Omaha daily bee., 1916-04-20
What it Costs to Live
In the White House
: DonAld MaooreTor IN Amerloan Magazinl

- Donald Maoorsgor In American Magazine -.
WoopHoW WILSON Ia the second president 10
w receive a salary Of 1900 a year Ills expenses
have been less than those OF Mr.. Taft, the first
TO profit BY the increase from $1,000
Although Mr.. Wilson has been forced TO deal With
many vital domestic and international problems
Than amy other president IN recent years no finds time
TO look after his personal business affairs. He re-
oeiyes each month United states treasury warrant
for N,D and makes frequent visits. almost always
afoot 70 bank a few blocks from the White House.
In the earty days 81 tho United States tho presi-
deney was no place for without independent
means. The office cost the occupant moro than he
got out Of H. and at least president Andrew jack
son, hfer spending $4,000 Of his own money, ended
his term without having enough TO pay his travelling
expenses back home At first tho salary gZ5 900
year. regarded then very liberal But ms the coun-
try grew IN territory and importance the expenses Of
the president increasod distinguished visitors from
foreign nations had 10 be entertained receptions and
state dinners became frequent and other expenses de-
veloped The time when d president had 10 pay
out more money than he received.
congress in 1873. after long bitter fight Increased
the salary 10 EO0o soon afterwsrd congress passed
bill reducing the pay 10 5000 again but President
Grant vetoed the measure. In those days congress
provided no assistance IN the payment Of White House
bills nut there came gradual awakening 10 tho
financial burdens Of the presidency and appropriations
came little by little until now approximately 10000
n allowed annually 10 defray certain expenditures In
addition 10 k5Co year for travelling expenses Even
with this help PRECEDENT cannot eHeape paying about
5000 year from His salary for provisions for the
White House tables entertaining. clothing and contr
buttons % charitable and other organizations This
leaves him f25,00 year which he may possibly set
inside for future needs.
The bgaest item president must meet from his
pocket II the cost Of provisions for the White
House tables, There rarely are fewer than thirty
persons ~ every meal including the president and his
family guests and staff Of servants averaging from
twenty 10 twenty-five
Bills for groceries meat milk ana other provisions
ordered by the hougekeeper the general super.
vision Of the mistress Of the White House. fluctuate
considerably In summer, during the brief time tho
president md hs family at the aeaahore or IN tho
mountains these bills at the White House can be
kept down 10 about 1900 a month or even less Bat
when the president II In Washington and during the
winter social season they from two to four times
that amount
This increase In winter Il due 10 the extensive en-
tertainlng expected OF the president and his wife
state receptions and dinners Of which there are al-
ways eight nine In q season. cost upwards OF 81 900
each The president and Mrs. Wilson this year In
cluded IN their social program four large receptions
and five state dinners In addition there were many
smaller less formal affaira
In addition TO this presidents personal expenses
are very heavy Hall dozen suits of clothes n year
and other furnishings needed by quite sur
ncient for president but the gowns for the First
Lady Of Tho Land" and the White House daughters
hre no incident These ladies are called upon 10
attend four five functions every week during the
season in Washington and they must nave ready no
less than score Of becoming evening gowns well
az on extensive stock for afternoon wear.
Contributions 10 charity range from inexpensive
handkorebefs and autographed pictures Of the White
House, for sale At bazara. 70 substantial checks
A. the government provides refuge from the hot
weather Of Washington president must furnish him
self and his family with simmer residence the rent
TO come from his pocket And there IL the cost
Of keeping up two establishments.
Because a president Ia busy with affairs Of state,
the work Of looking after bills generally is left 70
other member Of the household. his wife,
daughter or his personal stenographer Tho president
then. merely signs the checks prepared for him with
the bills attached
or course the president has absolute supervision
over tho money appropriated by congress 10
tain White House bills The sundry crvil act for tho
fiscal year ending June 30 1915 provided sS5,CO for
ordinary repair and rcfurnishing Of tho executive
mansion and for tho purchase. maintenance and drly-
Ing Of horses and vehicles for ordinary purposes TO
be expended by contract or otherwise" This covers
tho wages Of the servants which range from $40 to
s5 month the pay Of the chauffeurs and the upkeep
or five White House automobiles
In the same there Is provided 1900 for the caro-
and maintenance Of the white House greenhouses
houses. and sum not TO exceed $500 for lighting tho
White House. the surrounding gronnns and green
houses An extra item Of 5000 also carried for re.
pairs TO the greenhouses
Another appropriation u s@OOo for the travelling
OF the president to be expended In his dis
erection and accounted for his certificate solely
What remains at the end OF tho year Of this fund as
well AZ or the other appropriations stays In the
treasury
When the president travels ne invariably occupies a
private car usually attached 20 regular train and
requiring the payment Of twenty-five full fares Tho
government private car for the presldcn-one
Ia rented by the day,