Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1914-10-26
NATIONAL PRESS. CLUB.
Two Alexandrians Are Members Of
Organization

With a membership. including the
names of the President Of the United
States. three members OF his cabinet
and many other men prominent in
public life. the National Press Club
records wonderful growth in its new
year book, which was made public
today. Hundreds Of authors and news
paper writers in all parts OF the
world are shown to be members of
this organization. Two AleXandrians
are members of the Club.
The book shows that despite the
:lub's enormous growth during the
six years of its existence, the purpose
cf its founders that it should be a
press club in the true sense has never
been lost sight Of by its officers. Even
President Wilson joined the club as a
writer before his elevation TO the
highest office in the land. Mr.. Bryan
and Mr.. Daniels Joined IS publishers
Of newspapers and Mr.. Lane was adj
mitted as a former newspaper re-
porter. There is no honorary mem
bership roll and only the active men,
ters have any voice in the club
management.
The club annual, which carries
many views of the interior Of the
,ew home as we'll as the roof gar
len. contains an interesting account
of unique entertainments that have
zen provided from time to time.
At least two Presidents of the United
States have selected the rooms OF
ne National Press Club for heart
% heart talks such as arc seldom
made by chief executives. During the
asst day of his administration Presi-
lent Taft came to the club quarters
say goodbye and in doing SO made
What he called confession Of his
hort comings. President Wilson
listed the new club rooms and told
# his desire to be ''humanized."
President Roosevelt was q frequent
:allcr. The statements attracted as
much attention as any speeches made
Turing the administrator. !,
the annual Hobby Nights az the
Press Club are unique" says the an
,ual. "Once year distinguished men,
ach famed for some great speciality,
ire invited to appear before the mem
,crs of the club. Each must ride his
lobby. The event is presided over by
master Of ceremonies Of national
'cputation." Among the participants
layc been Former Speaker Joseph &.
,annon Speaker Champ Clark, Am
,assador James Bryce, John Philip
;cusa. and Clifford Pinchot.
Concerning the club quarters, the
year book says in part: "The Nation
al Press Club has a new home. a
more comfortable one in every way.
+ occupies the top floor and roof gar
len of a modern building just across
he street from the treasury building,
md looking down into the grounds Of
he White House. The new home is
deal because Of it's central location
md accessibility and equipment.
"Passing the Golden Owl, which
ruards the entrance hall, the main
feature of the club quarters is reach
ed. the big lounging room or assembly
he big lounging room or assembly
hall with its easy chairs, window
eats, its picturesque fireplace and
very comfort. Four quaint gnomes
il cross-legged above the fireplace.
They have been dubbed-'Old Sub
scriber', Interested, 'Pro Bono Pub
ico.' and 'Vcritas,' Beyond the as
5embly hall arc the dining rooms and
It the side is the library. The sec
etary's Office is at the entrance and
beyond the secretary's office arc the
:loak rooms. billiard rooms and card
rooms. Then there is the roof garden
akere one may enjoy his dinner in
he open, with splendid panorama oi
the Virginia and Maryland hills
spread before him."