Evening star., 1897-03-03
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Major McKinley's Formal Call on
the President.
An INTERCHANGE OF COURTESIES
Busy Scenes About the Executive
Mansion.
MANY CALLERS OF NOTE

morning. AT II o'clock President-elect Nc
kinley made a formal call on President
Cleveland, and at noon the President re-
turned the visit
Quite large crowd gathered at the Ex-
ecutive Mansion long before the Ohio man
was to arrive. Many of them were stran-
gers, and were shut up in the east room
and the hallway leading to 1t while the
function was in progress. These visitors
took advantage of all tine windows, and
hung out of them in their anxiety to see
the incoming chief magistrate of the ma
ton.
1t was sharp II o'clock as the President
elects carriage drove under the portico at
a sharp trot. Crowds lined the sidewalks
half way down to the gates. In the car
riage were President-elect Mckinley, his
private secretary, Mr. j. Addison Porter
and Mr.. c. j. Bell, chairman of the inau-
gural committee. Mr.. Bell was the first
to alight, and aided Secretary Porter to
descend. He in turn assisted the Presi-
dent-elect.
Major McKinley's appearance was the
signal for an outburst of applause, which
was only ended he disappeared behind
the doors of the mansion. He looked we'll
and thoroughly rested. His step was as
sprlngy as 1t must have been thirty odd
years ago, when he marched with the boys
IN blue He showed no signs of fatigue and
left the impression on all the onlookers of
vigorous and hearty man.
A Pleasing Thought.
His face was wreathed in smiles as he
stepped across the entrance He has only
to make one more visit to the White House
before he comes as its next lawful occu-
pant. Perhaps it was the remembrance of
this fact that called out the SMILE
AS the party entered the vestibule the
1a
corridor were swung open and the party,
headed by President-elect Mckinley, en-
tered, the doors swung to, and the retiring
and incoming Presidents greeted each other
In the blue parlor
President Cleveland and Secretary Thur
ber stood on the right of the entrance and
received their distinguished callers Hands
were shaken all around, and the compli-
ments OF the day passed. The fact that
the weather bureau has promised a clear
day tomorrow was commented on, and
President Cleveland congratulated his guest
on his good fortune. 1t really may be
spoken of as MCKINLEY weather here
after.
The call lasted but few minutes. Again
the glass doors swung open, and Maj Nc
Kinley appeared silk hat in hand His
step was SPRINGER than ever and even in
dicated an eagerness. Before the vestibule
was crossed his hat was on his head, and
he was ready for the return journey. So
cordial, though, was the greeting of the
crowd assembled outside that the Prest-
dent-elect was forced to recognize 1t by
removing his hat. With a spring he was
in his carriage, his companions followed,
his carriage was Whirled aWay and the
crowd of sightseers- again confined them
selves to inspecting the east room and
pestering officials to see the remainder of
the building
Busy Day.
Following the President-elect's carriage
was second containing two members of
Tnr NAL b%l, MI
followed him into the vestibule of the
White House and did not take their car
riage until after the President-elect had
departed Then their vehicle followed
closely. No time was wasted and both
carriages were out on the avenue in
minute.
Ihe same crowd of visitors was most
fortunate this morning. Only a few min
utes had passed before Mrs Clevelands
carnage drew up. Sne tripped over the
portico, accompanied by Mrs. Carlisle, while
the crowd looked its hardest. She entered
her carriage ar alone, though. and without
even her footman drove off. Mrs. Carlisle
left at the same time for her home.
The last day of the administration at the
white House was busy one. The Presi-
dent was up early. Seated in a big chair
he was able to give his attention to he
many measures now before him for ap-
proval. He kept at 1t right along until II
o'clock, when he rested for few minutes
l.
ter this function he returned to his room
and began again his delving into the work
piled up before him. There seems 20 be
no doubt now that he will be able to take
immense will power stands him In good
stead now and he will be in line If he has
to drag himself there.
Many Callers.
Secretary Thurber was kept as busy as
bee. His presence was required in all di-
rections, and crowds of callers were pres
ent to see him. There was a constant in
terchange of informal visits between Sec
retary Thurber and his assistant, Mai.
Pruden. Any one could tell at a glance
tnat 1t was an important and busy occa-
sion. ~
Secretary Lamont was among the first
callers He came early, and repeated his
visit several times. Gen. Wilson chief of
engineers and Marshal Wilson of the Dis
minutes with Mr.. Thurber Then Mai
Moore. chief of police, called, and it was
soon known that everything was com:
pIeted SO far as they were concerned for
the next days program.
Col. Myron NJ. Parker of the District
came In during the morning and ran
against Mr.. Thurber in the waiting room.
Col. Farker was accompanied by several
slraends. whom he introduced to Mr. Thur
per. The party made merry for some time.
and during the course of the merriment Col
Parker took occasion to inform his friends
that he had no pull with the next admins
tration. The declaration was greeted with
shout Of laughter.
The White House people are still feeling
very indignant over the publication of the
Bushnell incident. 1t was learned this
morning that the staff officer who first cali
ed on Secretary Thurber repeated his visit
last night. He informed Mr.. Thurber that
ne was not responsible for the publIcation
OF the story. He also assured Mr.. Thurber
that Gov. Bushnell thoroughly appreciated
the circumstances.
Judge McCreary Of Kentucky was anoth-
er caller, but he did not remain long. and
left after few minutes spent in Mr
Thurber's room.
The Return Call.
Five minutes before noon the Presidents
carriage drew up In front of the White
House. The crowd formed respectfully on
each side. and shortly the President, ac-
companied by Secretary Thurber, appear
ed. The President limped perceptibly, and
showed evidences OF suffering. His right
foot was specially protected by specially
prepared fcotgear. but he walked to his
carriage without assistance. They were
driven to the Ebbitt House and were gone
but a short time.
The rain did not keep away visitors from