The Washington herald., 1914-10-26
GREAT GROWTH
OF PRESS Club
New Year Book Shows Or
ganization to Have Mem
bership of 1000.
PRESIDENT ONE OF THEM
Three of His Cabinet. Authors and
Newspaper Writers Included
in the List.
PRESIDENT ONE OF THEM

With a membership Of loo, includtnG
the names Of the President of the UniteC
States, three members of his Cabinet
and many other men prominent in pub
lie life, the National Press Club records
wonderful growth in its new year
book, which was made public yesterday,
Hundreds Of authors and newspaper
writers in all parts of the world are
shown to be members Of this organi-
zation-
The book itself is typical Of the club.
Instead Of the customary leather or
cloth binding, unique covers made of
the front page matrices Of metropolitan
dailies published in all parts Of the
country have been provided. The book
is distinctively a press production.
Like the club quarters, whose walls are
lined with original cartoons and front
page productions, 1t has the newspaper
atmosphere"
Press Club in True Sense.
The book shows that despite the clubs
enormous growth during the six years
Of its existence, the purpose Of its found
ers that 1t 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
election to the highest ONCE in the land.
Mr.. Bryan and Mr.. Daniels Joined as
publishers of newspapers and Mr.. Lane
was admitted as a former newspaper
reporter. There is no honorary member
ship roll and only the active members
have any voice in the club management
The club annual, which carries many
views of the interior of the new home
as well as the roof garden, contains an
interesting account Of the unique enter
tainments that have been provided from
time to time At least two Presidents of
the United States have selected the
rooms Of the National Press Club for
heart-to-heart talks, such as are seldom
made by chief executives. During the
last day OF his administration President
Taft went to the club quarters to say
goodbye, and in doing so made Whist he
called a confession OF his shortcom-
ings. President Wilson visited the new
clubrooms and told of his desire 20 be
"humanized." President Roosevelt was a
frequent caller. The statements attracted
as much attention as any speeches made
during the administrations.
Hobby Nights Unique.
The annual hobby nigats at the Press
Club are unique" says the annual "Once
a year distinguished men, each famed
for some great speciality, are invited TO
appear before the members Of the cit b.
Each must ride his hobby. The event is
presided over by a master ot ceremonies
Of national reputation" Among the par
ticipants have been former Speaker
Joseph G. Cannon, Speaker Clark, Am
bassador James Bryce, John Philip Sousa
and Clifford Pinchot
"A more recent but equally popular !
fixed event" continues the book, 'is the |
debate. This entertainment is planned |
for laughing purposes only. The idea is |
to have an absurd subject, such as
'Whiskers VS.. Badness or 'Bowlegs vs. |
KnoCk-knecs,' ably debated by forensic |
disputers Of unquestioned prowess. The |
various clashes have been oratorical bat !
ties Of such exceptional heat and ability /
that the judges have never been able to |
return a decision.
Even Champ Clark lodged the respon-
sibility."