The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-09-04
EARLY WINTER IS !. FORECAST BY SEERS Martins Leave the Capital
 Earlier Than Usual WHITE HOUSE WORK Alabamians May Be Interested to Know That Executive Mansion
 Is Now Protected by
 Lightning Rods
WHITE HOUSE WORK
By WALTER HARPER

Washington. September 3.-(Special J.
 The martins that make their summer homes among the Chimney tops and on the roofs of Washington have migrated southward 90 days ahead of their usual time for departure, and those weather seers who study the habits of the ground hog and other weatherwise animals ie- clare that Washington may prepare for an early, long and severe winter.
 It is predicted that snow will fly early
 in October if not by the. last of Septem- Der. Washington weather has a reputa- ton for treachery. Sudden and unexpeet- ed extremes in both winter and summer seem to be the normal state of weather conditions here. The great humidity ad,ls to whatever state of weather exists
 During the absence 7of President Taft and family the White House is undergo ing general tepairs. The carpenter the painter. the plumber and the decorator are in full charge.
 The White House is a disappointment to most visitors to the national capital. But It's attractiveness and appropriateness for the purpose grows on the observer. It's simplicity is in fine keeping with .he spirit of the republican government over which it's occupant presides. During re- cent years some necessary additions nave been made, among them the executive offices extending to the west of the main building. This is where the President transacts the business of government and receives visitors.
 The White House was the first public building begun in Washington. The cor nerstone was laid in 1792 in what was then David Burns old fields. stretching from just north of the building down 10 the Potomac river.
 George Washington was present at he laying of the cornerstone. John Adams was the first president to live in the house. This was in 1900. The building was still so damp at that time that Mrs Adams had to have literal housewarrn- ing before it could be occupied in safety It was built of Virginia sandstone and was of a natural sandstone color until the walls were blackened by fire in 1874 when British soldiers set fire to it. The fire was extinguished by a rainstorm be- fore the walls were badly dama ged. When the building was restored the walls were painted white which has been the color maintained since and probably will be as long as the building lasts.
 The original cost of the building was s250.0O0 The grand portico and porte cochere on the north side of the building was added during Jacksons administrs- llOn. Olnef additions ana improvements made since have brought the total cost of the White House up to s1 100000.
 The White House is surrounded by broad parks that extend southward to the Poto- mac river. In the midst of these grounds, made beautiful by well kept shade trees and shrubbery, stands the Washington Monument.
 It will interest Alabama readers to know that the White House is protected by lightning rods new set has just been put up. protecting 100 different points on the top of the building.
 Senator Johnston has been informed by the war department that Second Lieut. John K. Jemison, formerly of La Fay cite, Ala will be promoted to first lieuten- ant on occurrence of the first vacancy in the Coast Artillery corps. Young Jemi son recently stood examination for this promotion.
 Senator Joseph F. Johnston, after send ing vegetable seeds to his entire mailing list in Alabama, still has left between 2Oo0 and 3000 packages of vegetable seed. Each of these packages contains an ss- sortment of about a half dozen varieties.
 Any citizen who desires, may have a package of these seed by writing direct to Senator Johnston, Washington, D. c.
 These requests will be filled by the son. ator with the department of agriculture and the seed will be forwarded to the ap- plcants some time in December or Jan uary.