Greenbrier independent. [volume] (Lewisburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1980, 1919-10-31

GIFTS TO THE PRESIDENT,

Gifts received by the President
and Mrs. Wilson while they were
on their two trips in Europe are
itemized in statement given out
by Joseph P. Tumulty, secretary to
the President, in refutation of re-
ports and assertions of Senator's and
congressman that the total value
of the presents approXimates "sev-
eral millions.
1t is shown that the gifts have
practically no intrinsic value.
The statement of Mr.. Tumulty
follows:
"While on his western trip the
Presidents attention was called to
the resolution of Congressman
Rodenburg of Illinois and the state
ments of Senator'S Penrose and
Sheman in regard to gifts received
by the President and Mrs. Wilson
while they were in Europe.
Senator Sherman indicated the
basis of the various stories touch
ing this matter when he said that
cloak room gossip lays the value
of these gifts at half million dol
lars. Senator Penrose said he had
been informed that the Presidential
party brought back to this country
presents from crowned heads and
foreign governments amounting to
several million dollars
These false statements were made
in the hope of, preiudicing the
President with the American peo-
pie. Here are the facts as stated
by Secretary Tumulty under the
direction of the President:
"Outside of considerable num-
Der of small gifts, such as books,
walking sticks, an old silver disk
found in the ruins of Louvain, war
souvenirs made by soldiers or out
Of war material, and numerous
medals struck off in his honor, the
following are the only important
gifts received by the President in
Europe:
In acknowledgements of the
King and Queen of England; book
relating to Windsor Castle; the free
dom Of the City of London, pre-
Sented in gold casket, by the Lord
Mayor in Guild Hall.
In Itdly:-A water color picture
on bronze easel, presented by the
Queen of Italy; bronze figure pre-
ssnted at the Capitol in Rome Ga
gift from the people,; figure of
Italia Victoria" sent to the train
at Genoa, either by school or by
the citizens of Genoa; set of books
from the citizens of Genoa; mo-
sale, presented by the Pope.
In France:-A bronze figure pre-
sented by body of students.
THE President also received nu-
merous honorary degrees from
nearly all of the countries of Eu-
rope, and many resolutions of re-
spect and gratitude.
Knowing that there is consti-
tutional inhibition against the
President receiving gifts from for
elgn rulers or states, the President
after consulting the Secretary of
State, was preparing list of the
presents he intended TO ask the per
mission of Congress to retain, lust
before he started on his Western
trip.
I'm addition 10 the gifts received
by the President, the following to-
kens were presented TO Mrs. Wilson
while she was in Europe:
"A pin of Partisan enamel with
hny diamond chips, presented in
Hotel de Vile by the city of Paris;
linen hand-cmbroidered lunch sci
lSmall cloth and dozen napkins)
In case, presented through Mad
anne Poincarc and Madame Pichon
Dy the working women of France.
IN Bctgium:-A small medal by
cardinal Mercier; a Belgian lace
taDle cover. presented by Queen:
a complete file of the "Libre Bel
gique (the paper published during
,he herman occupation), presented
by the King, in leather folder.
In Haiy:-A reproduction of the
.Woif and Romulus and Remus," /"
IN gold, presented by the people
through private subscription; a
piece of lace in leather case, pre-
sented by Signor Orlando in behalf
OF his Colleagues; m,smaIl repro
auction in silver Of pitcher found
IN the ruins Of Pompeii
In making this statement 7 am
acting upon the express direction
OF The President and Mrs. Wilson"