Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1917-03-05
By associated Press


Washington, March 5.-Oldest at
taches of the White House regard
President Wilson as the most method
ical, systematic, time-saving chief eX-
ecutive within their memories.
From the very first of his adminis-
tration, the Mexican difficulties and
the European war have added imme-
asurably to the duties of the Presi-
dent, but he has managed to maintain
a strict schedule for his working
hours; he never has been known
through personal fault to be late with
an engagement and has religiously
conserved his time.
A White House caller, booked for
a five minute interview with many q
President often got an hour. If one
arrangeS q five minute interview with
Mr.. Wilson, one gets exactly five min
utes-no more-and the way is clear
ed for the next caller.
Although during his first admins
tration the President took no real va
cation, he managed to maintain reg
ular program of physical recreation
necessary to conserve his health. He
never has been out of touch with the
nations business. When at the sum-
mer White House at Cornish, N. H.,
or Long Branch, n. j., u staff of sec
retaries was close at hand. All during
his first term the President was not
than two weeks at u time on trips
travelling about the country and he
never has gone further west than To-
peka, Kansas.
Life Is Natural
Friends of Mr.. Wilson say he dis
likes the idea of going into the coun-
try, but enjoys himself when he does
go.
Many word pictures of the Presi-
dent at work and at play have been
written, but those closest to him say
that his every day life is a natural
one for man who never has been
wealthy and has grown up in an at
mosphere of regularity and natural
living.
Mr.. Wilson does many things per-
sonally that could easily be done for
him by others. Frequently he walks
from the executive offices to the White
House to get a book or letter when
he could more easily Spress button
and have some one bring it to him.
His liking for directness of action eX-
plains why on more than one occasion
he has walked to different depart
ments to see Cabinet members instead
of summoning them to the White
House. He has never allowed prece-
dent to interfere with the course he
thought the most direct
Gets Up Early
The time the Presidents working
day begins depends upon the season
of the year. Ordinarily, in winter he
gets up between Z and 7.30 o'clock,
but in summer he usually arises ear
lier-Sometimes at 8 or $50. He be-
lieves in daylight saving whenever
possible.
When he first came to the White
House he attend to most OF his official
work in the morning, and played golf
in tho afternoon, but this winter, he
reversed his program, and played golf
in the warm morning hours, and
worked in the afternoon. He goes golf
ing either with Mrs. Wilson and DIR.
Grayson soon after breakfast, and
works on his mail from noon to ]
o'clock. In the afternoon he sees call
ers and signs official papers, except on
Tuesday and Fridays, when his Cab
met meets. Ordinarily an hour on
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday
afternoons is set aside for the recep-
tion of members of Congress.
Likes Old Dead Eyes,
After dinner, generally about Z
o'clock, the President does no work
unless it is absolutely necessary. He
either reads, plays billiards, or goes to
theater. Detective Stories poems,
and autobiographies are his favorite
literature. it is more or less of an open
secret, that his preference is for thrill
ling old time detective stories. Often
he gathers his family about him and
reads poems. Frequently he steals
away to a gallery to view some paint
ings.
The Presidents insistence on
promptness contrasts with the more
or less carefree habits Of some of his
predecessors. When the Cabinet meets
the Presidents advisers are frequent
ly early, but are seldom late.
Society Has No Charms
The President, now sixty years old,
is very healthy, and his only weak
nesses are of the stomach and eyes.
Because of attacks of indigestion he
is more or less on a diet most of the
time, but is as regular in his meals as
in all his other habits.
Society has no charms for Mr.. Will
son and for society with a capital S
he has a positive aversion. On more
than one occasion his failure to hide
his feelings has been noticeable. He