New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-31
GOSSIP AT THE CAPITAL.
THE PRESIDENTS FIRST VACATION IN
SUMMER OF HARD WORK.
SUMMER LIFE IN THE WHITE HoUsr-sUc-
CESS OF TIE BOND IssUE-THE
rr, "
FUTURE OF HAWAII.

recently enjoyed the first vacation he has had
this summer tip down the Potomac on the
tug Triton, as the guest OF Secretary Long II
was the briefest bit Of an outng-a short sail
down the river to where the naval guns are test
ed little below Indian Head. hut this "onc day
Off followed by Sunday, which the President
makes day OF rest whenever possible was to
, the oyerworked Executive a most refreshing
holiday
The President has a marvellOusly strong con-
stitution; his recuperative powers are simply
wonderful, and. according to Secretary Porter.
twenty-fdur hours rest does President Mckinley
much good as a weeks rest does the ordinary
hard worker. But since the war began he has
been unable to take even an occasional days
rest, the trip down the river with Secretary
Long being the only recreation he has had in
many months. With the thermometer carcss-
ing hundred in the shade. with everybody
who can possibly leave Washington fleeing to
the mountains and seashore like Spaniards from
Santiago; with columns Of the daily papers filled
with stories Of heat prostrations. the President
has stayed at his post with LOFTY faithfulness TO
duty.
Fer the Chief Executive begins work at 10
o'clock in the morning. He never leaves mis- desk
before midnight. and > o'clock in the morning
often finds him there The only intermsscns
about an hour for luncheon and an hour for
dinner. hour that he spends on the back
porch Of the White House with Mrs. Mckinley
in the hottest part of the late afternoon, and the
time taken UP in short drive about The
suburbs after dinner. But even during the mo-
ments he is supposed to be devoting to the
necessary relaxation the President reads the
papers. chats with members OF his Cabinet who
happen to catch him at leisure moments, or
pans work tina; is to follow.
The President is not experienced sailor
He has never crossed the ocean, never taken 4
voyage Of any length. and the little cruise he
took on the Dolphin soon after he was naugu-
rated was the first time he had ever been
big ship. but he enjoys it immensely. and Mrs
Mckinley who has crossed the water and is an
admirable sailor. is devoted TO the sea.
During the present summer the President and
Mr. Mckinley have received scores OF invita-
tons to visit the seashore the guests OF fash
iorable hotels at various resorts, and there IS
TO doubt but they would have gladly taken
few weeks vacation if the Presidents concep-
ton Of public duty had not forbidden it. As it
IT, the Presidents regrets. conveyed through
Secretary Porter answer all Of these invitations
The summer heat in Washington is known and
talked about all over the country. and although
the Executive Mansion is hot enough in
June July and August. il is not nearly so bad
-ts it might be- or even as other houses are
within a stone s-throw distance. It's walls are
q brick about four feet thick. and there are
wide verandas back and on the side The broad
windows are protected by awnings. and shade
trees serve - guards aginst The s1r The roorra
are large the ceilings high. generous supply
Of electric fans keeps the air in vigorous and
perpetual motion, and the house, facing north
and south. gets the benefit Of any breeze that IS
blowing II one has to stay the capital in the
summer there is. indeed, no better place to stay
in than the Executive Mansion.
TIE open-air concerts held by the Marine Band
Saturday afternoons on the White House lawn
have been largely attended this year, owing 70
the unusual number Of people in town, and
greatly enjoyed: but Mr.. Santlemann, the leader.
and his associates are a secondary attraction,
the President and Mrs. Mckinley, with their
visitors who fiji the large veranda on the south
Of the White House overlooking the bandstand.
being the first The President invariably and
cordially returns the salutes given him by pass
ing strangers, and Mrs. McKinley's pleasant
greetings make glad The hearts Of many.
One Of the most agreeable OF Mrs. Mckin-
leys lovable characteristics is her devotion to
children 1t is a very common thing during
these concerts TO see her beckon to or send
after little ones in the crowd and have them
brought to her on the veranda AT the last con-
cert her attention was attracted by two tiny
tots dressed bravey in sailor suits about twenty
steps out in the crowd She sent an attendant
10 bring them up to speak 10 her. Other little
children followed. and in few minutes the
EfF1ar