The Savannah morning news., 1900-10-17
TO ENLARGE While HOUSE.
COMMISSION WILL RECOMMEND THE
IMPROVEMENT.

PIan Favored H. That Originated ~
the Late Mrs. Harrison-AdditioBs
20 ne Built of steel and Marble.
Ola Lines Of the Historic Mansion
90 he Preserved.
Washington. oct. is.-Regardless OF the
rcsult Of the approaching Presidential
election. the commission authorized az the
.ast Congress 90 consider the question Of
enlsrging the onicial residence Of the
Chief Executive has decided 70 recon
mend the plans originally suggested by
the late Mrs. BENJAMIN Harris. Tho re-
Bort OF the commission Is practically com
fleted and the drawings have been pen
ciied out 60 that the result Of the COM
missions elaboration will be ready for
presentation 10 the Committee on Public
Bulldings and Grounds when Congress
convenes in December Accompanying the
report will be a plaster model Of the
present building and the proposed extern
lions which IS to be finished in time 10 be
exhibited on the occasion % the Wash
ington celebration 20 be held IN this city
Dec. :. next.
eomplished without considerable outside
opposition. notably by certain architects
who are anxious 10 achieve fame and
glory. or both. by supplying the design
for the proposed extension OF the histori-
cal old mansion. There was also another
element OF opposition to contend against.
which threatens 10 make itself felt when
Ghe question Of making the necessary ap-
r-opriatlous comes before Congress. II Is
combination OF citizens who own de-
sirable property on Washington Heights.
AT the head OF Connecticut avenue ana
sixteenth street and are anxious 10 have
the official residence Of the President per-
,nanenfiy located In that elevated AMI
picturesque vicinity. II Is not a new IDEA
20 separate the executive office from the
President'F Official home. and a number
Of influential people are interested In Try
ing 10 bring about such a result IL is
doubtful II they will succeed although
they may delay the proposed extension
because OF merccnary rather than humane
motives.
Removal Not Likely.
Il In not likely. however. that this gen
Grafton will witness the change In the site
Of the President official residence from
its present location There Is no doubt
that as our country grows the necessity
for more liberal accommodations for the
President his family and his official stan
Increases There Is no disposition on the
mart OF even che most economical states
men 10 deny that fact. ana there Is Will
fngness. without regard 60 party, TO fur
sher the most feasible project that may
be suggested. The subject has been agl-
taxed for "a number OF years and the con-
- a. las Hfar
OF charging the present building aud az
the same time preserve the outlines OF the
original structure.
During the Harrison administration Mrs.
Harrison gave much time and considera-
tion 20 this subject. In addition 10 being
an Ideal housekeeper. she possessed also
more than ordinary merit as an ARTIST
Accordingly she suggested that the archi-
tectural beauty and symmetry Of the pres
snt building would not be marred by pre-
serving intact the grand old pile. which
Is so dear to every American citizen, and
extending its wings 20 the east and TO the
west, thus affording ample aevommoda-
lions for the constantly increasing eNecu-
ttv. force OF clerks and 40 the same time
supply the much-needed facilities for the
social and domestic portion Of the man
sion The writer remembers discussing
the subject with Gen Harrison while he
was President. ana the latter referred 10
the crampod condition OF the White
House lie remarked that the space was
80 limited that che occupant OF the build
ang was apt 60 experience sensations and
indonveuiences similar 20 a merchant who
lives over his shop.
Ladies All Like ~.
Notwithstanding the numerous draw
backs and discomntures Of Twins in the
Whpe House. IN its present conditions. Z"
continued Gen. Harrison II do nor he
Hcve there IS a lady In the land. who hap
pens 20 h. member OF a presidential
family. who would not cheerfully on
counter many little priyations rather than
Eesld. beyond the atmosphere Of historical
associations which cluster so thickly
around this old house. 80 beautiful IN
its simplicity"
The report the commission has adopted.
with slight modincations In regard 10
detail. will be known as "Aim. Harrison 8
plan. IL contemplafes the construction
81 an eastern and western wing, COM
structed Of fne steel and white marble.
with all the moderu' Improvements IN the
way q freight and passenger elevators.
The cas-; wing will be devoted TO the ex-
ecutlve force. furnishing better accom-
srsoafnflaue for social functions The fam.