The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1888-10-09
PRESIDENTS OF OLD.
"REMINISCENCES OF A FORMER At
PENDANT AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
The National Hotel in Early Times-Pres-
ident Folks Habits-Gen. Taylor's
Unpretentious Ways - Gen. Scott's
Hasty Plate of Soup.
From the Washington Star.


Probably you do not know" said
former employe at the White House to a
Star reporter few days ago, 'that the
National hotel furnished the Executive
mansion with the most Of its attendants
and help nearly half century ago. Per
haps three-fourths Of the doorkeepers,
messengers, stewards, walters, ETC., came
from there. In the summer Of 1914"
he continued, "Mr. Samuel Coleman, OF
the Astor house, New York, succeeded
Mr.. Gadsby at the National. Mr.. Cole
man brought his furniture and help from
New York in schooner by sea, and he
opened about November |. The house
from the first took q firm hold upon the
travelling public, and soon it was filled
with the best class OF the sojourners, in
Guiding Gen. Armstrong and many officers
OF the army and navy and members OF
Congress. Mr. Coleman had the best
class OF employees, and among them
were number Of gentlemanly look
ing young men from New York, who
were as efficient Ms handsome. There
were hops and parties in the large draw
ing-room on the second floor at least week
ly, sometimes three or four times per
week, and among those who frequently
gave parties was Mrs. James Gordon BEN
nett These entertainments were some
what different from those OF the present
day. They would close with a supper ut
midnight, and II was the rule that when
the guests entered the supper-room all the
walters but one would retire. He would
remain in the room simply TO be on hand
should anything else be wanted. There
were at the hotel at all times during the
season plenty Of society people, aud there
were usually some 300 guests. The general
plan OF the hotel was as at present, but
believe that two stories have been added
since.
PRESIDENT Folks ADMINISTRATION.
"Mr. Polk, having been elected Prosi-
dent, arrived with Mrs. Polk and Mr..
Knox Walker wife and children, in Feb
ruary, and located at the National" con-
tinued the speaker. They took suit Of
rooms on the second floor, aud one of the
New York servants was detailed to attend
him. | well remember the day of his in
auguration. Nv didn't the rain come
down. Nevertheless they had a process
sion, and he went 10 the Capitol and was
inaugurated. We had no thought then
that the President would call on any of us
attendants OF the hotel. Mr. Polk, during
his stay, had been observant. Soon after
his Inauguration lac asked Mr.. Coleman tn
send him a good man Tor steward, and Il
was done. Ia the course OF few months
Others were sent for. and in little time
most OF the White House attendants were
from the hotel. Some Of these remained
for years At the White House, and others
were transferred 10 department places.
The President paid the attendants from
his own pocket, and IL was not until the
administration Of Mr.. Fillmore that they
were paid directly nom the public funds.
"Mr Polk" he continued. was an
early riser, aud, when the weather was not
inccment would take walk Tor hall an
hour through the grounds. aud often re-
turn to the house before the members Of
the family were ready Tor brcakiact. When
our troops were in Mexico the war was the
subject which seemed to be- continually
on the Presidents mind, and | have heard
him frequently say rs he would sit down
20 breakfast: How can ! relish breakfast
and not know how the army is iiriugY
took from the President 20 Gen. Scott the
note directing him Gen. Scott 10 proceed
10 Mexico and take personal command 81
the troops. Gen. Scott then lived in ihc
Madison house, near the northeast corner
oi Lafayette square The note ! gave 10
the generals messenger and waited the re-
ply, In which Gen. Scott said be was TAX
Ing u hasty plate oi soup, and expressed
the opinion that as IL was then the cpi-
dcmic season in the tropics, it would be
hazardous for him 10 go. ] believe that
this note was the origin Of the term 'hasty
plato Of soup Gen. Scott, however
came 10 the White House soon after and
Il was not long before be left for MDxico
The household consisted oi the President,
Mrs Polk. aud Mr. aud Mrs. Knox
Walker aud the children. They were al
very democratic IN their manners and
tastes. and when Sunday came they spent
d quietly. usually attending the pu-bN-
tcrian church ON F1ur-and.a-hlli street
Mr. Polk took much interest IN the cam
piisn in which Lewis Cas- and Gen Tay-
lor wcfr thc candidates. and WIS y great
personal ulmirrr OF odd Rough and
Ready" though opposed 10 him Poliii-
Caly.
WITH PRESIDENT TAYLOR
"'Old Zlrk, a. he was iamiliarly
called, continued the narrator, "was tOD
domestic 'n DIS habits iHf such position,
and. knowing him and NU, Taylor o. !
> did, | rau reality believe that u b. true
that Mr. TAYLOR Hil when urpus.d ui
her hushluNF election. 'NhJf DO they
want us Ca po loo Washington iu' Why
can't they allow us t0 FHyul our OIL age ib
pclrr" IT, NIs iH#usuuIrl Zoo 1852. Tui
with Mr.. 1ay.0u. NW. El.V uuI w.i" aui
his private secretary. constituted iHH
household. ltuU' know I'I' aUy nIu
w the pfc..d u.1I chair ever Lal iue Dee
spccioi u.r u...rr. mu.u tu NrH .aF'