New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-22
THE PRESIDENTS HOUSE.
MRS. HARRISON TELLS HOW MUCH ENLARGE
MENT rs NEEDED.
Ernnn philadelnhia InnmlIpr

FROM The Philadelphla inquirer
Thee had been agations of the subject of new
Executive residence before, but they had always been
associated with land specula'ons and evidences Of
lobbery which put the stamp of disapprobaon
upon the projects. The present scheme of utilizing
the existing structure in part and enlare1ng It, sug-
Mrs. Harrison is ono which meets the approval OF
the President, and Will doubtless be carried out. In
speaking on the subject Mrs. Harrison said
Very few people understand u what straits the
Presidents family has been put at times for lack Of
ESen p III 81 Wc &c aS ns S
return for social consideration shown himself and Miss
Lane While at London BY the Princes mothsr by the
Bruce. of HIS suite. provided with apartments.
the President who gave up his room. was obliged to
Of the Princes suite compelled 10 find quarters at
the British Legation. Really there are only five sleep
family had parior upstairs, now they are compelled
10 sit out In the corridor upstairs, which Is not
up 1 e by panDss and 'npI tighter shse Of
cOlorng upon the walls. but even then there
Is no pleasure theo as the low TEMPORARY par
81 sounds from persons entering the library by the
really feeling Of privacy and cannot be under the
circumstances. The Red Parlor downstairs has been
used for family parlor but that : neonvenlent II
are often interrupted by persons who have permits
sion to look through the psors This cannot be
rule must be relaxed. So that really the ladies of
the Executive Mansion have no suitable place TO re-
Besides this there conveniences for house
keeping There is not linen-closet in the whole
house. | am now having constructed In a por-
ton Of the building which will not trespass upon room
available for other purposes The basement Is the
and unhealthy. have Just been comforting with
Colonel Wilson, in hopes Of being able to remedy it.
There are many things which must be done and in
tend TO have them done that tho Presidents family
may he as comfortable a. accommodations al hand
viii admit and shall hope to sufficient interest
BY Congress in the subject of an extension Of the
Presidents mansion TO begin that work at once
has extended its own own Official place. the Capitol
by the addition of beautiful wings for the accommo
dation Of the senate and House Af Representatives
which had ontgrown the once ample accommodations
OF the original Capitol. Then the executive depart
mens were given buildings adequate to their noces
sitcs. Those great of marble and granite in
beautiful architectural forms, like everything else at
honor TO the Government Of the Republic glory 70
free Institutions and the pride OF the American people
THE idea Of making an extension OF the Executive
Mansion 10 the west w0uld moi involve any loss on
oount OF the removal Of the present atorics
They are old and decay is rapid. Quite enough money
expended upon them in repair every year or two 20
rcouid them. Therefore their removal would be
ober de s Of ss S on gIsnd scale on me
economy 3S IN the course Of few years.
extension tens on the west should Of course
me present building. 1t might be of marble TO dis
mngnish II from the granite building either side
II shonh De spacious enough for all the wants, not
only OF the Presidents family, but for entertaining
quests IL should have entrances for the family apart
from me public Now II is impossible TO get I'm or out
OF The mansion without encounterfng persons
passing IN and out on business with the President or
extension wonld be entirely private. There the wife
OF the President might hold her drawing rooms and
receive her own friends. The corridors and narinrs
should be on large scale and the chambers spacions
and fitted with all the modern ideas Of comfort pos
sbly the lower floor might be arranged SO as IN no
thrown into communication with the present parlors
special occasions. and arrangements nigh, be made
for the Fashionable throng to circulate through the
parlors without the usual Jams.
:" Just think OF a reception now Before the hour
great throng Is packed In the narrow corridor and
people outside have difficulty in getting IN The
Diplomatic Corps and members OF the Cabinet and
other privileged persons forced 90 around 10 the
south front and enter through window into the Red
Fsrlor which is usually full The departing thropg is
CONF elled TO find exit through another window and
across temporary bridge. There no proper az.
commodations for ladies' wrappngs nor eentemen's
hats or coats The enlargement OF the accommoda lions
U.s. IN fact as much for the accommodation OF the
people who entitled to attend these receptions
for the Presidents family
"A combination OF a grand gallery for historical
paintings and conservatory would be source OF
Instruction and pleasure those attending receptions
strangers visiting the building. Everything Of in
might be concentrated here Tho cOnsclv atary
should have broad among the ranges of plants
so that they may not only appear 10 best advantage
but so that the guests may ENJOY themselves I'm a
promenade surrounded by the luXuiiance OF rare
reties Of plant life from every portion OF the globe
The gallery OF historic paintings would also afford In
sfructive entertainment for promenadlng guests What
= convenience and comfort this would be 10 the
thousand more ladies, particularly. In elegant
oilottes, who often crowded into the East Room
very excellent plan could b. made for conservatory
gallery Of paintings and hall OF statuary, and what