The advocate., 1892-01-06

zee our high public officials, grows every
year. It is almost as great an event In
the life Of the average American now to
see our "6rst lady Of the land" as it is
for q subject of the British crown to be-
hold Her HighnesS, Queen Victoria. The
crowded state at the White House recep-
tlOns occasions much discomfort to the
receiving party; as consequence there
Is to be "golden gate" placed at the en-
trance to the blue room. 1t will be about
four feet high and will be a bar to the en-
trance, but will not shut off the view of
such as wish to feast their eyes upon the
persons of American royalty.
There has recently been formed what
Is known as the carriage club, under the
leadership Of Mrs. Banker Vice Presi
dent Morton. The purpose of this club
is to improve and extend the White
House drive, and remodel it upon the
plan of Rotten Row in England and the
BoiS de Bologne in Paris. Blythe expen-
dlture Of few thousands Of public treas
ure on the reservation back of the White
House there will be made fine drive
where the elegant equipages Of "the
rich" may be displayed. 1t is to be hoped
that no refOrmer will be so niggardly as
to cavil or protest against an appropris-
tion for this purpose. Our national pride
has suffered for long time because of
our lack Of drive which would bear
comparison with those Of foreign capitals.
Mrs. Harrison is much interested In the
project. And / have been assured that
1t is not the design of the carriage club"
to exclude any owners of suitable turn
outs who may wish to enjoy the drive.
There will only be the stipulation that
unsuitable vehicles which would mar the
effect of the pageant may be excluded.
OF course the people, even should they
protest against an appropriation of their
money for this fine drive, and against the
bill asking for $4,000 to buy portrait
of Gen. Grant, and against the bill ask
ing for 100000 to improve and enlarge
the White House, the people will have
nothing to say about these things. The
people must stand on tip toe of suspense
and reverential awe and wonder "WhRt
Congress will do?"
1t may be that l am incurably stupid,
but have never been able to see that it
was right or honest for q nation to do
such things as would be unjust and dis
honest in an individual. Hence, cannot
for my life see why the nation should In
dulge in all manner of luxuries and ex
travagances while millions Of the men
and women OF the nation are suffering
for the comforts and the decencies Of
life.
In this very capital city and within a
few squares of the White House (Which
Is good enough for any body on earth to
live in) there are hundreds OF needy citi-
zenS Of this great republic who ought to
be given an opportunity to earn for their
families as many of the decencies and
comforts of life as will fit them to be-
come useful and patriotic citizens.
The Rev. W. E. Parson, chairman of
the board of visitors to penal and re-
fornatory institutions, said recently that
those institutions in the city are sham
and disgrace to civilization. In the
work house he found six, eight and nine
men crowded into narrow rooms that
were never meant for more than two.
The air of those herding places was foul
enough to breed pestilence. The full re-
port Of Mr.. Parson is enough to make
one sick at heart and disguised with the
hypocritical pretense that ours Is Christ |
ian nation. / am skeptical as to the
genuineness of the Christianity Of voters
who will look on and wonder "What
Congress will do" and refuse even to
study the efforts being made TO bring
about q better order Of industrial condi-
tions.
4.