The comet. (Johnson City, Tenn.) 1884-1916, 1903-05-28
Too Much Roosevelt.

III bplbe Oh us COMDOy uhtlCss IAoO-
dore Roosevelt is the most expensive
president this country has ever had,
The New York Worlds Washington
correspondent has been figuring on the
cost of strenuous president, and it
makes out the following bill;
Restoration of the White
House, including $4,000
private tennis court and
the identifying of the pri-
vate grounds on an elabor-
ate cale...........,,., $475, 445 90
Increase in running expens-
es of White House. ..... $4,000 GO
New furniture and fittings for
Mayhower (the presidents
yacht .,.....,.,.n....& 100000
Cost of keeping the May
flower in commission two
months last ear...,,.. 10, 1906 90
Repairs and rehtting May
flower last year, ,,,..,.. 80, 207 33
Estimated cost of repairs
and reiittings the May
flower this year.,,.,... 10000 90.
Total ..,.,,...........".$744, O43 .33
To this should be added the original
cost of the MayAower, $4,000, max
ing the entire extra expense of Roose-
welt to the people of the United States
about 81, 100000. The Mayhower was
bought at the time of the Spanish
American war, and some money was
spent on it then to make it available
for the navy. 1t became part of the
United States; but when Mr.. Roose-
welt became president he had this yes
sci allotted to him for his own personal
use, and it was fitted up with almost
unparalleled magnifcence. That some
computations have been felt on this
score is shown from the fact, that pho
tographs of the interior of the ship are
not allowed to be taken. Clearly the
president doesn't wish the people to
see the evidences of extravigauce to be
found in the fitting out of this yacht.
The bath tubs on tie ship cost 81. 900
each, and this item shows how the pub
lie money was squandered on the presi-
dents yacht.
This whole Mayhower transaction
has been a scandal. The people of the
United States certainly would not pro-
vide a yacht for the president; and ii
would be interesting to know what
warrant there is for such a course. II
is sometimes said that we are a parsi-
monious people because we do not give
our President better salary; but as q
matter of fact nearly all of his expenses
are paid for out of the public treasury
He has q home for himself and family
and the only item of expense he has tC
meet is for food and drink. Heating,
lighting, furnishing, and servants are
all free so far as he is concerned. III
the recent improvements in the White
House, is tennis court for the Roose
welt children which cost 80, 900. AS the
above bill of cost shows, Roosevelt hal
J increased the running expenses of thu
White House $4,000 per annum.
1t is a pity that the full history of tn,
Mayhower scandal can not be pub
lished; for it is magnificent exhihi
tion of graft. This luxurious vesse
, has been placed at the disposal of tn
t presidents family at times; and on on
, occasion his daughter and lot o
sweet girl graduates used it for a pleas
ure trip. The presidents funkies an,
favorites have been entertained there
I on. And the people have had to foo
Q the bill for all this junketing. Whet
Mr.. Cleveland or Mr.. Mckinley wante
to go anywhere, the little Sylph wa
usually specially assigned for fey
. days; but neither of them ever had
8 private yacht for their own persons
r use at the expense of the government
/. Considering the fact that the pres
dent stages himself so often as plair
blunt man of democratic ways, it
. amazing that he should go in for sue
e extrayigance. 1t illustrates anew th
e dual personality of Mr.. Roosevelt, an
O shows that the government has entere
on new era of extravaganza. Durin
his term the president will have Ell
tailed an extra expense upon til
country amounting to about millio
L and half dollars; and there is q gel
Il eral impression among the people tht
he isn't worth it.-Commercial -Appea
.e INVESTIGATIONS To RE MOST RIGID.