The Washington times., 1923-11-19
The Practice of Shaking Hands
With Presidents
Bv BILL PRICE.

The Southern Medical Association recently
sion in this city expressed dapproval OF the prevalent
practice large numbers Of people shaking hands with the
President Of the United States When they later visited the
Chief Executive members Of the association complied with
their views and refrained ubcng the President to the
physical strain Of each caller graspng his handshang
''mitt.'
Whatever various Presidents may have thought Of this
custom Of had the political personal
to object where large bodies Of people concerned
Understanding the hulabaloo that would be raised they
appeared to avoid shaking with the dear people, they
long established precedent and at times stood for
long periods grapg the eagerly extended hands Of really
warmhearted citizens who felt that they should show their
appreciation Of the honor conveyed by squeezing Presidents
hand until it hurt.
The redoubtable Theodore Roosevelt wouldn't dream
Of changing this old practice. BE smashed White House
precedents that didn't entail loss Of prestige political
power but he knew the importance Of getting close to the
voters of country Handshakng and back pating
ageod formulas for making voters feel that they being
greeted by royal good fellow who deserves their support
wise men have s been Tg aD0u the Mork
change the Constitution and provide four five Vice
Presidents among whom viii be divided the duties that
devolve upon one Chief Executive doesn't require the
knowledge of physician to understand that the responsible
ties Of the Presidency involve huge strain which
be except by strong Of perfect health
These responsibilities become greater each year the nation
Crews sna as the e % ss n all
wakefu moment of his Of office in the solitary
callers who are compelled to keep in touch with him There are
large numbers of callers who have matters to lay before him
that not be TO about. Much
good time wasted this In addition there visitors
who him for reception by political leaders who
feel that it pays them to keep their supporters and workers
in good humor having them and talk with the President
Of the United States.
is in the reception of conventions and annual gatherings
where the President compelled to shake hands with 500
to 1000 people at time that there is real physical strain
and loss Of time The Southern physicians were
gather in the White House Grounds and have the President
appear before them for brief time returning their kindly
wishes with appropriate remarks.
There conventions which here in nearby cities
the leaders Of which claim the right shaking fest
It difficult AVOID this and the President
long periods grang the hands Of hundreds Of people who
file past him.
is undoubtedly pleasing distinction for
visitors that they have shaken hands with the President
Of the United States. The President taken away from i'm
pOrant work derive from his greeting many people
the satisfaction Of getting close his constituents but there
bound to be times when he wishes that he could
the engagement or put in a substitute
There have been Presidents who didn't do much Of this
hand shaking business They retired the inner precincts
Of the White House and left their secretaries the job
making excuses With most Presidents though has been
feeling OF gratitude to the public for friendship and
support and willingness to 60 through with the strain Of
large receptions They could bring themselves to the
conclusion that they being imposed upon the detr
ment Of their health and the loss Of valuable time