Evening star., 1948-10-11
New Housing for Executives

Announcement by White House Architect
Lorenzo S. Winslow that the entire second
floor of the Executive Mansion must be re-
placed to insure the security of the occupants
and the future of this historic structure, brings
into sharp focus an issue which has long been
neglected-with little credit to either our
country or Its people
This deals with the discreditable df not
shamefuD manner in which the United States
of Amerca-the wealthiest and most power
full Government In the world-has looked to
the welfare and comfort of its Chief Execu-
tive. (The same goes in regards our Vice
President, whose Importance as potential sue
cessor to the President Is too well known
for discussion)
As a result of futile efforts to "modernize'
the White House, and make it safe place
for the President and his family to live,
Architect Winslow informs us that the struc-
ture is probably good enough for another Is
years without any repairs at all" However,
he adds that the weakened condition, brought
on by many patchwork alterations and i'm
provements." makes it imperative that the
second floor be renovated without delay. The
cost of this latest makeshitt move. to cover
up our failure to house our President and his
family in a manner befitting this high office,
What will we have as an Executive Mansion,
after this sum Is speat-so our First Family
can retire, secure in the belief that the walls
will not come tumbling in upon them during
their slumber? 1t still will be the same 1872
year-old structure, built in the days when
steel and concrete reinforcements and modern
home conveniences were both unknown and
unobtainable It still will be the renovated
hulk of what remained after it was gutted
by fire In 1914. 1t still will be a structure
unfit-by any standard you may choose-to
be inhabited by the chosen head OF this great
Nation and those dear to him.
Those among u.s. who have been privileged
to live and travel in foreign lands, return to
our native land with mixed emotions. We
find ourselves strengthened in our pride OF
national accomplishment our conviction that
the United States of America Is the best place
in which to live In sharp contrast with con-
ditions abroad we revel in our remarkable
progress-economically, politically, socially, etc.
In other words, we know from personal ex-
perience that here, indeed, mankind has made
Its nearest approach to Utopia.
Nations Leaders Neglected.
Against this, the returning citizen OF the
United States Of America Is abashed Gin many
cases ashamed, when he contrasts certain
American institutions and attitudes with those
in other lands less fortunate than ours. Espe-
cially is this the case when one has lived
In the capitals of foreign countries and seen
flrst-hand how their national leaders are
treated and regarded.
This is no apology for or defense OF other
forms of government against our American
democratic republic" The wisdom OF our
founding fathers and the supremacy OF the
Constitutional system they devised have been
proved beyond all doubt in the minds of all
honest peoples everywhere. To confine our
selves to the subject at hand, the "let-down'
to the returning American is based on the
'laissez-faire" attitude so prevalent toward
certain national institutions-despiteo our great
and justified pride therein.
BY all ODDS our greatest defect along this
line lies in the prevailing attitude toward
our National Capital. the District wherein
it functions-and the executives selected to
steer the ship of state 1t is reflected in
glaring hishlights by the hodgepodge mixture
of Government and private institutions and
activities in Washington proper, the topsy-like
growth of the District of Columbia, and (most
pertinent here) the apparent feeling that
what sufnced for our national leaders $50
years ago Is good enough for those in charge
today.
Certainly, we all love the White House-ts
towering porticos, its imposing facade, us
cleaning exterior (made white to cover up
the scars of British incendiarism) as well as
its spacious lawns and spraying fountains
It's all part of us-our country and It's traol-
tions. It's rich in historic memories. With
reverence do countless thousands tread the
corridors and cross the rooms wherein have
So,trn 0f nc q
other countries This is analogous to the feel
ing one experiences when gazing upon the
Tai Mahal in India, visiting King Tutank-
hamen's tomb in Egypt, exploring the ancient
palaces of the Manchu dynasty in China. or
wandering through the shrines of Mt. Vernon
and Monticello which once were homes OF
WASHINGTON and Jefferson, respectively.
That's what the White House should be
today-a national shrine dedicated to the
memory of the men land women) who had
led us officially, as a Government and a
people. to our present great stature as the
worlds hope and inspiration.
Better Accommodations for President.
No longer should we demand or expect that
cur Chief Executive be confined during MS
entire presidential life to one structure, which
does not offer the modern conveniences COM
monplace with us in the United States Of Amer
lea TODAY. No longer should we countenance
the condition whereby our Chief Executive must
work and have his entire being under one in
secure roof-to the accompaniment OF myriad
workers, visitors and sightseers. No longer
should even the family Of our President be
forced to commune with history and tradition,
while they long for the privacy to which even
the humblest of our citizens are entitled And
no longer should we subject the large numbers
gathered for State receptions or dinners tt
dangers inherent in a structure, which lon
ago served its purpose-and which now stand
weakened by time and the hand of man, i
his Intellectual efforts to give it new yout
and the new look"
Certainly. in our era Of greatest prosperity
when we have billions to provide for tn
needs of peoples in other lands-we can af1ort
to provide our President with home Il
keeping WITH his high Office. Without dis
-o,,,n+ino or In anv way rehecting against ou