New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-04-14
PRESIDENTIAL ETIQUETTE.
ALEXANDER EAMILToN's ADVICE TO GEN
ERAL WASHINGTON.
AN IMPORTANT LETTER SENT FIVE DAYS AFTER
THE FIRST NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. WHICH
HAVE GUIDED ALL TIE PRESIDENTS
AN IMPoRTA
DUBING THE CENTURY.

AN ldPOkTANT LETTER SENT FIVE DAYS AFTER
THE FIRST ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS WHICH
HAVE GUIDED ALL THE PRESIDENTS
DUBING THE CENTURY.
The etiquette proper to be observed by the Prosl.
dent Of the United States in his intercourse with the
official world and the public a subject 100
years ago. and upon which many divergent opinions
were held and expressed by prominent men of the
time The following letter. upon this then engrossine
topic, written by Alexander Hamilton to PcesI-
dent Washington I've days after he had assumed the
duties Of his high office. 1t was written at Washing
toms request and 1t Is interesting observe to what
an extent 1t has formed and moulded Executive etl-
quette
At the date Of this letter Hamilton was thirty-two
years old, private clifton engaged in the practice of
the law. The bill to establish the Treasury Depart
ment became q Law on September Q, $780, and on tho
18th of that menth Hamilton was commissioned
the first Secretary Of the Treasury. The commission
of General Knox as Secretary of War bore the same
date
The letter is taken from Volume " of the works
| of Alexander Hamilton published from the original
manuscript deposited IN tho Department Of State and
edited by John C. Hamilton. Regarding II the great
secretary's grandson, General Schuyler Hamilton,
says:
have seen the original letter very lately
the verbal differences which only one or two, are
unmportant and probably intentional have
heard Mrs. Adams Mrs. Madison and Mrs. Hamilton
General Alexander Hamltons widow, describe the ell
quette Of washngan's Administration. 1t was essen
tally given in the letter. except perhaps as regards
the right Of individual 10 the President by the
REPRESENTATIVES which, although left an open question
was nevertheless observed with some restrictions When
taking tea in evening It was the fashion Tor the
President appear In tights and knee bfeeches shoes
| and buckles with light sword at his side, IN MIS-
wa.hIngton,s raror where were assembled usually some
AZ the heads OF departments and their wives After
polite bow TO ALL the President received his cup OF
tea at Mrs waShIngton's hands and drank 1t standing
or walking up down. conversing eursory with one
and another snably with his peculiar dignity
At the end OF twenty minutes half an hour frequently
he would retire with the courteous bow Of the period
The letter IS as follows:
New.York May 5, 1889.
Cir Tn oonfayny TO the intmation you were pleased
to honor mo with on............evening last nave
reneeted upon the etiquette proper to be observed by
the President and submit the ideas which nave
occurred 10 on The subject.
The public good requires, as primary oo'ee" HhA'
the dignity Of the shiee should be supported
vvhs,ever is essential TO this ought to be pursued
though OF the partial momentay DISSATISFACTION
But care Will be necessary to avoid extensive uSsu'
discomfort Mems minds are prepared Tor pretty hgh
tone in the demeanour OF the Executive but uouc'
boher ,or 40 NIGH tone as In the abstract might be
desirable. The notions OF equality are yet In my opinion
too general and strong TO admit OF sneh distance
being placed between the President ana o'her oia,"
NJ the Government might even be eonsisteht WIN
due uroportion The following plan will, think steer
clear Of extremes and involve no very material lhoo"
veniences -, t.
l. The President To have alcvee day once week Tor
receiving visits an hour be fixed at when " shai
~ raors,ood that he viii appear and consequently the
visitors arc 10 be previously assembled IN freSuc"'
10 remain half hour in which time he may oohVerSo
cursorlly on indifferent subjects, wh sucn persons
shall invite his attention and at the END OF thst ha
hon, disannezr Some regulation will be hereafter
necessary to designate those who may Visit Hou
Of introduction through particular oneers VIII Dc ihn
pensable- No visits to be returned.
H. The President to, accept no Invitations ana give
so,al entertainments only twice four times a year.
the anniversaries OF important events In the
II twice. day the Declaration OF lnoepenoence
ana that Of the Inauguration OF the President which COM
sfed tho organization Constitution 10 be pro-
ierred; IL four times the day Of the Treaty Of Alliance
with France and Of the Defnitive Treaty with Britain
10 be added The members Of tho two Houses OF inc
Legislature principal officers Of the Government foreign
Ministers ana other distinguished Dcrsonsges only 10 be
invited. The numbers form In my mind an ooIeeuoh !
but there may be separate tables In separate foon'
This is practlsed in some European Courts see No
other method IN which foreign Ministers with pro-
nrety be included any attentions Of the table "hieh
the President may at TO pay.
III The President Oh the evee days, either by HIM
self or some gentleman his household To give ioha
Invitations to family dinners on the days OF invitation
Not more than eight 70 be Invited At unf' anu
the matter 10 be confined essentially TO members OF the
Legislature and other Official charaeteFs The PRESIDENT
never remain long Of table
ht,k =. rrobable that the last article will
4
spond with the most Of those with whom your
Exceenoy may but pretty mature reneeuon
believe II will be necessary 70 remove the idea OF 100 I'M
nense Nh inequality, which fear would excite dssats
,.e,,op and cabal The thing may be managed as
neither to occasion much waste Of time nor TO Infringe on
dignity.
II "a an important point consider what persons
have access 10 your Excclency business The heads
Of departments WILL OF course. have this privilege For
eicn Ministers descriptions Will alao be entitled
TO it. In Europe. am informed Ambassadors only have
direct access the Chief Magistrate Something N'ry
near what prevails there would In my opinion, be- right
The distinction Of rank between diplomatic characters
REQUIRES attention and the door Of ought not 10 be
too wide class of persons. have thought that
the members OF tbs Senate should also have right Of
Individual matters relative 10 the public ad
pinstraon In England and France OF the realm
have this right We have none such in this country,
but believe will be satisfactory this people 20 know
there is body Of men In the State who have
right continual communication with the President IT
viii be considered safeguard against secret combinations
10 deceive him.
have. also asked myself: WIN Representatives
expect privilege. and Dc offended II they are
not allowed 10 participate with the Senatef There Is
sufficient danger Of this merit consideration But
there for the distinction In the Constitution
The Senate coupled with the President In certain eXecu
tive functions, treaties and appointments This makes
in degree his constitutional counselors and gives
them q peculiar claim the right OF On the
whole think discrimination will be proper and msy
DO haEarded
1 have chosen this methoo OF communication DeCauSe
I understand your Exeellency that IL would be most
convenient TO you The unstudied and uncerenonious
manner Of Will hope not render It the less acceptable
And IT, In the execution Of your commando St any time
and simplicity than ceremony or
profession, hatter myself you viii not that aceount
dstrust the sincerity my cordial wishes for personal
happiness and the success Of your Administration.
have the honor with the highest respect your
exeelency's most obedient and humble servsnt,
(Sirned, A. HAMILTON.