The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1890-05-01
PRESIDENTIAL PERQUISITES.
Things Which Are Free TO the Master oi
the White House.

Things Which Are Free to the Master OF
the White House.
All things considered, the office Of
President of the United States is rather
bare of perquisites. Probably he has
fewer such than any other great ruler in
the world Beyond few articles in the
vegetable way, the nation provides him
with very little in addition to his salary
of $4,000 year. He has even to pay out
of his own pocket the wages Of his cook
and maid servants, as we'll as the hire OF
his coachman and the price of fodder for
mis- horses.
When he gives a State dinner, which Is
clearly an official and not a personal
affair, he has to pay for it. Not only does
he not get anything cheaper than other
people on account of being President, but
he has actually to give more than ordin-
ary folks for whatever he buys. At least
so Star reporter was informed. The
moment it is known that he desires pair
of horses the price of the ANIMALS jumps
fifty per cent, IL is the same way with
everything As for horses and carriages,
the President must buy his own.
1t is true that the President does have
some things allowed him He has his
dwelling rent free, which means that he
is permitted to occupy few rooms up
stairs in an Office building called the Ex-
ecutive Mansion. When ne gives an
entertainment the rooms wherein he re-
ceives his guests are decorated for him
in the highest style Of the art with plants
and flowers from the great city green
houses, supplemented by what the White
House conservatories are able to supply,
all free of charge.
Supposing that the entertainment is 8
dinner, all the equipments of the table.
including the napery, silver, china, glass;
ware, mirrors and other centrepieces, as
well as the floral decorations, are pro-
vided gratis. In fact, az such household
Announcements, as well as supplies Of
lineu and furniture of all sorts requisite,
are placed at the Presidents disposal
When the things wear out Congress re-
! places them by appropriation. Only a
| little while ago 5000 was paid for q new
china set for the President, although the
| Chief Magistrate of the United States has
| to pay his own cook and chambermaids;
butler and housekeeper are paid by the
| government to take care of his dwelling.
| The butler is bonded officer known
| officially as the steward, y whose duty it
| is to look after the domestic affairs of the
| establishment. He sees to the heat and
| lighting-both of them supplied at the ma
| tion's expense-and purchases ell the pro-
/ visions for the Presidents household.
| The housekeeper superintends all such
4 things as ordinarily come under the
| supervision of a person acting in that
capacity. 1t is true that the Chief Ex-
/ ecutive must provide his own horses car
| riages and coachman, but one strictly
official turnout is given him, with .
| groom in addition. Also there is appro-
priated each year $4,000 for White House
| stationery, kilograms, library books and
other contingent expenses. Last, but not
least, yacht is placed at the Presidents 3
disposal by the Navy Departments the
| United States steamer Dispatch, which Is
| always kept ready for his orders and ser
| vice. Mr.. Cleveland would never make
any use of the Dispatch. but no other
President has ever entertained any scru-
pies on the subject. Mr.. Arthur found
te nvessel especially available as pleas-
hre craft Washington Star.