Evening star., 1913-10-19

WI managed to leave the White
House comfortably fixed finan-
cially, although some of them were pos
sessed of but little wealth when elected.
Mr.. Cleveland was poor man when he
entered the White House, he paying
taxes on less than 5000 when he was
elected the first time. Mr.. Cleveland was
not a lavish spender during his incum-
bency of the White House. He drew his
salary with the utmost regularity and
he made fortunate investments" In
Washington suburban real estate; his
Oak View summer home purchase
brought him in an immense income. He
likewise got inside information through
his friend and adviser, Z. c. Benedict,
and bought Chicago Gas at time when
il was sure to double in value 1t would
take considerable space to given a par
tial list of Mr.. Cleveland'S holdings. He
was quite wealthy when he left office.
Van Buren was so wealthy that he did
not trouble himself to Oraw his salary
until the expiration of his four years.
when he signed for an even $lOOOO0
side of that provided for by Congress
was paid by Mr.. Van Buren, out OF his
own pocket.
George Washington didn't need his
salary for living expenses, but he took
no chances and drew his money with
as much regularity as the department
clerks. He had so much money and
property to dispose of that his will COW
cred twenty closely written pages. and If
put in type would make five columns
of this paper.
James Monroe entered the White House
a very poor man, and he retired almost
penniless. He lived well. but not ex-
travagantly, while President. 1t took just
I62 words 10 tell in his will what he
wished done with the few dollars he left.
Polk. Fillmore and Pierce were all rich
men when elected President, and each
left the White House financially well
fixed leaving to their families and rela-
lives large estates.
James Madison had a good bank ac-
count and considerable real estate when
he became President, and il had not
dwindled perceptibiy when he retired.
Both money and property were rapidly
scattered to the winds after Madison
died. but for his papers Congress paid
Mrs Madison $4,000. and this was all
the beautiful Dolly received
Andrew Jackson was comfortably rich
when ne was chosen chief executive. He
owned mills. farms. stores and other
properties at Knoxville and Greenvi!ie.
Tenn, ana the balance was on tie IiSilI
side of the ledger in bank. Buchanan
was wealthy, too, as was also Andrew
Johnson, but the latter was impoverished
before death by assuming the debts of his
SON.
John Quincy Adams died a rich man.
He owned immense properties in Boston
and Washington. Thomas jefferson, ac-
cording TO history, always put on large
amount of style and was rated as a very
rich man, but in old age he was reduced
to hard-pan living and was forced to
cease entertaining as he had at Month
cello. Congress paid him $4,000 for the
larger portion of his valuable library and
this money was economically used during
his last days.
William Henry Harrison was known as
a plain, everyday man, and while IN the
White House he was the same. He saved
a goodiy portion of his salary and died
moderately wealthy. His grandson. Ben
5anriu Harrison was likewise economical
cared little for style. saved money and
enjoyed lucrative Law practice after his
term.
Gen. Grant did not spend much money.
but while In the White House he lived
well and at the same time saved money
me salary or PRESIDENT being raised from
10000 to $4,000 while he was serving
his second term. He was not rich. but
was worth considerable money when his
second term expired. An unfortunate en-
tanglement in a wildcat financial concern
caused him to be forced to pledge his
swords, medals and gems to w. II. Van
derbilt for the loan of $l0ooo
The most extravagant OF Presidents wa.
Arthur. who not infrequently gave din
ners costing as much as 5000. WheI
he went into the White House he wa.
worth a half million. and for time i
seemed as though he wished to see how
rapidly he could spend it. a course en-
hreiy different to his predecessor, the la
mented Garfield, who died q poor man
The people Of grateful nation raiset
sum OF 100000 for the widow. and Con
gress voted her pension of 5000 an
rltraltN