Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-03-03

large proportion of the visitors. so in the
same way the National Geological Park and
its collection of animals from all parts of
the globe is visited not 50 much for the
purpose of mental improvement as for
amusement. 1t is possible to get both
there. But if there isNnothing in the col
lection that appeals to one. certainly the
beautiful surroundings the varied sweep
of wooded height and field, amidst which
the picturesque buildings are set. would
fully repay for the time taken in making a
visit to this spot, which is now on the
borders of the city.
Because the British saw fit when they
managed to invade the city nearly one hun
dred years ago, to burn the White House,
as well as the other public buildings, the
conclusion has been reached by some who
are inclined to consult their ingenuity on
historical questions rather than TO pursue
the more tedious course of consulting the
records, it has been concluded that white
paint was used to conceal the marks of the
smoke on the walls and in this way the
popular name was given to this historic
home of the Presidents. 1t is not import
ant how the house got the name of the
White House, although it is certain its eX-
terror walls were painted many years be-
fore the British invasion. AS the residence
Of all the Presidents, except the first, the
house holds a unique place in national his
tory.
Within the past year or so extensive
changes have been made in the building
which are termed restoration, the design
of which is TO restore as far as possible the
house as it was originally planned. 1t is
now a more commodious home, which, in
the case of the present occupant of the
White House. is an important considera-
ton, for he is the only President who at
the time he went into the White House had
about him a family of young children. In
addition to the increasing comfort of the
White House as q home. it is also more
convenient of access on occasions of great
state functions. An invitation to a recep
ton at the Presidents house is likely to
give pleasure to those who attend, instead
of being mainly a WEAKNESS and discom-
fort.
Riches of Aladdin.
The riches of Aladdin are what most peo-
pie read about IN the fairy tales of child
hood, and that is about the last experience
they have with great wealth. Unless, of
course, they happen to visit the Treasury
Department and inspect the vaults where
the gold and the silver belonging to Uncle
Sam is kept. They can also see the bonds
of the government, which are just as good
as money, and much safer to have about.
They can realize just what a million of
dollars means in bulk as they are given a
chance to lift pile of bonds of that value,
and they are allowed to look through the
DarS and see the piles of coins of different
denominations. In other ways visitors to
the treasury are brought into that visual
and physical contact with money that is
not common even with people who actually
control large sums.
There is also a place in the Treasury
building where are found the relicts of the
pursuit of the seuths of Uncle Sam of
those who are engaged in counterfeiting
the government money. Sometimes room
in the Office of the secret service is called
the rogues' gallery because of the frames
containing the portraits of many of the
men who have become known as experts
in doing in their way what the bureau of
printing and engraving does according to
law.
Home for Old Soldiers.
The shining white tower of the principal
Home, to the north of the city, is the sig
nal far and wide of the location of that
resort of the disabled and wounded soldiers
who have seen service in the regular army.
After the hardships of army life, a peace
full and beautiful place has been provided
for them to spend their last days. That is
the thought of those who drive along the
winding roadways of the extensive park
that constitutes the grounds of the Sol
diers' Home, and who enjoy the natural
to furnish a retreat for the soldiers of the
army, after they had been obliged to give
up active service still the gates arethrown
wide open during the day and all who
wish may drive and walk about and enjoy
the surroundings even though they have
not earned a right to do so by serving
their country in the army.
At another point the ridge of hills
that surround the city may be seen the
white columns of the house at Arlington,
which nestles in the shade of the great
oaks that have been growing there for