The times., 1897-05-16
To LEAVE THE WHITE HOUSE.
President Mckinley Will Pass
Summer Months in Virginia.
CHERRY FARM HIS CHOICE
Ex-senator Henderson Offers His
Beautiful Country Home-McKin-
ley to Ride Horseback, Drink
Fresh Milk, and Enjoy Himself
in Good, Old Country Fashion.

President Mckinley will probably soou
. change his residence from the Executive
Mansion TO Cherry Farm, a large country
place in Alexandria county, Va, about
two miles from Fort Myer.
For number of administration back
it has been the custom OF Presidents To
pass the first part OF the summer in country
residences close to Washington.
Such was Mr.. Cleveland's practice at Red
Top during his first term and at woodley
Lane during his last.
1t has been known for some time that the
President, both on account OF Mrs. Nc
kinley's delicate h ealth and out of
regard for his own health would be
obliged to follow his example, and specula-
tion is rlfe as TO the place he would choose.
The residence which Mr. Mckinley has
determined TO take is the property of ex-
Senator Henderson, who lives 1T the cor
ner of Sixteenth street and Boundary, in
the house known as the Sixteenth Street
Castle
Mr. Henderson has decided to take his
family TO his country residence, in the
Adirondacks, and, as the place in Alex
andria county is unoccupied, he has sew
eral times begged that the President would
make it his home during the summer
months that he is Obliged to remain in
Washington through the session of Con-
gress.
Mr.. Mckinley has had the offer under
consideration for some time. 1t is reported
on good authority that he has made up his
mind to accept
The estate is situated about four miles
from the city limits, making it an easy
hours ride from the White House Bet
ter yet. it viii offer very pleasant jour-
ney for horseback riding, andit is probable
that on fair days Mr. McKinley's love Of
that pastfIne will cause him to be seen
frequently in the saddle.
He will, of course, remain at Cherry Farm
only until the close OF the present session
of Congress, after which he is TO take a
summer home further from the city for
the rest OF the season.
Cherry Farm is situated on the Falls
Church road, and is perched way up on
che hillside, about $50 feet above the
sea level The nearest settlement is Balls
ton. about half a mile away. The situ-
alton is romantic, the views from the win
dows most beautiful, and, above all, the
place is said to be very healthfui
The residence is q spacious frame house
built in Elizdbethan style. 1t contains four
teen rooms; five sleeping apartments in
the upper story, and large parlors, dining
rooms and recepdon-rooms on the ground
floor. 1t is handsomely furnished, hav-
ing been fitted up so that Mr.. Henderson
might occupy it st moments notice, and
for the same reason is in perfect repair.
The only change which has been thought
necessary is a repainting, which it is st
present receiving. Less than sixty feet
from the large mansion is a smaller house,
which it is said viii be occupied by Secre-
tary Porter and his family. The estate
covers u little over 400 acres. It is covered
in parts by forests and orchard, in which
the prominence Of cherry trees has caused
it to be called Cherry Farm.
Around tie houses is q magnificent
lawn
Ex-senator Henderson, when asked about
the matter yesterday, said that he had
made several offers Of the place to
President Mckinley, but that he had, SO
far, received no answer. He thought it
most probable, however, that Mr. Nc
Kinley would soon be obliged to choose q
country residence, and that his offer would
be accepted