The Colorado statesman., 1913-01-11

presidents study or "den," room
which may perhaps be called the most
characteristic in the executive man
sion-the nook most intimately identi-
fed with the activities Of the chief
magistrate in his various capacities.
At the White House, not only the
state parlors, but most of the cham
bers as well, berely reflect the taste
of the professional decorator and are
furnished with articles chiefly interest
ing because of their historical associa-
tions. But in the presidents "den." as
is befitting, the contents of the room
and their arrangement are expressive
of the personality and individuality of
the distinguished occupant The room
serves the dual purpose of retreat
and workroom-a haven where the
president may seek the solitude that
is a rare boon to one in his position
and a study where, when occasion de-
mands, there is opportunity for con-
centration and uninterrupted work.
And, as vehicles of research or relax
alton, there are thousands of books
in the low shelves that line the walls.
although this study is not to be con-
fused with the White House library,
the adjoining room.
The presidential den" is located di-
rectly over the green parlor and is of
the same dimensions. From the time
of President Johnson until the year
1902, this room was used as the cabi-
net room and in the then council
chamber of the presidents official fam
lily was signed the treaty of peace with
Spain-an event that is commemorat-
ed by Chartrans splendid painting
which now hangs in the most proml-
nent place in the room. When the
White House was remodeled during
the administration of President Roose-
welt, it was at first proposed that this
room, like the others that had been
used for executive office purposes
should be converted into bedroom or
guest chamber, but in the end it was
decided to utilize it as study OF
"den," in which function it has been
used by Presidents Roosevelt and Taft
with ever increasing appreciation OF
its advantages.
Beneath window, that commands
an inspiring view of the White House
grounds, the Washington monument
and the Potomac beyond, stands the
desk where the president performs
much of his most important work
This desk was presented to the nation
by the late Queen Victoria and was
made from the timbers of her majes
ty's ship Resolute, which, after having
been abandoned in the Arctic in the
search of Sir John Franklin, in the
year 1852, was discovered and extri
Gated by the captain of an American
whaler and was later sent to England
as gift to the queen by the president
and people of the United States. The
| desk set, gift from Alaska, is a de
cided novelty, walrus tooth serving
as the base for figures in solid gold
Although nothing could be farther
from intention than that the presi
dents own room should SAVIOR of q
museum, there are several articles in
the den" that, in addition to the desk
have historic significance. The old
| cabinet table has been retained and
now serves to accommodate the over
| flow of books and current magazines
| Over the white marble mantel, which
was installed when this room was re
modelled, hangs a full length painting
of George Washington by a Spanish
artist, which was sent as a gift tc
the nation from Ecuador, and in g
glass case directly above the presi
dents desk is the exquisite jewele6
silk rug which was presented to the
White House few years since by the
Persian government. The wall space
at one end of the room is given over
to the presidents own silk copy oil
the special presidential flag, which is
unfurled upon certain ceremonial oc
casions, If the president be present