New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-08-01
FOR LARGER WHITE HOUSE.
PLAN BEING ELABORATED FOR SUB
MISSION TO CONGRESS-

Washington. July 81 (SpeciaD.-For twenty years
or more the subject of providing more commodi-
Gus residence for the President OF the United
States as well as more suitable Accommodations
for the Offices OF the Executive has been dis
cussed and various plans have beer proposed
Mrs Harrison proposed enc. which was received
with general favor. but steps were taken 10
carry It out. although for years the necessity Of
doing something has been apparent and generally
recognized. The present building facing north,
Mrs Harrisons plans contemplated the construc-
ton OF two main additions facing respectively east
and west and forming. together with the resent
structure and two connecting semicircular con-
Meeting wings. court or park inclosed on three
sides and opened TO the south The connecting
wings curving toward the back OF the present
structure and connecting it with the proposed ad-
dtions were to be surmouned on either side by
a small dome with steep pitch.
Colonel Bingham, of the Army. who succeeded
General Wilson Superintendent of Public Build
ings and Grounds has in mind general plan for
the ENLARGEMENT of the mansion, the details OF
which he intends to work out as bring the
matter 10 the attention OF Congress at the coming
session His plan is in a measure an adaptation
OF one feature Of Mrs. Harrsons plans. yet differs
from these plans sufficiently TO have claim 10
originality and il could be carried out at a cost
perhaps inside Of $4,000. His idea is to provide
for all the additional that will be needed for
years 10 come without destroying or detracting
from the architectural appearance OF the mansion
now Is. He would do TINS ny throwing out Il
wing from each side OF the building the seq
ment Of a circle curying toward the back OF the
building somewhat similar TO the wings by which
Mrs. Harrison proposed to connect the two main
additions in her plan to the present structure One
OF these would extend curved line out from the
East Room and would occupy a part of the
epace now occupied by the conservatory.
Each wing would end In a pOrtico facing south,
and H. in the distant future. still more room were
proposed. facing each and west, coud be bul!t as
extensions from the southern examinations OF these
the building complete without these possible extern
sons A sketch OF the front elevation. with the
addition Of these wings VII snow no nareTla n
~ the mansion. The historic old structure would
be preserved in its individuality. and no shock be
given to the sentiment which surrounds II nor 10
srchitectural propriety Ionic columns similar TO
those which support the main portico. would be
used in the construction OF the wings, ana the
southern porticos of the wings would be supported
BY a colonnade. This proposed extension would
rrovide Ave or six additional bedrooms and state
dining room probably circular, about sixty feet IN
diameter in the west wings and in the east wing
ample Office rooms connecting with the rooms now
occupied for offices besides a broad CORRIDOR ana
great reception-room, similar to the dining-roorn
in the other wing. as an extension TO the East
Room. which is altogether too small for the accom-
mediation OF the immense throng at the PRESIDENTS
The need Of an extension of the building is uni
versally Acknowledged. and the fact that II can be
the hope that Congress- will provide the money. Az
present there are only Two sathTooms d IN the man
far short Of sufficient sleeping accommodations
The five additional bedrooms with bathrooms,
weud a he r room 1n woud
lieve the strain at the pubic receptions, besides
providing a suitable state dining hall. An elevator
verience and comfort OF both the residential and
Office portions of the building.