The Charles Mix new era. (Wagner, Charles Mix County, S.D.) 1???-1911, 1909-01-29

at the White House huIl's-eye aud
missed them all. combating the Prcsi-
dents view. declares that $4,000 q
year IL ample.
The expenses attached 10 the White
House have enormously increased dur
ing the past twenty years, and perhaps
the greatest increase has been witness
Cd during the Roosevelt administra-
ton. BY this Is meant the expenses
that Congress pays have jumped from
$4,000 in 1Ss, TO $4,000 In 1909. ex-
elusive of an appropriation OF $4,000
for travelling expenses. The total ex-
penses OF the Presidents home and
other expenses amount this year to
$4,000. as compared with $4,000 In
1895. This Is IN addition to the $500
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 ii. Taft will receive.
Practically every expense. except his
board bill aud tailor. is borne by the
government. For ordinary care. repair
and furnishing at the White House
and for the purchase, maintena nee
and driving OF horses and vehicles for
official purposes the sum of ST., 900
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 Fsrnishes.
The government heats the White
House at an annual cost OF $4,000. 1t
provides greenhouses at a cost OF
$1,000 a year, in addition Ia annual re-
pairs and improvements amounting fire.
quently to $4,000 or $1,000 additional.
1t pays $4,000 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 10000, a part
Of this money being taken from the
OF the District OF Columbia.
The government pays the salaries Of
the Presidents secretaries. all the
clerks and White House officials. II
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. n each to the cabinet,
Supreme Court and diplomatic corps.
He must pay for these dinners from
his own pocket. and frequently IL 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 q
President has a summer home and
spends part OF the year away from
the White House the expense which
he must bear Is necessarily increased
Other 0mciaI.' Prerequisites.
The Vice President receives si2 Geo
q year. but practically no peruuisites.
not even house rent. The cabinet OF
ncers receive the same stipend. but
they get carriages free and n few other
minor perluisites The chief Justice
OF the Supreme Court receives sian1
q year: the Speaker % 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 n year.
provided they do not engage too tx
a house In Washington. TIL.
Supreme Court Justices are abe IL
save quite a penny. but that IL be-ausa
they are not expected 10 entertain
quite AZ much AS members of The eala
net. Most OF them own their houses
In Washington. which Is a matter q. |
economy.
The Presidents salary is aisp MANY !
times larger than that OF the gove~lot |
Of any State. Many States rlprr hive
executive mansions which they furnish
free for the occupancy OF their govern
m.