The Washington herald., 1917-10-25
PRESIDENT NOT
CUsTOM-BOUND
Wilson Discards Many Pre-
cedents for More Demo-
cratic Conduct Of Office.
BY TRACY HAMMOND LEWIS.

When President Wilson began his
first term, he seemed to take pc
culiar delight in breaking ''prece-
dents which had been established by
former Presidential regimes. And
each time one was broken the din Of
comment created thereby could be
heard like the shot at Concord, round
the world. 1t was heard when the
customary arrangements for the in
augural ball were made less "exclu-
sfve." This didn't make tremendous
hit at Washington, for its good citi-
zens pride themselves upon their abil-
ity to keep hoi polloi in their places.
President Wilson was the first ~
adopt the custom of addressing Con-
gress in person when he had any par
ticular piece of legislation to urge.
In the past nothing short of a 1decla-
ration Of war has brought forth such
a step.
Our former Presidents have had
only perfunctory acquaintance with
the interior Of the State, War and
Navy department building. President
Roosevelt occasionally visited 1t, but
1t was In an informal way, as a rule
only to examine some new model Of a
warship or some such thrilling thing
which had been recently received.
Wilson Regular Visitor.
But President Wilson has inspired
his heads of departments with much
nervousness by his uncomfortable
habit Of dropping in every once in a
while to see the boys and ascertain
how their business is progressing. In
this way he obtained much better
index as to the grasp which they
have on the details of their positions
than by waiting to hear their form
ally prepared reports at the cabinet
meeting. His visits have practical
results. 1t was not so long ago that
he entered one department and found
Its officials in state of much inde-
cision as to what particular method
should be adopted for the perform
ance of a certain task with which
IL was confronted. At the time a
British system was that receiving
the most favorable consideration.
President Wilson objected immedi-
ately and insisted that an American
plan be devised. The department
was somewhat upset, but American
ways and means were adopted as a
result.
Many OF the precedents which the
Chief Executive has broken have
been social ones. a few necessitated
by the advent of the war. During
his first term there was a great deal
of comment in connection with his
avoidance OF all possible fixed social
functions Only those risidly pre-
scribed by Presidential etiquette were
retained and even some of these We're
dropped He banished the New
Years Day reception at which the
heads Of the nation in the past have
been accustomed to receive all day
those who care to see them and
shake each one by the hand.
Accompanied by Wife.
The present Mrs. Wilson believes
that wonan's place is not only in the
White House. but wherever else she
may wish to go with her husband. 1t
is no longer a surprising sight to see
her accompanying him on some of
his occa sional visits to the State. War
and Navy building. or sitting by his
side while he makes an inaugural ad-
dress.
1 have in mind. however. a striking
example of the manner in which the
President showed his tendency to
cast aside the formalities and tradi-
ton OF those who went before him.
On September 4th, an immense
parade was held as a last symbol OF
the nations respect to the men who
were to join the national army in
the cantonments on the following
day. At its front, carrying the flag
of his country, over his shoulder, and
stepping forth with vigorous strides
was the President. On either side of
him were the representatives of the
city's reception committee gaTbed in
all the dignity which they deemed
fitting for such an occasion. Very
impressive they appeared in their high
silk hats and long tailed coats, al
most as much so as a Congressman
attending his first official function.
Between them, looking just like an
ordinary citizen was the President in |
striking contrast to their formaIity. |
He wore a straw hat instead of a silk !
lone, a short blue coat instead of a !
long tailed black one and white !
flannel trousers with white shoes \
There was no ostentation about hi. /
appearance, no attempt to impress the !
public with the power and Importance |
OF his exalted position. He was lead !
ing a parade in behalf of democracy |
and he led 1t as a Democrat
That, I think, Is typical of the |
Presidents policy in everything that |
he does, perhaps more so lately than \
formerly. He is guided not by the 4
formalities which have been. loaded !
onto his office by those who have gone |
before but by the spirit and wishes of |
the people of whom he is the head.
II 1t is necessary. in order to pro- |
tect democracy to send American men !
and youth to fight on foreign soil, he i
sees that they are sent instead of al |
lowing his eyes to be closed by the !
cries of the pacifsts shrieking aloud !
that it has <yer been done before /
and that i. should not be done now. !
Times and conditions have changed
since the enunciation of washigton's
famous admonition to avoid zen
tanglinG foreign alliances and Presi- !
dent Wilson, the leader of the /,
Twentieth Century democracy, has not
permitted the chains of the past to |
restrain him from the performance of |
dis duty.