The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1900-10-29

extensions. which is to be finished in time
to be exhibited on the occasion of the
Washington centennial celebration to be
held in this city December 9TH next.
The work of the commission was not
accomplished without considerable out
side opposition-notably by certain archi-
tects, who are anxious to achieve fame
and glory, or both, by supplying the de-
sign for the proposed extension of the
historical old mansion. There was also
another element of opposition which
threatens to make itself felt when the
question of making the necessary appro-
priation comes before congress. 1t is a
combination of citizens who own desirable
property on Washington Heights. at the
head of Connecticut avenue and SIX
teenth street, and who are anxious 10
have the official residence of the presi-
dent permanently located in that elevat-
ed and picturesque vicinity. Ii Is not
new idea to separate the executive othce
from the presidents official home, and
number of influential people are inteh
ested in trying to bring about such re-
suit. 1t is doubtful if they will succeeS,
although they may delay the proposed
extension because of mercenary rather
than humane motives.
1t Is not likely, however. that this gen.
Grafton will witness the change In the
site of the presidents official residence
from it's present location. There is no
doubt that as our country grows the ne
cessity for more liberal accommodations
for the president. his family and his Of
fetal staff increases. There is no dispo-
sition on the part of even the most eco
nomical statesmen to deny that fact. ana
there is a willingness. without regard to
party. to furtheI the most feaslble pro-
iect that may be suggested. The subject
has been agitated for "a number or years
and the concensus of opinion appears 10
be i'm favor of enlarging the present build
ing and at the same time preserve the
outlines of the original structure.
During the Harrison administration
Mrs Harrison gave much time and con-
sideratiou to this subject. In addition TO
being an ideal housekeeper, she also pos
sessed more. than ordinary merit as an
artist Accordingly she suggested that
the architectural beauty and symmetry
of the present building would not DE
married by preserving intact the grand
old pile and extending It's wings 10 'he
east and to the west. thus af1ordIhS am
pie accommodations for the constantly
increasing executive force OF clerks anu
at the same time supply the much needed
facilities for the social and domestic por-
ton of the mansion. gentleman VINO
discussed the subject with General Harrl-
son while he was president says General
Harrison, referring to the cramped coilul-
ton OF the white house. remarked thaI
the space was so limited that the occu-
pant of the building was apt to experience
sensations and Inconvenience similar 10
a mere hant who lives over his shop.
Notwithstanding the numerous draw
backs and diScomttureS of living IN the
white house in it's present condltlon'
continued General Harrison, u DO not pc
lieye there IS any lady in the land who
hanDens to he a member of a presidential
family who would not cheerfully encoun-
ter many little Inconvenience rather uldii
reside beyond the atmosphere OF hlStoII-
cal events and associations winch Gus
ter so thicSly around TINS olu mouse pSi"
tiful in its simplicity.
The report the commission has adopted,
with slight modification in regard to de-
tail, will be known as Mrs. Harrison
plan" II contemplates the construction
of an east and a west wing of steel and
white marble with all the modern I'M
provements. The east wing Will be de-
voted to the executive force, and furnish
better accommodations for official func-
tons The west wing will contain large
state dining room, capable of seating a
hundred guests if necessary. The present
state dining room is crowded beyond com
fort with fifty guests at table ana or
recent years it has been the practice 10
spread tho state dinners in the main
corridor on the first floor. The second
floor of the west wing Will supply addi-
tional living accommodations for the
president and his family and there will
be a private entrance from the west, so
that official functions will not as now be
retarded by the appearance at the front
door of the garbage man. the eNpressman
with presidential luggage, or the grocer
or the butcher delivering the domestic
supplies.
According to the plans and specifica
tfons as now drawn, il will require an
expenditure of something near one mil
lion of dollars, but when the work is
completed the country will have n home
for it's president that will present grand
and noble appearance, commodiouS ana
convenient and at the same time the
lines Of the present structure VIII be as
fully preserved as were the lines of the
capitol when the senate and house wings
were added