, 1921-07-14
WHAT BECOMES OF
OUR EX.PRESIDENTS


president? You were forced to con-
TESS that you didn't know, but sup
posed he lived in ease after his re-
tirement-I was forced to do the
same until too the trouble to in
vestigate the aftermath OF every
presidents life and the study laid
bare many features previously un-
known to me.
We we're all much interested in
what Woodrow Wilson would do
after he left the executive mansion.
and the same thing was tru OF the
people at the time of every great
mans departure from office.
Let us start from the beginning,
with the father of our country,
George Washington. Washington was
the most fortunate Of all OF u pres
idents, when he declined a third term
he was possessor Of at least one-half
million dollars. and a undoubtedly
the richest man OF the time, a bloat-
ed plutocrat as some OF his enemies
called him. His estate at Mt. Vernon
covered 5000 acres, or 12h square
miles. He never lacked money, e.
spect or things many OF the presi-
dents lost after leaving public life.
But contrasted to Washington.
four ex-presidents were in dire need
Of funds and barely escaped the
common necessities of life. These
four men. Jefferson. Monroe. Jack
son and Grant were by far the most
unfortunate Of our presidents.
Grant was to blame for his finan-
cial difficulties as he attempted to
make a fortune in speculative bust
ness. He desired to spend the rest
of his life in leisure, but his know
ledge OF warfare was not the know
ledge of business, and he was a bank
rupt in a short time. and in order
to make good his losses he was
forced to pawn his great collection
of swords, medals and valuable re-
gala. much of which vas gifts from
foreign rulers. William H. Wander
bilt gave the former president $780,
900 for the collection and later gave
1t to the National Museum, when the
hero Of the Civil Wal was unable to
redeem it..
Jefferson attempted to farm a
plantation and he was utterly un-
successful as a business man. He
spent enormous sums in entertaining.
sometimes having Is many as fifty
guests. Finally his affairs became
30 unsettled as to demand that he
sell his library and collection of his
torical papers to Congress for $685.
900. This sum carried him for a few
years, but at his death he was again
bankrupt.
Jackson was unfortunate indeed,
as his poverty was not the result of
unwise business manipulations or
developed into an arrogant
urnn1thriP and th4 20 n old com
eral, Old Hickory, died not exactly in
squalor. but in need and with a temp
tuous disposition and with many
Monroe. famous for his Monroe
doctrine that has for years been one
of Americas greatest documents.
became a hermit. He shut himself
out of the world, forgotten by his
former friends and %forgetful of his
past grandeur.
This condition would have been
impossible today, when even the most
mediocre OF presidents would have
been the recipient of many offers
with huge salaries. Benjamin Har-
rison was paid $4,000 a year in
Leland Stanford University to give
twelve lectures annually. When he
died he left an estate of $375,00O.
He was an excellent business man
and pyramided his fortunes in Chi
cage properties and utilities.
John Quincy Adams was a rich
man when he went into office, and
the fear Of poverty never touched
him. He was essentially and abso-
lutely the most remarkably and hard
working statesman in America, al
though a keen politician. After he
left the White House he served un-
til his death as a member of the
House Of Representatives. The only
president who following his retire
ment from the presidency still played
great parts in the development Of his
country.
Martin Van Buren, was a remak-
able lawyer and business man, and
his wealth was great before he as
sumed the executive chair OF his
nation. He never bothered to collect
his $4,000 annual living expenses.
but allowed it to accumulate and
drew a lump sui of $4,000 at the
end of his term. From then on he
lived on his Hudson river home in
luxury and contentment.
James X. Polk and Martin Fill.
more were both wealthy e they
took active interest in the public at
fairs after their retirement. Fillmore
travelled abroad a great deal. ant
spent his most enjoyable years in hi:
home following his travels. Polk dice
soon after his retirement.
Franklin Pierce and James Buch
anan became members Of the idl'
rich following their terms, neither
cared to interest themselves in activi
ties and lived the life a countr!
gentlemen-respected and honoret
by their n%eighbors.
Pierce. Madison, Buchanan ant
John Adams are called the Hermi
Presidents for their utter failure Il
participate in the affairs Of tn
world. Adams, one Of the grea
presidents. was a Jealous and enviou