Evening star., 1933-02-26

House steward was abolished some
years ago, and that the duties Of that
place have since been divided among
several employees, White House officials
yesterday thought it was possible that
the position of "custodian-chief clerk"
would combine the duties Of the Office
of custodian with those formerly per-
formed by the steward. The principle
responsibilities Of the latter post would
be to receive all packages and deliveries
to the White House. This task of keep
ing track of deliveries is now performed
by Leon Thompson colored employe.
The printed report about the appoint
ment of Mr.. Nesbitt as custodian-chief
clerk, stated also that Mr.. Nesbitts
wife, would be appointed housekeeper
at the White House.
The White House officials have not
been advised by either President ELECT
Roosevelt or Mrs Roosevelt regarding
these appointments.
Reports also have reached the White
House that Mr.. Roosevelt has indi-
Gated that he wants to reduce mate
rally the number of White House auto
mobiles. and that he Is contemplating
bringing to the White House one or
two chauffeurs Of his own selection. but
White House officials have not yet been
advised to this
Nine Cars Used Now.
There are at present nine Official
automobiles of the large, expensive
type, besides several so-called unofficial
cars OF less expensive makes. The nine
official cars as designated now are:
Limousine for the President, limousine
House guests, three limousineS for secre-
taries, large touring car for the Presi-
dent touring car for secret service and
a sedan for the First Lady.
None Of these cars is owned by the
Government. They are contracted for
by the year, but the chauffeurs are on
the White House pay roll. If Mr.
Roosevelt does cut down the number
OF cars, 1t is thought that the extra
car for the President and First Lady
will be dropped. II he should decide
to cut further. it might mean the drop
ping of official cars for the presi-
dental secretaries.
Those who are entrusted with the
physical upkeep of the White House
feel confident at this time that Mr..
Roosevelt will not want to waste any
great amount Of money on the building
OF a swimming pool either in the White
House or in the rear grounds but in
stead will be content with something
inexpensive even though trif1e crude.
Upon the recommendation of Col. u.
s. Grant, Sd, officer in charge of public
buildings and public parks, which Office
looks after the physical upkeep Of the
White House and grounds, Congress al
ready has appropriated $4,000 for the
purpose Of making such Improvements
70 the White House as may be required
to suit the taste and convenience Of the
incoming President. OF this amount.
about $4,000 was provided for the con-
struction OF swimming pool for Mr..
Roosevelt.
Opposed to Expense.
Mr.. Roosevelt has since made 1t en-
phatically known that he has no desire
to indulge in such an expense. The
President-elect. while recently discuss
Ing this subject. mentioned the fact that
friend OF his built swimming tank at
cost of not more than $1,000. This
wasn't anything very swell, but accord
ing to Mr.. Roosevelt, it served the pur-
pose of his friend and he supposed
something Of the kind would suit him.
AT any rate, the low cost suits him per-
fectly.
Those who would be called upon to
construct such a tank in the event Mr..
Roosevelt gives the order say that it
would be possible but it would be little
more than big hole in the ground"
with concrete poured in to hold the
water,
Like many other ideas credited to the
incoming President, nothing definite has
been learned about this and the new
Presidents wishes and orders are being
awaited
There is the question Of the White
House physician and military and naval
aides. Some reports have been received
to the effect that Mr.. Roosevelt intends
to get along without a White House
physician and to not have any regular
military and naval eides. However.
nothing official rega ding these White
House functions ha-e been received,