Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-12-30

One Bad Result of Combining Public Offices
and Private Residence.

One Bad Result of Combining Public Onices
and Private Residence.
1t is a singular commentary on American in
stitutions that the President Of the United
States is compelled by stress OF circumstances
to conduct the business of his Office in a build
ing, the principal part of which is quarantined
by the local health authorities as a place of
danger.
This is one of the evil results of combining
the public Office and the private residence of
the chief executive in the same building. The
Presidents grandchild is down with the scarlet
fever and the entire household. from the Presi-
dent down are in more or less danger from the
contagion.
The fact that the patient is isolated in a
secluded part of the mansion OF course mini
miZes the danger. but does not remove
IL altogether despite the extreme sanitary
precautions taken for their safety. Fortunately
the disease has been successfully confined TO
the one case so far. bus there is no certainty
that i; may not yet claim another victim among
the many persons whom existing conditions
compel TO remain under the same roof.
FEARS OF ALARMIsTs.
Indeed, there alarmists who assert that
the germs of the disease will exist in the house
long after the recovery of the present case. and
will seriously endanger the health of the family
of the incoming president, especially the juvenile
member. meaning, of course, the Gel, brated
Baby Ruth. This is a very extreme view. how
ever and Is hardly justifable, especially in
view of the radical measures that are now being
taken to prevent a spresd Of the disease and
which will be redoubled when the present case
has run its course.
Nothing will be left undone to ensure the en-
tire eradication of all contaminating germs
that may possibly linger in the vicinity Of the
sick chamber.
PRESENTATION DELAYED.
One of the effects of the present condition of
affairs at the White House is to delay the formal
presentation to the President OF the Brazilian
commissioners who are now in this city for
the purpose of submitting to his arbitrament
the question in dispute between Brazil and the
Argentine republic over the Missioner bound
AIRY line. They presented request TO that ef-
feet TO Secretary John ". Foster yesterday
but a. his suggestion the ceremony has been
deferred for the present on account Of sickness
in the Presidents family.
1t is not altogether improbable that the
President may deem ii advisable TO accord
them preliminary audience al the State De-
partment or at the residence OF the Secretary
Of State, as there is no likelihood of the quar-
antine at the White House being raised for two
weeks yet.
These presentations usually take place in the
blue parlor, il being the only good aundience
chamber in the building. but the President
NAV waive ali plcCeucnts III tucu anu
receive the visitors in his private Office. This
is a much less prntentious apartment, but
might answer the purpose a. well as the other.
THE ARGESrrSE COMMISSIONERS NOT HARE.
The Argentine commissioners have not yet
reached here, SO there is no immediate occasion
for the consideration of the main questions at
issue. These gentlemen left their own capital
some time ago for this country, but they are
making the trip by way of Europe it is sup
- Lz1.. 49,. 1.s. ~
London. Paris or some other foteiga capital
All meetings of the cabinet have been called
off for the present The members, however,
visit the President whenever necessary. Secre-
tary Rusk and Attorney General Miller made
snort visit to the White House today. The
President went out walking in the afternoon
with the two Mckee children, for whose safety
he is specially solicitous.