The Washington times., 1902-07-13
Considerably Puffed Up
by the Prominence of Its
First Citizen, Oyster Bay
Does Not Go In Much for
Ceremonious Display or
Formalty-A11 Its People
Are Neighbors and They
Regard the President as
One Of Them, as He Does
Himself While There.

4A1lSCA w luQC llSISS
green. The New York aristocracy may
monopolize the supply of pure cream at
times. but this, it is said, occurs at the
Octagon House as well when the boniface
has epicures as his guests. At any rate
some stringency was to be expected when
a whole corps Of New York and Wash
ington newspaper men swooped down on
the Octagon-and announced to the Will
ing mine host Weeks that they had come
to stay.
Supplying Horses for Visitors.
With the Presidents arrival and the
consequent influx of correspondents who
found 1t necessary to keep in touch with
Mr.. Roosevelt's plans, the available
supply Of horses and carriages came into
great demand The liveryman of the
village is Mr. Sniffen, an unassuming
man, who nevertheless impresses one
as being a splendid Judge of horsefiesh.
Mr.. Sniffen admits that he has some
splendid horses, some nags, and some
mere quadrupeds. with conyeyances to
suit. His popularity with those who
know him best is due largely, perhaps,
to his sincerity, which he carries into
every transaction Of every day. The
best animal in his stalls and the smart
est trap he owns are at the disposal of
the first conner; for the last he offers
what he may have left, but not without
a frank presentation Of the animals
qualities.
Talking About Equires.
''This horse is a good roadster" said
he one day recently to a correspondent
who wanted 70 drive to Sycamore Hill.
1.-THE rubber-tired carmine runabout
will give you a pleasant run over the
country roads" The trip was all that
had been promised.
So much pleased was the newspaper
man that he again sht out the livery
man in the cool OF the evening. me
day had been very warm, and severai
other correspondents had gathered the
same idea for drive into the country.
Seeking a Conveyance.
I'VE want to get good horse or two
for a spin out to Sycamore" said the
leading scribe.
"My. my" quoth the liverynian, I'm
afraid you're too late. All my best
horses are out. But wait; I may get
you one."
The newspaper man had waited but
few minutes when the quiet Mr.. Sninen
brought into view strong-hmped
white horse, and began the hitchins
ND process. A red whiskered correspond
ent who was in the party looked duoi-
Gus.
| The rig was presently ready, and the
| three correspondents entered the cai-
riage. The most adventurous one CT
the trio grasped the reins. WINE Els
companions somewhat nervously took the
rear seat. One Of the latter declared
he had a great fear of skittish quadru-
peds. especially when they were mar
messed so that he could not let them
get away easily if they showed an in
clination to bolt.
The Truthful Liveryman.
But Mr.. Sniffen was complacent.
"He's a skate was all he whispered.
and by his gesture it was known that
the horse was the recipient of the COM
pliment.
| The journalistic party had gone but
short half block, according to reports
when they decided that the liveryman
had few equals as a concise and out
snolSep truth-telIer. The horse was in y
reality exactly as represented. and as
/ this is believed to be a somewhat IN
usual occurrence in 'horsy circles, tne
use of the incident for magazine pur-
poses has been already pre-empted.
The Journey to the country. In spite
Of untoward circumstances, was ADMIT
ltcd a success Notwithstanding. as
would be declared by anyone who had
once had the opportunity OF viewing the
grand old forest at Sycamore Hill. the
splendid acres given over to lawns anu
other cultivation and the handsome
house crowning the knoll.
The Presidents House.
The view from the Roosevelt home ls
good toward three OF the four points oil
the compass Toward the north Long
Island Sound can be seen. to the east,
Cold Spring Harhor, and TO the west.
somewhat hidden by tall trees. is the
East Bay. of Oyster Bay Harbo-.
The photograph reproduced here
shows the driveway leading up through
the forest toward the mansion. with the
latter pictured clearly against the sky.
Mrs. j. West Roosevelt's house is not
far away. on land lower than that oe-
crpied by the President. and nearer
the water.
Altogether oyster Bay is a most m
teresting old-time village, with mod
ern suburban annex. It would lie in
teresting at any time, but surprisingly
so now. when its fame has beer spread
to the four corners OF the land as the
abiding place OF the President. and tire
temporary seat CT Government OF the
whole United States and some OF tbs