reside in the old White
House, there is no need of other ac-
comodations. PROFESSIONALLY there
are scores of alleged statesmen who
would be glad to be installed as mas
ter of the Mansion as it stands, but
that is q doubtful argument against
the proposed annex.
On account of the unsanitary con-
struction of the old editlce, and the
ilnpossibility of introducing into it
certain modern provements, it has
been suggested that it be demolished
and an entirely new structure be rear
ed on the site. That will never he
done until we turn iconoclasts. For
its historic value. and by reason of its
associations, the old house will be
left intact.
There will be various opinions as to
whether a new Mansion or an annex is
jnstiiiable. but it must be admitted
there is no useless extravaganza con-
nected with this new roof that is pro-
jected over the Presidents head. The
old one leaks. 1t has been in service
since the early history of the house,
and of late years the operation of
telegraph and telephone liuemen on
the roof have necessitated almost con-
slant repairs.