New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-05-29
WHITE HOUSE CHINA.
Specimens Used IN al AdmiaistYc.
tons Nag Be Collected.
IERoM THE TRIBUNE BuREAU.l

Washington. May 2s.-Mrs. ROosevelt's effort 4,
preserve specimens Of all Presidential china ever
used IN the White House is meeting with success
though the work OF collecting is it no easy matter
Not long ago Colonel SymOns. superintendent Of
public building and grounds. called attention 10
the fact thar unless something was done 10 save
the odds and ends OF china now in the White
House they would gradually disappear beyond ths
hope OF replacing This decided Mrs Roosevelt to
carry out plan she has been considering aver
since she became mistress OF the ulansiou-to Sc
cure. at least, a sample piece of the table ser
vice used by all the Presidents Of the United
States. and to place the collection Wne-e it could
be seen by the public Fer first step was 10 design.
and have made, cabinets ~ which the china to
be labelled and displayed At Colonel Symons's
suggestion, she invited MIS-. Abby q. Baker the
magazine writer. who had made an exhaustive
study Of the White House ware 10 assist in saith
ertng Identifying and aEranslIs The ware on ths
cabinet shelves The Work has progressed SO saIs,
facJOrlly that already two cabinets nave been nled
as far back as LlncOln's which is represented by
fish platter. two plates, fruit bowl and small
The latest addition to the White House MARE is
NAL design, selected BY Mrs Roosevelt last year.
The shelf devoted 10 this china shows several
pieces each bearing the diverse OF the great seal
IN enamelled colors. Directly beneath is a row q
rose In its centre and gay little bOnbOn disn ths
color and shape Of the national tag. I1ey 6eloAs
from former administration. as Mrs. Mckinley
was too delicate TO take an active interest N mousse
keeping and bought no china While they lived IN
the White House. Mrs. Harrison q notable
housekeeper, and shortly after taking up her resi-
dence in the historic mansion declared that she
would Immediately beSln 10 gather Up all me ol1
china slowed the top shelves OF the closets and
classify IL into collection. She never d6 it. how
ever. and the tableware OF her day is limited 70
cup and saucer, plate or TWO ana several mex
pensive bits of cut glass. Mrs Harrison was very
fond Of china painting, and specimens Of her W0rk
can be found to-day IN the homes of many Wash
The upper shelf Of the second cabinet is devoted
TO the Hayes china (frOm the Theodore Davis deco
rated seO, turkey platter, bear and honey salad
dish, gravy boat and a plate decorated win a
painting of the house in which Mr. Davis made the
designs for the dishes. A barge. OpenTOrE rrAt
dish. a compete. a couple of plates and lJhs nsn
The Cleveland shelf shows four plates some Ies
cups and gravy boat. President Arthur table
ware must have been particularly attracIlye Jus,
ing by the plates and cups part or the wei Ah0"n
gypsy set" which are placed on view
IN addition 10 the administrations already claSsF
fled. pieces Of china from six other adminsIa-
tons have been procured, and IL is hQled ~
the collection VIII be completed before the emu
the year.
As yet there is no fund from which 70 purchase
the china. but Mrs Roosevelt hopes that tnoss
who ov-r Dfeees OF ne Presfdeut.aL ware not 70
be found in the White House will be Willing Ior
the present to lend II TO the collection. II VII -
should an appropriation be made II would De mo
first selected Tor purchase. should the o"neis S@'
There IS no Adams china in the White House.
shortly be added TO the loan collection. Al 80
china used since LincOlu's administration mas oset
preserved. but prior 70 that time me oT EissTaSiea
the White House did not consider irs ns1 or ~,
value. and it was auctioped or and oouSas Il "
The exhibit has been placed in the last terrace 20
visitors who 90 through the pubic part "a -
White House each day.