The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1889-05-03

HOW THE HktsiDtNT AMtSES HIMSELF
READING THE FACES or HIs VISITORS
washington Letter to Philadelphia Telegraph
President HARRISON is a physiogno.
mist. He has great confidence 10 his
ability to read character through the
expressions of the human face. There
is fascination for him in the pursuit
of this theoretical science. lie has an
abundant opportunity just now to
crafty this fancy. While the throng
Of eager ofiice-seekers press upon him
and pour their arguments into his ear,
fondly hoping TO convince the court by
an ex parte statement of their cases,
the President is carefully reading their
countenances. In this way he forms
an idea of the men he has to deal
with, and at the same time amuses
himself. Now and then when face
especially interests him, he will detain
its possessor for moment and betray
him in variety of expressions by
cross-questioniug in manner 10 put
the man off his guard or disturb him
with emotions.
MIR. Harrison has been Senator
himself aud knows how it is with them
In this matter of Endorsement He
knows how they are cajoled or ooerced
into recommending parties for appoint
ment of whom they know little or have
little confidence in. He consults the
Congressman of his party, but has al
mOst as much confidence in his own
judgment of human nature as in their
Recommendations When he has stud
led a mans face and cross questioned
him, il the impression is not favorable
it would take good deal of argument
and very strong influence to make him
think favorably of the man for ap-
pointment. know of a man now in
Washington who is being recommend
ed in the strongest possible mnaner for
a certain very important appointment.
While he may be suited for the posi-
tion there is something in his face and
manner that is the reverse of that of
the ideal man for this Office of dignity.
One of his prominent supporters,
who is very astute gentleman, was
quick to recognize that his friend
would not make good impression up
House. He intimated as much to the
candidate, and that gentleman, al
though he has been here since March 4,
has never called at the White House
nor let the President know of his pres
ence at the Capital Mr.. Harrison is
an accomplished cross-examiner. He
acquired this at the bar, and has quite
q renutation in the Indiana courts for
the sharpness of his questions. What
he can't make out of the candidates
face he endeavors to learn by cross
questioning his hackers, when SEN
ator or member goes to recommend the
appointment OF constituent to some
office, Mr.. Harrison's first aim is to
ascertain by carefully put questions
whether or not the Senator or member
is very anxious about the matter.
Satisfied as to this he proceeds to dis
cover his motive in asking the appoint
mcnt and whether he really knows the
man. All this is done by diplomatic
questioning.
Mr.. Harrison remembers what he
learned by this examination Of the null
titudes. A hundred cases are brought
to his attention each day, but he sell
dom knows what he will do with any
of them until the moment he is about
to act. He then sends for Lie to
bring the papers in certain case. As
he goes over those his personal i'm
preston of the candidate goes long
ways towards influencing the selection,