Casco Bay breeze. [volume] (South Harpswell, Me.) 1901-1917, 1904-07-21
NOTES FROM WASHINGTON
Especial Corrsspoudsnt)


vain. The vault is a new one. and has
not yet been formally turned over to
the government, though it has been
IN use for several days. It held $780,
100000 In cash and securities when 1t
was locked up. and something went
wrong with the mechanism. The
money was all there when it was
opened.
Liberty, Equality, Fraternity-Over
half century ago a French refugee
OF aristocratic lineage left France ana
went to the East Indies. There he re-
manned few years, and then emigrat.
ed to the United States. He finally
settled in Baltimore. He brought with
him to this country. besides his imme-
date family. an East Indian negro as
his slave and body servant. Later on
the slave was given his freedom. To-
day. in the bureau Of pensions, a
young white man and a young black
man sit at adjoining desks, performing
the srme class of clerical duties The
white man is the grandson Of the
French refugee, and the black ma is
the grandson Of the slave of the
French refugee. Both are excellent
clerks and apparently of equal ability.
Few OF their colleagues know Of this
chain OF circumstances. The case is
one Of the most striking illustrations
OF the fruit of the doctrine Of equal
rights and the policy of progression in
all the history Of the national capital.
Washington Arehiteeture-A spirit
OF caution will regulate any project
that involves serious change in the ap-
pearance Of the national Capitol.
There will be protest against subject
ing that beautiful and dignified build
ing to ill-considered alterations of IA
cade or outline. The criticisms, more
or less trivial, but generally sincere,
OF the so-called Improvements to the
colonial simplicity of the White
House. are sufficient to enlist the in
terest OF men described by Senator
Teller as mot architects. but having
common sense" Uncommon sense,
rare Judgment. nice taste as we'll as
technical education. should all unite
In approval Of any plan that will touch
the Capitol further. The addition of
the terrace to its west front, facing the
mile vista OF Pennsylvania avenue and
tie utility and Of debatable loneliness.
The best that can be said Of that
change is that 1t has not dwarfed seri-
ously that aspect Of the Capitol as a
whole. The plan for the extension of
the east front, however. has been long
and carefully considered.
RooseveIt's Greetins-There are two
entrances to the presidents room, as
the White House attaches term ii.
Members of congress, a few other off,
Gals and intimate friends may pass
through the private entrance. their
cards being handed in by the presi-
dents doorkeeper. The other way to
reach him is through the secretary's
Office, but only those who have an err
rand worth the while get beyond this
apartment The number Of people
whose names are given the secretary
weekly. but who do not see his superb
or, runs into the hundreds. for the
term secretary" in Mr.. Loebs case,
means timekeeper. and the hours he
saves daily are indeed golden, as many
are they. But perhaps you are among
the favored. Preceded by the secre-
tary, you walk into the big, square
room. in which a man Is sitting behind
a flat-top desk. which looks as IL IL
might be mahogany. You have no time
to decide, for as the name is pro-
nounced the man rises with out
stretched hand which grips. not grasps,
yours. IL Is the sort of handshake
that makes you feel the owner mdant
IL by its heartiness. Then he resumes
his seat. turns so he can look you
squarely in the face. and is ready to
hear what you have to say.
Naval TARGET Praetice-The navy
department has made public a state
ment showing the relative standing of
all the ships and sduadrons Of the u.
s. navy for the annual target practice
competition Of 1904. For heavy guns,
calibres above Eve inches. the North
Atlantic battleship squadron took the
lead with a percentage OF 1927. close
1y followed by the Asiatic battleship
squadron with 1884. In the cruiser
class with heavy guns the Asiatic fleet
won. averaging 1854, the European
squadron standing second at 7f.15.
With guns Of lower calibre. below four
inches. the Philippine squadron ex-
ceheu' dNeidtHnt fbsZo, against IO.Oi
for the European squadron. There
was great inequality in the target
shooting OF the torpedo boats, for
while the Pacific squadron boats made
1851 and the Caribbean squadron
50.3s, the North Atlantic squadron
boats made only 32.G3. One Of the
first acts Of Secretary Morton's ad.
ministratlon has been TO send letters
OF commentator and congratulation
10 Capt Sebree. late Of the winconsin:
Capt. Bradford OF the Illinois. Capt.
Mansfield OF the Iowa. Capt. Hunker OF
the New York and Lieut.. Miller OF the
Samar. These captains were directed
TO convey these congratulations to the
oficers and men OF their ships. In
addition, personal letters. commencing
them for zeal and intelligence in
a.