Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1896-11-23
THE PRESIDENTS PRIVATE LIFE

Aside from the arduous official
duties of the president of the United
States, it is interesting to note some
of the pleasure and profit that accrue
from his term of four years. With
anincome of $136 day, or $4,000 a
year, paid by the strongest bank in
the country, the United States Treas
ury, he may or may not leave office
with a snug fortune of perhaps $780,
900, depending on whether his expen-
ditures have been of an extravagant
nature. Many presidents have taken
Office as poor men, but with the mon
ey they have saved during their
term, and the influence that the office
has brought them in business pursuits
afterwards, they have died compare
lively rich.
The country installs the president
| in the White HouSe-a magnificent
residence-and surrounds him with
every convenience. With an appro-
priation that Congress makes every
year most of the expenses of this es-
tablishment are paid.
The following is a fair idea of the
many incidentials that come free to
president: Every bit of linen, bed
ding, towels and such things is fur
nished. He is shaved by the White
House barber. His table is spread
with the finest, daintiest damask, set
with the most exquisite china and
bountifully supplied with flowers
from the White House conservatories.
If he sends q telegram, it is done from
an instrument in the White House,
for which the government pays His
stationery, postage, ETC., cost him
nothn 6. Should he desire a
game Of billiards, there is beautiful
table at hand; or If he wants to take
a drive, his stable, which the govern
ment pays the rent for and takes care
of, are amply equipped. When he en-
tiers his business office, man is sta
toned at the door to open and close
it; and q private secretary, to whom
the government pays a salary OF $4,000
a year, assists him with his CORES
pondence. The services of a type
writer are also furnished. He is pro-
tected from the curious by number
of private watchmen. Should he want
a cruise, a magnificent steamship
from the navy is placed at his dispo-
sal.
There are many other things that
cost him nothing, such as the culinary
arrangements, his steward, who does
the marketing, and many fancy deli
cacies sent him by enterprising firms.
This, by the way, is sort of nui-
sance, for it seems to be the desire of
every manufacturer of some new eat
able or drinkable to get it into the
White House. Things Of value that
find their way there are never accept
ed.
Lately the bicycle manufacturers
have tried to get President Cleveland
to ride wheel, and have offered the
most extravagant inducements to
both the president and Mrs. Cleve-
land. One firm said they would pre-
SOuU MIS-. VIC CldhO w IUu q gnu OLSJ
Gle studded with gems if she would
ride it.
The president has to give state dim
ners and state receptions, but the ex-
penses of these yearly, probably do
not exceed 81, 900 or $8,O 900. The Ma
rine band always supplies the music,
and the flowers come from the con-
servatory. 1t is seldom necessary to
decorate the reception-rooms of the
White House, so that these affairs,
although Of an elaborate and cere-
monial nature, are still inexpensive.
Upon bis retirement to private life, |
the influence that his presidential Of
flee has given him enables him to Sc
cure large sums in payment for what
ever he may do, such as a lecture, an
article in periodical, or, if he prac
tees laW-which most of our ex- pres
idents have done-such fees as so, 900 |
are no uncommon thing .-Harpers |
Round Table.
The Discovery Saved His Life.