The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-07
DAY OF HANDSHAKING.
EIGHT THOUSAND VISITORS CALL
ON THE PRESIDENT.
The Callers Also Frequently Get a Glimpse
OF Baby Kuth-Mrs. Cleveland Re-
ceived the Cabinet Ladies'.


the second time in his career Mr. cleve-
land began to realize this morning the
trials and tribuatlons which besct
new President during the first days OF
his term. Very fortunately Tor his ply
scal we'll being. however, the rest Of
the intervening Sunday and exodus on
that day OF thousands Of those who
would undoubtedly have thronged the
White House had they remained In town.
relieved him TO great extent
Of the fatigue OF the eN-
cessive handshaking which fell to his
part eight years ago when there was no
Sunday for rest, and spring-like weather
caused many people to extend their visit
TO Washington and make the customary
pilgrimage TO the Mecca Of the Executive
Mansion. But even as it was. he had
no easy day In accordance with MS
usual habit, Mr.. Cleveland rose early,
and after breakfasting, went dlrecty
to the Presidents room, where he at
tempted TO dispatch some business. But
crowds OF distinguished visitors soon De-
gan to storm the doors, and Mr. CleNe-
land was obliged to forego his work ana
listen to the honeyed words OF congratu-
lations from Governors OF States, Sena-
tors, Representatives and hosts or others.
Governors Pattison, Of Pennsylvania, and
Northen, of Georgia, each with his stan,
were the first callers who saw Mr.. CleVe-
land They were received informally IN
the Presidents room. Then came Gov
ernor Peck, the humorous statesman from
Wisconsin. and with him brass-buttoned
members OF his staff. Governor Morris,
of Connecticut, came, too. with his stan
Shortly after o'clock the brass bands
began TO play in the vicinity OF the White
House, and stepping out TO their music
came many political organizations. The
driveway leading TO the main door-ways
OF the White House was soon packed with
neople anxious to shake hands with the
President The Samuel j. Randall club,
Of Philadelphia, 100 strong. was the nrst
organization to obtain admittance, ana
its members were mustered In a hoiloW
square in the spacius East-room uhtl
Mr.. Cleveland came down stairs. IL was
not until IL 30 o'clock that he entered the
room. He was attred I'm black cutaway
and dark trousers, and looked the picture
OF good health. 1t was remarked by many
present. who had not seen him more IMAM
once or twice In four years, that his
appearance has much improved since MS
onicial exile from Washington His race
was ruddy his eye clear and ne stood
with a firmness that showed MN 10 pe
man OF remarkable vigor. Then, in rapid
succession. came other political cIuDs
from Brooklyn and Buffalo, among whom
were many OF Cleveland's personal friends.
After the clubs came the multitude or me
general public. They poured through the
main doorway In droves. Two lines or
neonle I'm double file marched under the
nortico from noon until l o'clock and In
through the main doorway then into the
East-room, past the bowling, smiling'
Misunderstanding Chief Magistrate around the
apartment and out of the window or exit
The lines extended hundred yards oe-
yond the entrance TO the White House
For a time they reached down the iohs
driveway and into Pennsylvania avenue.
Each person who managed TO get into the
mansion received a hand-shake ana
smile from Mr.. Cleveland. and he kept
I'm this monotonOus routine untll a
messenger came TO his relief at O'Clock
and Informed him that the Worlds FAR
delegation was waiting Tor MN III the
Cahinet-room. Mr.. Cleveland left the
East-room Immediately, much 10 the dls,
appointment OF hundreds who had lalled
10 see him. and these were not paclHeu
by the announcement from inc uooI
keepers that the President would return
Tho president passed the hour from
IN . o'clock I'm lunching and In teeelVlns
a number Of callers He saw Secretary
Carlisle Governor Tillman, Senator lrby
md a South Carolina delegation. Later
In the day Secretaries Gresham and smith
called.
rest and at AS he received the Wander
biIt Club, Of Charleston, 5. c.. with Con-
gresham Brawley at its head. AL .
O'Clock the last OF the general publl-
was received and the doors were closed TO
.,aiieTs.
1t is estimated that nearly 5000 persons
saw the President from the time he began
receiving this morning till he shook hands
with the last it. the line this evening
He disposed Of the visitors At the rate OF
about forty to the minute. and kept his
right hand going with a persstency that
rcust have been exceedingly fatiguinS
Baby Ruth was seen frequently during
the day at the central window overlooking
the pcrte cochere. She was recoSniz ad
frequently. and one time a few enthusi-
astic mothers in the crowd caused me
wondering child 20 receive a salute OF
waving haudkerchiefs.
Mis-. Cleveland received the Cabinet
ladies and a number Of personal friends
Her busiest time was between hnh D
o'clock. Will, Mr. Cleveland was shaking
hands with the Vanderbilt Club mem
bers.
His First OfficiaI Invitation.
President CIeveiands first official inyi-
tation was extended to him this afternoon.
II came from the Worlds Fair commis-
sioners and directors, and was presented
according 10 previous engagements In
the Cabinet room al 10 o'clock. IL In
vited the President 10 be present at and
participate in the opening exercises OF
the Columbian Worlds Fair and Expo
sItion on the lst day Of May next. Presi-
dent Cleveland's response was entirely
informal, and consisted mainly OF ques-
lions as TO the length OF the programme
and the time it would be necessary FOR
him TO remain In Chicago 70 perform
what was expected of him III l 60 ne
said. 'ft will be because deem 1t a pubic
duty which ought TO discharge. Al
that time, as you gentlemen are doubtless
aware. there will be many matters OF
public Importance to demand my presence