The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-11-20
probably beyond the limits of anything but

probably beyond the limits of anything but
the very plumpest purse.
If the changes that have been made in
the White House had been to renovate and
make it beautiful and habitable along re-
turn to the original Colonial lines not much
fault would have been found But tie at
tempt TO 'modernize" it has destroyed its
his Dric value, and does not seem to have
made il much more desirable as a resi-
dence. 1t does not l. TX as though very
coherent idea of what he hoped to accom-
plish had fastened itself in the architect s
mind, because he tells. for instance.
that he decorated the private dinng-room
three times over before he got it TO suit
his taste and Mrs. Roosevelt's. The tone
now is dead white.
After five months work by the archi-
tect, and after the concrete floors Were
laid. the hardwood coverings all on and
things shaped up for the final touches, the
boiler men came To put in the furnaces.
and it WAS found that no provision had
been made in the architects plans for
heating. So Il general teariug-out process
ensiied. making many changes necessary
before the heating plant could he installed
The frieze decoration of the yestibute is
unique tribute 20 the President as q
ranchman ard 'cowpunchcr. \ ilamboy-
ant tioriated design is medallioned by
ShuilS VI lexis steers. NOriS ana All III
is a brand" that will be recognized for
all time as belonging to the ''Ranehero''
President. whose love for nature led him
into the Great West where. close TO the
heart of the great earth mother, he learned
those lessons of patience and endurance
which have so much benefited him in the
strenuous years through which he is now
passing.
Nearly half million dollars has been
spent upon the remodeling of the White
House. In many respects, and as far as
1t did not go to effacing old landmarks
IN the historic mansion. every loyal .Ameri-
can must believe that the money has been
well spent. The timberS in the century old
floors were well nigh rotted in two. The
window frames had been painted over and
over again until the caked white lead had
actually dry-rottcd away from the soft
pine. which you could pick ont in chunks
with your finger nails. The roof on the
old house was perforated with holes The
heating apparatus was inadequate, the
plumbing atrocious, and the electric light
ing system far from modern. Steel beams
and girders have now made the floor of the
East Room safe for the crowds which at
tend the receptions. Under these 10000
new brick have been mortared into sup
ports. The plumbing has been scientifical-
ly done, and II miles of electric light wires
will give light in ali the dark DIoces
The terraces which have been Construct
ed FROM tie east and west ends Of the
Mansion are n return to the original mans
and the return is to be appIauded. In,
fortunately the west terrace ends in an
awful blot ON the landscane the now
..temporary- offices for the President If
is to be boped that ..temnororv- does NOT
mean a temporizing with the American
tn do fltnir fire. II
then perpetuote rho bideous little dog
bouse os n nermonept thing
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