New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-21
AT The WHITE HOUSE.


Washington Feb. 20.-President Roosevelt gave
evidence to-dsy Of his remarkable memory for
faces and names. Senator Quaries called at the
White House 10 present George H Bucks,9n. who
casually met Mr.. Roosevelt twelve years ego when
on q hunting expedition in Texas and who wished
to renew the acquaintance Before the Senator
could introduce Mr.. BuclstaE. however. the Pres
idert greeted him cordially and recalled al the
circumstances Of their hunt
Senators and REPRESENTATIVES. 70 called az the
White House to-day were of the opinion that there
was no reason why Congress should remain In
session later than May /. Senator Lodge said
at seems that there is nothing % Keep
Congress here after April 10. The canal treaty Is
practically out of the way and the appropriation
bills can be handled in sufficient time 70 get away
by the middle Of = priL' Senator Dryden. Of New
Jersey. believes that the work could be disposed or
by April l. but. allowing for everything. fixes the
date Of adjournment not later than Nay l. SEN
ator Quarles feels that Congress could easily close
It's session by April Is. but fixes May as the date
for returning home.
The official cat Of the White House IS a vagrant
that appeared in the White House grounds two
wears ago when the work OF reTnOdelllng the
building was going on. she began her career
humbly in the basement Of the executive Offices.
and until recently. when she introduced herself to
the first floor and proceeded to rub against the
legs OF members OF the Cabinet. Senators. dip
lou7ats policemen or doorkeepers. with utter dis
regard OF rank. To-day her ambition prompted
her to invade the Presidents office ard make her
self home in his busiest hours Dd- captain
Loeffier promptly put her out.
The advent OF Lent has taken a great burden of
the clerks at the White House whose duty it has
been 20 keep track of the tremendous number OF
invitations issued for various entertainments during
the winteR In round numbers. there were twelve
thousand cards sent out for the four state recep-
tons. In addition to these. there were more than
one thousand invitations issued for the musicals
and afternoon teas given by Mrs Roosevelt The
secretaries who Iaborcd over the names and ad-
dresses viii now have respite until April one
musical has already been arranged FOR that month.
but the date has not yet been fixed. The clerical
work Of the White House social season is larger
than most people would imagine For instance. the
clerk IN charge Of the lists for the receptions begins
his preparations early the middle OF OCTOBER.
although the receptions are not held until January
and February. He sends out circular letter to
every Congressman and department CHIEF. asking
them for the names OF the members OF their fani-
lies where the invitations are to be sent. and what
reception. II any. they prefer to attend The more
important Of the officials. such the members OF
Congress and high officers OF the Army and Navy.
receive invitations to all the receptions but those
less notable must be satisfied with card TO one
Then there IS n large out-of-town contingent TO
be cared for-men and women OF social Importance
IN every big city OF the country. only small frac-
ton OF whom attend But they must have
their invitations Just the same. and II they
are overlooked the Presidents secretary -
soon made aware OF the fact by means OF more or
less tart letters OF complaint The original lists
are continually being changed by the arrival or
doparture Of visitors. Senators and Represen-
tatfves make hurried trips 20 the White House up
20 within n few hours Of the reception. and make
urgent personal applications for "M-. and Mrs
smith my particular friends who have just got in
and are anxious to attend etc Secretary Loeb IS
summoned by the President. and directed 10 fix
this matter up for Senator Blank Mr.. Loeb IN
turn calls Mr. Netherlands. the clerk in charge OF
the lists Mr.. Netherlands takes down the names
and addresses and inside Of half an hour messen-
ger Is hurrying from the White House 10 some
house in the outskirts OF the city with precious
Piece Of pasteboard that bears the coveted engrav
Ing. The management OF Mrs. ROOsevelts personal
entertainments IS in charge OF another one Of the
White House force. and although the number Of
names 10 be cared for is much smaller. II IS X
anything a more delicate task to perform.