The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-07-14
y WASHINGTON. July 10.


W WASHINGTON. having had the
M character OF a summer re-
sort thrust upon It, has 80
far acted the part beautifully. The
temperature has been so unusual that
dinner giving in ones own dining
room in town has been quite as COM
Portable as though It was October in
stead of July. But the situation is
60 unexpected ct this time of year
that from force OF habit the country
clubs and suburban inns are the most
popular places for such functions.
It's too good to last. And besides,
the cheerful young man who delivers
ice reported this morning that he had
heard the first locust OF the season
singing away to beat the band. right
at Fifteenth and K streets. So, now
look out! for we all know what that
means" Right in front of the Camp
bell Graefs, only a few doors from
Senator Knox's and the Hales' and
Mrs. Dewey and the Elkins resi-
dence! In fact. only a few blocks
from the White House. Isn't 1t per-
fectiy outrageous for a locust to in
trude into a neighborhood like that
with its song of sweltering days to
come? Especially when practically all
Of those people are In town, contrary
10 their wont, at this time o. year.
The White House guards will be hear
ing the locusts in the White House
grounds next. right on top Of the an
nouncement that there would be no
summer White House this season any
where but right here in Washington,
as the President expected to be here
practically all summer.
There are times when the Chief
Executive and his family must miss
the suburban homo which was for
merry one Of their perquisites. You
know they used to have a comfortable
roomy cottage in the prettiest part
Of the Soldiers Home grounds.
President and Mrs. Lincoln spent
much Of their summers there. Presi-
dent Grant and his family. President
Hayes and his occupied 1t for time
in the spring and fall each year. as
did President Arthur; and President
Cleveland used 1t for few months
during the first year OF his admins
tration. after which it was given up
as Presidential summer home. Presi-
dent Cleveland, after his marriage.
lived at Red Top in Cleveland Park
in the spring and fall. going up to
Gray Gables on Buzzards Bay for
summer.
summer white House Needed.
Since then each President has an
swered for himself the question OF
where to go for the summer. and while
Congress has often preached the sub
iect Of a summer White House the
discussion has never reached the stage
nj action. Now, of course. when 1t
seems almost necessary for the Presi-
dent to remain close to the seat OF
government. the need for some suit
able and dignified home fer him. per-
haps in the nearby mountains within
easy access OF the city. is more appar-
ent than ever; even though the White
House is equipped with every possible
comfort and hot weather luxury. SO
that the old building is rarely anything
but cool and delightful.
Some such residence will probably
he the next comfort that Congress will
give the Presidential family. But even
though the locusts are singing to beat
the band" in the tall elms in the White
House grounds. there is no chance of
Uncle Sans acquiring a regular sum-
ner White House until after the war
anyhow.
Just now IL is doubtful II even the
President could rent a desirable sum-
ner home~fn the immediate neighbor-
hood of Washington. Every available
country place in Washington's suburbs
has been leased, and many places
never before leased TO strangers now