The Washington herald., 1918-12-22

The two soldiers made a wager
as to what was being prepared for
dinner and submitted the matter to
an employe. The latter went to the
culinary department and reported:
You're both wrong. It's war
time vegetable soup you smell"
The public receptions at the
White House were originated. II Is
said, from a custom inaugurated in
he time of Jefferson. who was much
given to Bohemian tastes and liked
to be surrounded by Bohemians. on
Christmas and New Years Bay he
would invite painters, writers,
musicians and others of genius 10
be his guests and would entertain
them in true Bohemian fashion.
Free Lunch In the East Room.
The custom of serving the people
with free-for-all "banQuets" in the
East Room on Christmas and other
occasions, was inaugurated by Pres
ident Andrew Jackson. Long tables
were spread from which Viands
were served to the public, the ad-
mittance to the impromptu dining
room being regulated by the door
keepers and ushers. Because of "Old
Hickorys" great popularity with
the people. great crowds focked to
the White House on the feast oc-
casions to partake of his hospitality.
On one occasion the big gathering
became unruly and swept into
the White House overturning the
guardians at the outer doors. A
grand charge was made on the long
tables in the East Room laden with
smoking viands. In the struggle
ice cream and meat stews were
scattered over the walls and costly
carpets, glass and Chinaware was
broken and coffee and other bever-
ages spilled upon the satin-covered
furniture. The scene was one of in
describable confusion and great
damage was wrought in the his
toric apartment.
While this food riot was at its
height "Old Hickory" attracted
from his study by the noise and
confusion below, appeared at the
head of the stairs and asked one of
the frightened ushers what had hap
pened.
They burst past us, sir, and are
wrecking the place. sir
Let the people enjoy themselves. "
said the President as he SMILED at
the struggling mass of men and boys.
That is unleashed democracy"
After that strenuous experience, how
ever, and the President had taken
an afterview of the damage, no more
free banquets for the people were
staged at the White House.
President Arthur established the Gus
tom of entertaining his political
friends. particularly those from New
York, in the Christmas holiday sea-
sons. In addition to providing the best
the Washington markets afforded for
the culinary part of the program, he
always ordered a liberal supply of
liquid refreshments. as did several
other of the Presidents since the close
of the civil war. At that period dry
Washington was regarded as an utter
impossibility. The solons at the Capt.
tol and their friends regaled them
selves at the bars OF the Senate and
House sides of tie building, and dry
Christmas was never even dreamed of.
During the Arthur administration
was on the editorial stan of the Ma
tional Republican. known as the ad-
ministration organ A Washington
grocer. still in business. received Pres
ident Arthur's order for his Christ
mas refreshments. One item was a
high grade of whisky. Another item
was for a much inferior grade. Being
asked by a Representative why he or
dered good and bad whisky. Mr.. Ar
thur replied:
THE good liquid is for the diplo-
mats, Cabinet officers, Senators and
Representatives. The cheap grade is
for my Tammany friends from New
York"