The evening times. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1906-1914, 1906-02-03

. .
One of the most interesting places
to visit when in the capitol city of
Washington is the stables of the White
house where blooded stock is kept and
the animals given every attention. 1t
was the good fortune of the writer TO
go through the great barns and to
investigate the manner in which the
thoroughbreds are kept, the class Of
horses selected and Judge from the
same something of the tastes of the
presidents family in their equine
selections.
President Roosevelt probably takes
more active interest in the horses
and general appuraenances of the
White house stables than has any
president since the time of Grant.
General Grant was a fearless rider and
a. lover of good horses and the string
of animals kept by him at the stables
southwest of the White house embrace
ed some fine specimens of the equine
family. Since his time, however, those
succeeding in the presidential chair
have contented themselves, generally
speaking, with the driving team fur
nished the chief executive by Uncle
Sam, although the late President Nc
Kinley maintained private stable in
connection with the government sta
bles containing fine span of black
drivers, his personal property, and
which have since his death been ship
ped to the old home at Canton, Ohio.
From the moment one enters the Of
flee in connection with the stables of
the White house property today, until
the last thoroughbred has been ex-
amined and commented upon, many
evidences are noticeable that the lover
of a good horse is at the head of it all.
Harness, whips, saddles, carriages, all
are strictly up-to-date and in fine
order. Your representative recently
paid a visit to the we'll kept apart
ments and obtained better acquaint-
ance with the family of animals en-
joying the distinction of being in the
service of our chief executive family.
Saddles of All Kinds.
Upon long rack in a room imme-
diately adjoining the Office proper
rested several saddles, for the use of
both ladies and gentlemen, all of the
most substantial material and fine
workmanship and bearing evidences
OF daily service. From the diminutiye
affair used by Little Archie, the young
er son of the president, in riding his
Shetland pony during the summer out
ings at Oyster bay, to the fine creation
of leather used by Miss Alice, brand
new one, the property of Mrs. Roose-
welt, and three heavier saddles be-
longing to the president, ALI bear the
letters ct RI worked in fine silk on
the saddle blankets or stamped into
the leather. One saddle in particular
attracted the attention of the writer.
This is the one formerly used by the
president in his cross-country rides
and is called by the stable men
jumping saddle. It is of extra
strength and quality of material and
furnished with two heavy pads of
leather Immediately in front of the
stirrup straps, which act as a brace
for the rider in taking fences, as well
as a protection when riding through
underground, where brush and limbs
are liable to cause injury.
Relic of His Cavalry Days.
Upon a remote rack and occupying
a less conspicuous place rested an old
and well worn troopers saddle; rough
and heavy in its makeup, its leather
rusted by exposure and hard service,
1t still caught the eye Of the visitor
as mute reminder of days when
President Roosevelt was the leader of
the famous rough-riders and the hero
or San Juan Hill. Upon inquiry, 1
learned that this saddle was one used
by the president when in the service
of Uncle Sam and retained by him as a
souvenir Of the old days. Its use to-
day Is Of a more commonplace order,
bearing not as an accompaniment '.the
glortes Of war and sounds of trum-
pets" but It will undoubtedly ever fol-
low the fortunes of the president Just
for .'old times sake"
Rules GsverninE stables.
The president has caused to be post-
ed upon the ONCE walls, also copy
In the carriage room. rules governing
employees which are substantially as
follows: All employees Of the presi-