The morning times., 1896-02-16

A Presidents Watchdog who showed
the wri,er through The White House and who
chattel Interestingly about the history OF
the cd I1ansiOn, is responsible for the as
sertiCu thai nine-tenths of those who visit
the Executive Mansion are strangers in the
city.
He wen. OF 10 say that the Washington
ians. AZ "A rule. seldom visit the place. or in
fact, aIrv OF the public buildings where the
great machinery of government is in mo-
tiOn yclr In and year Out, and that many OF
thefl are as ignorant of the interiors OF
some Of ouI grand and historic public build
ings as arr those who live in the remotest
States.
I. appears, however, that some interest
Is manifested spasmodicaIly in this build
ing, Nhicl. we delight in calling the Execu-
tive Mansion, and that it comes, usually,
when = change OF some manner is sug-
gestc1 for The privacy Of the Presidential
family. /, is very evident TO those who
Go no, vis:: the White House that ii is any
thing bu the private residence that it
was Igin3lly intended to be, and whenever
a change is suggested officially or other
wise f"r utt separation of the Presidents
wurESh"I fIom his household, The agitation
at oEoe begins tc spread; but not for long;
It usually lives a short life and dies again,
just as viii This present slight stir.
The plans and suggestions offered OF
late years, had they all been utilized. would
havespread thc " bite House inalid rections
over hair OF the city, for. Is Il rule, these
suggestions Were for The enlargement OF the
present building.
in the Senate in SS5 a bin was passed for
the construction or separate dwelling
IN the rear Of the W bite House for the living
of Ia y sfffppfigl FgFs hrF
that bill was quicllyvetoedb y Mr.. Cleveland.
MRS. HARRIsoN's PLANS.
The late Mrs. Harrison made strenuous ef-
effort 10 have the discomfort
remedied by advocating and having
plans draw wn for tie extens ion
Of this building by the ad 1itiou OF TWO wings
TO the east and west eudS, as she said. for
the comfort and convenience OF my sue
ceSs0rS, and for the provision OF a home
which might be creditable to the executive
OF tie greatest nation on he globe" But
the plan did not, by any means meet with
public approval. The public, and the WASH
IDgtoa public particularly, does net favor
a proposition for new White House, or an
unsiehtly addition to the present building.
Every WasninEt oman feels q pride and
appreciates tie beauty and dignity of the
grand old structure, and loves the tender
memories of our national life which cluster
around IL. Instead OF tampering with this
almost sacred building or marring its
beauty in any manner. they favor.and viii
always favor, the removal OF the Presi-
dents office TO quarters which are more
suitable for the feet OF officeseekers and
political schemers.
The old building is indeed a veritable
treasure-house Of national and historical
incidents, and 10 ever supersede it with
another, no matter how grand and impOs-
ing, would be little less than a piece OF
Ali
events and projects which have affected
the destiny OF our grand republic been
originated or shaped within her walls?
Since there is some talk current about
new Presidential quarters, il may not be
untimely or inappropriate TO take a peep
at the interior OF the historic mansion.
ApprOa ching from either the Avenue or
the Treasury side, one is at once struck
with the simplicity and dignity Of its arChi-
lecture. Tere is no sham or pretense about
the house, none of that straining after
architectural effects which seems 10 char
RcteriZe so many OF our modern structures.
but Just the spacious, diguified dwelling
that 1t was originally intended TO be.
NOT INTENDED FOR AN OFFICE.
The Presidential workshop feature which
has converted many OF lis rooms into a
lounging place and stamping ground for
hords Of office seekers and political plOtters
was no part of the original plan. il seems
70 have originated in President JackSon's
administration, and all Presidents since his
time have continued very much in the same
rut.
Before President Johnson time no
records or files were kept as is cone now
and there were no clerks. President Lin
coin had two secretaries, but the law al
lowed but one, and the other was merely
San army officer detailed for special
work"
Now there are four rooms in The east end
OF the second floor occupied for business
purposes by the President and his private
secretary and the staff OF clerks. Big
ledgers OF applications for office are posted
up daily, numerous pigeon holes are filled
with letters and bulky petitions, and one
room is devoted 10 the telegraph and tele-
phone service; In fact. it is es complete