Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-02-21

offset this latter expense the President.
as commander-in-chief of the army and
navy, can draw upon the army commits
sary for much of his supplies, thereby
getting them at cost price.
For ordinary care, repair and furnish
ing Of the White House and for the pur-
chase. maintenance and driving of horses
and vehicles $4,000 was appropriated for
the present and the same amount is asked
for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1910.
An additional estimate has been made for
the coming fiscal year for $4,000 for In
terror decorations.
The White House is heated at the ex.
pense of the general government, 5000
being appropriated for this purpose. Nine
thousand is appropriated for the propo-
cation Of flowers for use at social func-
lions. At all such functions. it being nee
lessary to have music. the President has
the privilege of ordering out the Marine
Band. During Mr. Roosevelt's admins
tration, this noted band has played at
many notable functions. including the
Roosevelt Longworth wedding, the com
ing-out ball of Miss Ethel, and many other
similar functions that eclipsed entirely
the glory of past social events In the
White House.
From three to four thousand dollars is
appropriated each year for keeping the
building painted and in repair. Twenty
thousand dollars is spent annually in
lighting the building and grounds. the cur
rent for the many electric lights being
drawn from the generating plant in the
State, War and Navy Department build.
ing, across the street. This current IS all
metered and charged to the White House
accounts. The municipal government OF
the District of Columbia is compelled TO
pay a portion of 1t.
In 1907 Congress, for the first time,
appropriated $4,000 as travelling expenses
for the President, this sum to be spent
entirely at his own discretion. The APP
preparation was made because OF the large
amount of travelling the President did.
1t was vigorously opposed by the demo-
Gratis on the allegation that it was for
political purposes. Since that time, how
ever. the appropriation has been annual.
and the President is permitted to expend
it at will. the only necessary formula
for it's drawing being his certifica ton OF
the President is permitted to take with
him any persons he desires as his guests
all expenses being paid from the fund.
A goodly portion of this appropriation Tor
the current fiscal year remains uneX-
pended, and Mr.. Taft will be permitted
to draw upon it after he takes the oath
of office. In addition to this allowance
| for travelling expense. the president OF
| the United States has at his disposal 1ol
the use of himself. his family and the1l
Yacht Mayflower Of the United States
| Navy. This vessel is operated entirely
at government expense and it was fire.
ouently used during the past admins
| ration, as was also the Z. S. 5. Dolphin
and Sylph.
The government also pays the salaries
| of the Presidents secretaries. his clerks
messengers and other official force. be-
sides watchmen and police, secret service
men and guards. The salaries of police
men detailed from the municipal force o.
the District of Columbia are paid by the
municipality. The compensation of the
clerical and other forces follow: Private
secretary. 5000: assistant private secre
tary. $3.50; stenographer, 81 500; five
messengers. each, $1,000; two doorkeepers
| each 1000; four other clerks at salaries
ranging from $1,000 to $500: telegraph
| operator, $1,000; two ushers each 1.400
one night usher, $1,000; Waterman. 5000
These employees all perform government
| duties. Besides the expenditures the
| President may obtain clerks detailed from
| the various departments when the press
of official business demands it. and the