The National tribune., 1897-04-08
MANSION TpRONGED.,
President McKinley's Callers Nrmber
Thousands.

Every working day Of last week was the
Presidents busy day. In the opinion of the
White House officials. the number OF people
calling on Mai. Mckinley on Saturday last
was the greatest since he has been in once.
The President resembles Gen. Arthur IN MS
ability TO refuse request withous e.sug
offense ard in impressing his visitors with the
depth OF his sincerity. member OF the
Honse called cne day to remind him OF prom
ise made some time ago 10 give him an oppor-
funify lt be heard before certain matters were
decided The President looked surprised and
then said al am very glad you called to-day,
because had forgotten that promise, and you
hsve just come in time TO remind ME OF my
obligation to you. If you will come with me
now | will hear what you have to say on the
subject"
The President also received the call OF an
Indiana man to protest against the appoint
ment of a certain candidate as Postmaster.
He listened TO what the other had to say, and
then frankly told him that the gentleman OBJ
iecied 10 would be given the place for certain
good reasons.
II am sorry / cannot crafty you. he said,
land / thank you for coming. The next
time you have anything to ask hope you will
come direct to me- aud will oblige you ii 1T is
possible. In the mean time wear this flower
as a token Of my promise" and taking carna-
tion from his bution-hole he pinned it upon
lnc Iapct OF Tue NIS1toF . COAT. iHc lloo>ici
said later that he would rather have the flower
than the posiofiice.
The IL o'clock reception is known as free
for all, aud publication of this fact brings all
classes of people to the White House. Usually
the President stands at the entrance to his
room and secs the people as they pass by IN
line but on one day the line was broken, ana
the crowd rushed in pell-mel, heiter-skeiter.
Then a great scramble was made to see the
President. People pushed and elbowed. trying
10 get at him first One of the doorkeepers
restored order. The President saw each one in
turn. That the caller might impart his mission
in privacy the President would beckon him to
stepover to the south end of the room, distance
OF 10 or IS feet from the crowd. The President
would lean up against revolving bookcase
and listen to him. He did not seem to tire oil
this and each person was treated with the
utmost cordiality.
These receptions are rapidly growing IN
popularity. as an opportunity IS Afforded all
persons TO have a chat with the President. No
one is disbarred and everyone is certain TO see
the President, if he but wait long enough. Re-
ceiving callers in his private Office indiscrimi-
natey is a radical departure from precedent.
Not since the days of Lincoln has this practice
been in vogue. Presidents Grant, Hayes. Gar
field, Arthur Harrison and Cleveland admitted
persons TO their private office only after being
informed of the nature of their business. Mr..
Hayes used TO see many Office seekers as Presi-
dent Mckinley does but he received only a
limited number each day. President Mckinley
likes 10 limit. When he first came into Office
it was Secretary Porter's custom to remain at
The White House until after the President had
disposed of the IL o'clock callers. But he no
longer does this His office is thrown open,
and people enter it on their way to the Presi-
dents room. No precaution whatever is taken
10 protect the President from violence, and, in
fact. only one dooraeeper is inside the room
~hiie the President chats with the crowd.