Los Angeles herald., 1891-10-02

man I ever met is the president. If any
one goes to him with business of which
he expects to hold something back. to
cover part of it up, or leave something
misunderstood, he will quickly discover
that he has gone to the wrong man. In
Variably the president asks the very cues
ton that the caller would prefer he should
not ask. If there is any one inquiry that
will go at once to the bottom of the matter.
opening it up all from the base, that is the
very inquiry which the president is sure to
make His quick comprehension, his in
slant acuteness, his incisive inquiries are
rather trying to the man who has a little
scheme to work and who had fondly hoped
the president would take a good deal on
faith.
But the president takes nothing on faith.
He wants to put a large deep hole into ev-
cry subject that comes before him and let
a flood of light in. | suspect that if the
president is unpopular among office seek
ers, politicians and fellows of that class, as
be is said to be, the reason is to be found
in this way of his of wanting to know ev-
erything and taking nothing on faith.
can easily see how this style of doing bust
ness might be unpleasant for the presi-
dents callers, but it is the method which
makes safe, clean work in the White
House."
was told a couple of stories the other
day which illustrates the contrast between
the characters of Mr.. Harrison and Mr.
Cleveland. One of General Harrison's old
friends from Indiana called at the White
House to see him during business hours.
He was admitted to the presidents library,
but after a minutes conversation was re-
minded that a dozen or more senators
and representatives were awaiting an au-
dience. "Come some other time" said the
president, "and shall be glad TO sit down
and have a talk with you. Good day."
This man was foolish enough to take Of
Tense at the presidents businesslike man
ner. and returned to his home so angry
that he has not yet gotten over it. This
shows the ease with which even well
meaning president may offend his friends.
The other story IS of ex President Cleve
land, who while in the White House was
inclined to go to the other extreme. Mr..
Cleveland was so fond of seeing his old
friends and having a chat with them that
be would incur the risk of offending public
men in order to do 50. One day not long
after Mr.. Clevelands Inauguration, Mr.
G. e. FELTON,, superintendent of the house
White House to see the president, who
had been an intimate friend of his in Buff
falo. The anteroom was full of senators
and representatives awaiting an audience.
"You see how it is, said Lamont, "but
if you are an old friend am sure the presi-
dent will be glad to see you for minute"
FELTON, and a friend accompanying him
were ushered into the library, and as they
passed in, the waiting senators frowned and
muttered one to another. After q mo
ment's conversation in the library the call
ers turned to go, saying that they had seen
the statesmen waiting outside and they
didn't want to interfere.
"Never mind those senators out there"
said Mr.. Cleveland, taking his old friend
by the shoulder and pushing him back
into the chair from which he had risen. 81
can see them any day, and l don't get to
see you once in dogs age"
But the senators will be offended at see
ing unimportant strangers like us come in
ahead of them and have a long audience
There are two of them going away now, as
mad as wet hens, Pll bet"
That's all right" said Mr.. Cleveland.
IF they get angry they'll get over it, and
if they go away hot they'll come back cool
enough. Every one of those senators
wants an office for his constituents, and
Pm SO tired of senators and office hunting
that I'm going to insist on you staying
half an hour. In accepting the presidency
man doesn't have to give up his old
friends and the pleasure of their company,
does he" ROBERT GRAVES.