Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1909-01-28

at the White House bulls-eye and
missed them all, combating the Presi-
dents view, declares that $4,000
year is ample.
The expenses attached to the White
House have enormously increased dur
ing the past twenty years, and perhaps
the greatest increase has been witness
ed during the Roosevelt administra-
ton. BY this Is meant the expenses
that Congress pays have jumped from
$4,000 in 1885 to S53, 900 in 1909, ex-
elusive of an appropriation of $4,000
for travelling expenses. The total eX
penses of the Presidents home and
$4,000, as compared with $4,000 in
1885. This is in addition to the $4,000
salary.
Prior to 1873 the salary of the Pres
ident was $4,000 a year. 1t was in
creased in that year. Andrew Johnson
retired from the Presidency with a
comfortable estate, and there was
never a suspicion that he made a dol
lar except legitimately. He saved from
his salary, which was only half of
what William H. Taft will receive.
Practically every expense, except his
board bill and tailor, is borne by the
government. For ordinary care, repair
and furnishing at the White House
and for the purchase, maintenance
and driving of horses and vehicles for
official purposes" the sum of $4,000
was appropriated for the current fiscal
year. This estimate is made for 1910,
and in addition an estimate is made Of
$4,000 for interior decorations, etc,
which will be enjoyed by the Tafts.
What the Government Furnishes.
The government heats the White
House at an annual cost of $4,000. 1t
provides greenhouses at cost of
$4,000 year, in addition to annual re-
pairs and improvements amounting fire.
quently to $4,000 or $4,000 additional.
1t pays S25,eOO for the travelling ex-
penses of the President, his family and
any persons he may choose to take
with him when he travels about the
country. 1t pays for the lighting of
the White House and grounds, at an
annual cost of about $4,000, a part
revenues of the District of Columbia.
The government pays the salaries of
the Presidents secretaries, all the
clerks and White House officials. It
pays the expenses of most of the house
hold servants.
In addition to the breakfasts, din
ners and luncheons which come with
daily regularity, the President gives
about three state dinners in the course
of the season, one each to the cabinet,
Supreme Court and diplomatic corps.
He must pay for these dinners from
his own pocket. and frequently is call
ed upon for similar functions for the
entertainment of distinguished guests
of the nation.
When a President leaves the White
House and goes upon a journey all the
expenses of the trip are paid from the
travelling fund of $4,000. The Presi-
dents only expense is the amount
which he may give in tips. When a
President has summer home and
spends part of the year away from
the White House the expense which
he must bear is necessarily increased.
other officials Perauisites.
The Vice President receives $4,000
a year. but practically no perquisites,
not even house rent. The cabinet of.
ficers receive the same stipend, but
they get carriages free and a few other
minor perquisites. The Chief Justice
of the Supreme Court receives $4,000
q year; the Speaker of the House
$4,000, together with mileage and the
usual perquisites of a Congressman.
By careful economy cabinet officers
can live within their $4,000 a year,
provided they do not engage too eX-
pensive a house in Washington. The
Supreme Court Justices are able to
save quite a penny, but that is because
they are not expected to entertain
quite as much as members of the cabi-
net. Most of them own their houses
in Washington, which is a matter of
economy.
The Presidents salary is also many
times larger than that of the governor
of any State. Many States now have
executive mansions which they furnish
free for the occupancy of their govern
orS.