The Ypsilanti daily press. (Ypsilanti, Mich.) 1928-1962, 1946-02-20

Newsgathering in
Washington Really
Difficult Task
BY HELEN EssARY

Telling the world ABOUT What
goes on at the White House Is, as
you have heard. no simple primary
school task. In the universe's cen
ter on Pennsylvania Ave, news
breaks when no one is looking or
listening. Indeed IL has been
known to crack wide open without
q hint OF warning, speedily in
yolying Europe. Asia. Africa and
the heavens above and the sea be-
meath.
Also, and this is one OF several
hundred alsos. there is to be con-
sidered. prayerfully. in the dis
pensing OF natural and information
nj news, the personality OF the chief
newsmaker in anybody's hemis-
phere: the President OF the Unit
ed States.
The present president OF the
United States, Mr.. Harry Truman
of Missouri. is an exciting fellow
TO cope with. according to Chan
nels"-as they say In the Army
and Navy. Mr.. Truman frequent
ly works by inspiration. He is as
impetucus as a cricket In May.
He makes up his mind In a flash
and like most sponstaneous peo-
pie is at his best when acting on
impulse.
Such department, when found In
the person of a chief executive, is
engaging indeed when you meet 1t
socially. But think of the emo
tions Of the press department Of
such a chief executives stan when
It hears the boss suddenly has an
nounced at a news conference a
decision or made an appointment
previously undiscussed. After such
an announcement, the news people
rush to the publicity offices OF the
White House and say. "Why In the
world didn't you give us some
warning about this? Is this the
way to let your old crowd DOWN."
In the midst Of such cruel at
tacks what can Public Secretaries
Ross and Ayres do but say few
"Hems" and "Er-ers's" and Let
me-see-nows". Naturally the press
bureau can't admit that The whole
thing is q surprise to me. Never
heard It mentioned before"
Catching up with the active
President Truman in order to dis
cover what he is up to is another
problem of the press secretaries.
For example, on one day recently
Mr.. Ross had urgent matters to
discuss with the President Sever
al dozen other people had urgent
matters to discuss with the Presi-
dent. Finally, Ross scored. He
tracked Mr.. Truman down-twice.
Once in the White House swim
ming pool, where the boss was
practicing his daily strokes. Zeal
ously. between strokes, Ross found
out what the President planned
on several important issues.
In the second interview maneuv-
cred by Ross the President was at
q disadvantage. 1t was at the mo-
ment Mr.. Truman Harry Truman.
the many was being rubbed down
on the massage board By his husky
masseur who keeps the President
1T Charlie had hic old Missouri
school friend. Harry. in his power,
so to speak. And while the Presf
dent was being neatly pounded for
the sake OF muscles and circulation,
Ross united some of the more
complicated and immediate public
relation knots.
TIGHTEN YOUR BELTS" Mr..
Truman told members and guests
at the annual dinner Of the Wom-
ems National Press Club the other
night. Such advice was not inspir-
ed by any lack OF streamlining in
the silhouette of members and
guests. Mr.. Truman was taking
this graphic method Of saying you
have more to eat in this country
than you need. Send surplus food
abroad to people who are really
hungry"
must admit, Mr.. Truman had a
good point. There is, indeed. a
lot to eat In this country. Ger
tainly in Washington. Washing
ton party tables are actually creak-
ing this February with the heavy
burden they support at any time
of day.
Both afternoon and evening re-
ceptions offer what a few months
ago would have seemed a banquet.
Roast turkeys. hams, jellies are
borne in as fast as nibbling guests
devour their delectable slices.
Lobster and shrimp Newburgs, spe-
cialties de Maisons in chatting
dishes, sandwiches composed OF
more filling than bread mice
change, whipped cream sweets.
ices. fruits out Of season. cakes
TO make a sugar-loving Oriental
roll his eyes in yearning and any
drink from tea to champagne. Such
are the offerings of lavish Wash
tngton.
Gore are the days when you lick
ed your platter down TO the flowers
on the china.