Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1889-07-16
THE PRESIDENTS HOUSE.
Important Recommendation Of Col
John NJ. Wilson.

He SUGGESTS THAT THE WHITE HOUSE BE RE
MODELLED AND USED roR THE PREsrpENT's RESI-
DKScE, AND THAT A BUILDING FoR ExzcU-
TIVE OFFICES BE ERECTED ON THE GROUNDS.
Col John NJ. Wilson, in his annual report to
the chief Of engineers, as commissioner Of
public buildings and grounds, speaks of the
necessity for remodelling the present execu-
tive mansion, and suggests a plan for a new
building to be used as the offices Of the Presi-
dent. The officer, who has had considerable
to do with White House matters for the past
four years, says:
BUILDING FOR EXECUTIVE OFFICES.
It is believed that the time has now arrived
when the chief magistrate Of our country should
no longer be obliged to have his private resi-
dence and his Office under the same roof. The
President is entitled to the same privacy in his
home life as the humblest citizen, and it is
hoped that Congress will take such steps as
are necessary to erect an Office building for the
chief executive at an earl day. 1t is suggested
that such structure might be erected within
the White House grounds, on the site of the
greenhouses, opposite the State, War and Navy
building. The conservatory and greenhouses,
the wood work of which, as a rule, is old and
decaying could be rebuilt on the east side of
the mansion. opposite the Treasury depart
ment.
PICTURE GALLERY
might be built opening out from the east room,
and thence into handsome conservatory, ar
ranged with winter garden worthy of the
home of the chief executive OF the nation of
sixty million people, which will probably be
nearer seventy-fve million before the close of
the century; In this picture gallery might be
displayed the portraits of the distinguished
men who have held the chief Office of the re-
public since 1889, and of the noble women who
have assisted them in dispensing the hospitali-
ties of the executive mansion.
A PROPOSED PRIZE FOR PLANS.
'These ideas are now submitted, not as orig
inal on my part but with the hope that Con-
gress will take the initiative, and at least pass
a law.inviting the architects of the country to
submit plans and estimates for such improve
ments as the locality will best admit, and offering
prize for the plans which may be selected by
a commission, such plans and estimates to be-
come the property of the United States"
Col, Wilson thus enumerates his duties in
addition to those of commissioner Of public
buildings and grounds: In charge of the erec-
ton of a monument to mark the birthplace of
Washington; a member of lighthouse board
since August II, 1888; in charge of the Wash
the city and erection Of ishways at Great Falls
since March 6, 1889.
THE WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS AND STABLES.
After reporting the White House grounds as
being in excellent condition he says that dur
ing the present season it is proposed to remove
the wooden stable from the west section of the
park and to complete the improvement of the
portion Immediately south Of the State depart
ment. 'Some years ago." he remarks, 1.-THE
stables belonging to the executive mansion
were built in this beautiful park, and are now
located about 400 feet from the south front of
the State department.. 1t is suggested that the
propriety be considered of removing the
stables from the park to site on the opposite
side of 18th street, where the necessary land
can be purchased at a reasonable price. am
informed that when the building was con-
structed, some fifteen years ago, it was under
stood that it would be moved at some future
time, and in laying foundations and running up
the walls this fact was considered"
The next annual report will probably contain
an estimate for this purpose.