Morning journal and courier., 1889-04-22


 HOW he Receives the Crowds of Of flee Seekers That Call on Him. Washington Letter to the Philadelphia Tele- The man who wants to get special inter view with President Harrison in his private office must have staying qualities. It is not difficult to get an audience, but you must wait your turn, and there is no telling with certainty when that turn is to come. As fsI as Harrison himself is concerned there is nc
 red tape about getting at him within the proper hours, but he can see only so many in given time and each in the order of his coming. Senator and representatives and cabinet ministers may walk into his private office unannounced, but when they get there they must each take his proper turn to have his say.
 All other callers must send in their cards They are received after the hour of Congress has expired. Harrisou's manner of receiv- ing visitors in his private office is quite his own. His room is just off the large room where the cabinet sittings are held, commu- nicating with it by small door in one cor ner, and through it with the office of Private Secretary Hslford. Through the cabinet room all callers must pass to get to the Press ident, unless they are so highly distinguished as to be admitted through the library. It Is seldom that President Harrison receives one man alone in his office. Generally many ss twenty or thirty are standing around him waiting chance at his ear while he is talk ing to one. There is not much chance for general conversation and discussion of health or weather. They must get right down to business and be quick about it. Yet Harri- son has a way of making man feel as if he has been especially well treated and has not been hurried at all. This display of tact is appreciated the more because it was uuex- pected.
 Like some others who don't deserve it, Harrison has got the reputation of being cold and unapproachable. His conduct be- lies this reputation. He has way of get- ting out of man what the man has to say, and is also very quick to show his apprecia ton. He stands usually in front of his desk, which is between the two windows. He shakes hands with the caller, and if it is 8 man he knows we'll of, either personally or by reputation, he is apt to hold the hand for @ moment, giving the impression of one in mood to be receptive of condolences, such as office seekers have to make. He is always ready, if the caller makes a move that way, to retire to the recess of 8 window or else where out of the earshot of the others in the room. Otherwise he stands still and listens courteously. He has 8 way of taking hold of a mans coat-sleeve while listening to him, and sometimes he will rest the other hand on the speakers shoulder in way to give an impression of earnestness and sym pathy in what is being said. Garfield had way, when arguing the matter of office, of throwing one arm around the shoulder of the man-senator or member, as it might be, with whom he was talking. Harrison doesn't go quite this far, but when he is trying to impress a statesman with the fact that he is anxious to do the very best he can, but must not be expected to do more, he takes him by the hand and places one hand on his shoulder. There is nothing undigni6ed or effusive about this action. It is expressive merely of sympa- thy and courteous earnestness.