New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-12-15
INTEREST IN TIE PRESIDENT.

The more servile OF the Presidents worship
ners not only declare that il Is wanton outrage
10 censure him for leaving Washington at time
when his presence there, if not absolutely de-
manded by the public welfare, would be a con-
yenieuce to other officers OF the Government
and TO Congress, but even go so far as TO say
that any manifestation Of interest in his where
obouts. employments and state Of health Is an
impcrtinence This Is apparently Mr.. Cleve-
lands view of the matter also. il the report Is
truc that by his direction lighthouse keepers
and other Federal employees who might be ex-
pccted to sight him somewhere in the course
of his travels were forbidden to impart any in
formation which they should accidentally ac-
ouire. And the report probably Is true, for II
agrees with experience The President Is ac-
cnstomed TO make mystery OF his movements,
whenever necessity or inclination directs q
change of scene For reasons which are not oD-
vious and NAV be misunderstood. he dslikes to
he brought in contact with the public, or even
observed by strangers, and precautions are al
ways taken to conceal his goings ana comihgs
as far as possible OF course he is entitled To
consult his own preferences within reasonable
limits. and no serious complaint has been maze
hitherto because White House servants were
ordered TO know nothing about his expeditions
or to deny what they could not help knowing.
Many persons have regretted that he did not
act in n more natural and sensible manner, and
have thought he took a great deal OF unnecessary
trouble to avoid imaginary annoyances. But
nobody has been much worried over a COMPARE
lively harmless eccentrcity
It is possible however, 10 go to extremes even
t,; nd m M
if the President, in ordering public officials to
conceal their knowledge Of stormy and perhaps
perilous trip has not somewhat exceeded his
privilega as the imputation OF indecent curiosity
TO those who inquire about him Is ridiculous.
The President Of the United States Is IN impor-
tant person. and interest in his doinss is en-
tirely natural and proper. 1t is not as an indl-
yidual but as the Chief Magistrate that Mr..
Cleveland engages attention and at times Is
an object Of solictude lie had no occasion to
complain that his privacy was inlrnded upon
during the period of his residence in New-Iork,
from 1889 to 1893 We never heard OF his being
subjected TO the slightest annoyance in all that
time. prior to his denomination, when he once
more became public character and person OF
consequence 1t would be an extraordinary
thing. and an omen of evil, if the people Of the
United States desired to know nothing about
their President except through his official acts.
If i, TO be not only expected but desired that
they should follow his movements with inter-
est. feel a concern for his welfare and look for
reports Of his condition and pursuits. They do
not think that their observation either profanes
him or discredits them. or course they would
draw "A line Of decent respect for his personal
dignity and comfort, and indeed in years past,
when that line has once or twice been rudely
crossed they have signifed their contempt for
the intruders But there is nothing sacred about
n railroad Journey or a ducking expedition. and
they would welcome brief report of progress
AT suitable intervals when the President was
taking his pleasure or consulting his health.
Possibly the President though he has felt war
ranted in adopting extreme and peculiar meth
DDS for battling public interest. has not gone
quite so far himself as to accuse inQuirers and
well-wishers of insoencc That prepOserOus
conception may be exclusively confined TO those
who are even more Cleyelandish than Mr.. Cleve-
land