Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-08-27
Improvement Made in Public Recep-
ton Corridor.
COLOR SCHEME OF THE PARLoRs
Col Bromwell Talks Of the Exacting
Public - The Prince Of
Wales Room.

ment. Congress made ample appropriation
for reftting and repairing the exterior and
interior Of the historic pile, and the results
are everywhere apparent.
Under the supervision of Col. Cromwell,
superintendent Of public buildings and
grounds, every defect inside and outside
the Executive Mansion was carefully noted.
There will be no further complaints of
leakage and flooding of the upper apart
ments. for a new roof has been placed in
position, the contractors guaranteeing it to
be waterproof for at least ten years. Be-
fore this improvement was made there were
numerous complaints about the damp con-
dition of the upper rooms, where many ar
ticles Of furniture are stored. The pavilions
on the east and west fronts were also given
a thorough examination, and leaks were
discovered in the roofs Of these recent addi-
tons to the mansion. 1t was found neces-
sary to renew the upper covering of these
wings to prevent dampness in the corridors
through which thrOngs of guests must pass
to reach the state apartments on the upper
floor. Under the new conditions 1t will be
possible for guests at future White House
receptions to be assured Of dry places while
promenading through the corridors and the
apartments to which the public are per
mitted access. An improvement has also
been made In the wrap room. glass parti-
tons having been substituted.
The State Parlors.
While these outward improvements have
been accomplished, the East room. Blue.
Green and Red parlors have not been neg
lected. In discussing the general color
scheme Of these four state reception rooms.
Col. Cromwell said:
ut was deemed essential in treating
the appointments and decorations of these
rooms which are shown to the public, that
care should be exercised to prevent hostile
ri tNa 1Hy Nyf0tf of hA
Unlike any other official or private resi-
dence In this country. these rooms can not
be shut up to prevent the entrance OF air
and sunshine, but they must always be
open and ready for inspection by captious
and critical housekeepers from this coun-
try and abroad. II such critics found car
pets and draperies faded or worn they
would not hesitate to condemn apparent
duty IT Is to recommend and expend appro-
priations.
People who come to the White House are
unanimous in the opinion that there Is
nothing too good for the President Of the
United States and his family and they in
sist that Congress should take the same
view Of the matter and make adequate ap-
propriations. Constant care and vigilance
Is necessary to keep the interior OF the
mansion looking fresh and up-to-date In all
its appointments. People have been accus-
toned to hearing of the Blue. Green and
Red parlors and they would not take kindly
to any changes in the fittings and furnish
ings Of these apartments, which would be
at variance with the tints which have thus
far characterized the interior arrangement
and decorations of the Executive Mansion"
Carrying out this Idea everything possible
has been done to make attractive the state
apartments on the main floor of the White
House. In the East room the prevailing
tint on the walls and ceiling Is an ivory
white and in the Blue, Green and Red par
lors the tints which have prevailed for
so many years are apparent. With furniture
and upholsterings to match.
Portraits Of Presidents.
The only pictures found in the state
apartments are those of former masters
and mistresses of the mansion. the latest
acquisition being that Of President Roose-
welt. These portraits are distributed
throughout the reception parlors and along
the corridor on the lower floor.
The upper or living rooms on the second
floor occupied by the President and his
southwest angle Of the building overlooking
Arlington National Cemetery President
Roosevelt has his dressing room. This
apartment was occupied by the present
King Of England when he visited President
Buchanan many years ago. Ever since this
apartment has been known as the Prince Of
Wales room. Adjoining this large room and
facing south Is the Presidents bed room
and adjoining it is his library, a circular
room just over the Green parlor. From the
library another door leads into what was
formerly the cabinet room.
Whatever 1t has been possible to accom-
plish with soap and water. paint and care
full attention to details has been done this
summer, and when the President and his
family return to town they will undoubted-
iy be pleased to note the improvements that
have been made since they left Washing
ton for rest and recreation.