The Roanoke times. (Roanoke, Va.) 1897-1977, 1897-08-28
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Talk OF Enlarging the White House-some
of Its Valuable Antiques-Mrs.
Harrison's Good Work.
Especial Correspondence.1

ana long accounts arc seen i'll the pa
pers and sketches published showing
what alterations arc to be made and tho
statement is repeatedly emphasized that
the proposed changes will not only in
crease the size, but add to tho original
classic beauty of the old mansion so
dear to the heart of every American. In
the Harrison administration the cXecu-
Two mansion, as roomy as it undoubt-
edly is, was found to lack accommodate
lions for tho friends and relatives who
made 1T their home, and the late Mrs
harrison even called i'll IL celebrated
architect to draw up plans embodying
her Ideas for the enlargement of "the
homo of presidents" threefold by the
addition Of two long wings. But, aside
from the plans being published and
commented upon ut the time, nothing
was done. Then, as now, there was a
strong feeling against any change in
the classic beauty of the old building
that is every patriots pride. 1t is now
said that the drawings have been pre-
served in the Office of Colonel Bingham,
tho superintendent of public buildings
and grounds and may yet be utilized.
Few Antiques In the White House.
1t is true that tho number of rooms
required for offices in the White House
reduces the chamber space of the second
moor and nccessltatos long and fatigu-
ing climb up tho stairs which many
elderly statesmen find laborious, and it
is proposed to Immediately replace the
Anticipated, out of dato hydraulic eleva-
tor, which was put in for Mother"
Garfield's uso and which can never be
depended upon to work when required,
by modern one that will savo Mrs
Mckinley much unnecessary exertion
and be boon indeed to those who have
TO mako frequent calls on business.
1t is truly astonishing to know how
very few antiques the White House
boasts. No one seems to know where
the historic relics that should be among
Its most precious possessions have dis
appeared to. In the stormy days of civil
strife i'll Lincoln's admin stration, it is
said. tho soldiers filled every corner of
the mansion, and as each one desired a
souvenir and had the fullest opportunity
to take 1t the presidents house was
stripped of many historic ornaments
that had found their way there to re-
place those destroyed by the British at
the time of the burning and pillaging
| of tho capital
1t is duo to Mrs. Harrison and her
caro- and appreciation of the worth to
the nation of the rare old bric-a-brac
stored away and forgotten in the garrett
that tho few historic ornaments nro dat
ed and preserved.
Mrs. Harrison's Valuable Find.
y particularly valuable find that Mrs.
Harrison delighted in is an ANTIQUE
punch bowl whose dusty fragments were
cleaned and mended by her orders. It's
history is unknown, but it remains to-
day one Of the chief attractions of the
state dining room. Three graces in blue
and white bisque form tho base of the
huge bowl. The exquisite set of china
made to order for Mrs. Hayes, represent
ing tho flora and fauna of the country
and costing several thousand dollars, is
pretty well smashed up, and but few
pieces remain. tho same being true of
tho handsome set of china that was pur-
chased at the time of Nellie Grant S
wedding. All that remain now are the
half dozen pieces displayed on tho big
sldeboard that does service in one of the
| private 0lnluS rooms.
To Mrs. Grant the White House owes
most of its richest treasures, and there
| Is not room III the mansion that does
not boast some ornament purchased dur
ing her regime. Perhaps the most cele-
brated of her additions to the objects of
art is the exquisite silver boat purchased
| ut the Centennial exhibit. 1t represents
the birch bark canoe of Hiawatha and
always graces tho festive board OH state
occasions On the old mahogany side
board in the state dining room is mag
nificent bronze, and in fsiSoi red room are
IL beautiful gilt pitcher and bowl, while
tall gilt candlesticks. purchased by Mrs
Grant abroad, all remain to testify to
the taste OF that estimablo lady.
A Rare Old Porcelain.
Among the few antiques whose his
tory has been preserved is q rare old
porcelain. presented to Franklin when
he was ambassador to France; but.
strange as it may seem, its companion
piece, that four years ago was in its
place, has now disappeared. But such
things have happened before in the
worlds history
Postmaster General Gary and family
havo taken up their abode mt a little
town called Catonville, just beyond
Baltimore. ana the postmaster takes n
40 minute ride to and from the city
twice every day by rail. Judging by
the floral display i'll his Office, The Sum
init, as his home is styled, must abound
in fragrant bloom. roses and other flow
ers always making it attractive to the