Democratic Sentinel, Volume 9, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 May 1885 — THE WHITE HOUSE. [ARTICLE]

THE WHITE HOUSE.

The New Regime at the Executive Mansion—Remarkable Contrast with the Old Manner of Doing Things. * The Washington Evening Star publishes the following regarding the systematic life of President Cleveland in the White House: Any one who has been in the White House oft?n since the 4th of last March and has observed at all closely cannot fail to have noticed how differently things are done there now from what they were during the last administration. President Arthur was proverbially procrastinating, both in official and private matters. He never made up his mind until the last minute, and then he wanted everything done in a rush, and the least delay worried him greatly. He couldn't decide upon an appointment until it was absolutely necessary that it should be made. He took a great interest m all social matters connected with his office, and all his entertainments were of the most hospitable and lavish character. Nothing was too good for his table. Yet in making arrangements for a dinner those who had the details in their charge were always at a loss how or where to begin. The steward would learn that there was to be a dinner, and perhaps this would be the extent of his information. He would make incessant inquiries to learn the day and the number of guests, and when these two points were fixed everything else was plain sailing. When the dinner came off it would be very unfortunate if everything was not just as it should be. IBBEGULAB. President Arthur had no regular business or private hours, and this fact necessitated his setting apart Monday as his private day or dies non, as it was known about the White House. He retired at any hour and rose when it best suited him, often not until after high noon. The meals at the White House were consequently very irregular. Often the breakfast-table was kept waiting for him for four hours. He nearly always had one or more guests at dinner, and as frequently intimate callers in the evening who always stayed until a late hour. Just as likely as not a supper would be ordered at nearly midnight, and Chef Fortin was constantly on the qui vive. In the evenings President Arthur always ordered up wine and cigars, and particularly pressing the latter upon his guests, urging them to take another, or to put a couple in their pockets. As his cigars were of the best imported brands, the cigar bills were pretty steep. He never objected to the table expenses of the White House, however large, but he couldn’t understand why his cigar bills footed up so much. He delighted to linger with his guests at tke table after the conclusion of the meal and enjoy a smoke after the English fashion. In this way an hour or more was often passed. President Arthur was always rushed. He was invariably behindhand in keeping appointments, and the most important delegations were often kept waiting for him for an hour.

DIFFERENT. President Cleveland in a very short time showed himself methodical and systematic, both officially and privately. He has so arranged his time and his affairs that there is no clashing. He has his hours for working, and when they are over he stops work. In this way he is enabled to keep his appointments promptly and to keep himself in good working condition. He rises at a reasonably early hour, and is always ready for breakfast, which is fixed for 9 o’clock. He has never missed his morning’s meal, nor been late to it, since he has been in the White House, and he expects the same punctuality from those who sit at the table with him. Almost immediately afterward he is ready to begin the business of the day, and after attending to important letters or other matters which are brought to his attention he begins to receive callers. Before 1 o’clock he has his rooms pretty well cleared, having disposed of visitors. This is about the hour when his predecessor began receiving callers. President Cleveland then goes down stairs and gives an audience to the general visitors who may be waiting in the east room. At 1:30 o’clock lunch is served, and no one is afterward admitted to his presence except by special appointment. Thus he has time at his disposal to see special delegations or to shut himself in his office for the consideration of important matters requiring his attention, and to take his customary afternoon drive. Dinner is served promptly at 7 o’clock. The evenings are devoted to the relaxation of conversation or to consideration of business, just as it happens. IN GOOD HEALTH. The President himself has been able to stand the stiain upon him for the past few months remarkably well. He is looking in fine condition and seems perfectly well. Since he has been an occupant of the White House he has not been sick once, and has not even seen a “heavy” day. He expends lots of steam, but he keeps a good fire under the boiler. He is a good, strong eater; is fond of a good table, and his digestion is perfect. President Cleveland is fond of inviting an intimate personal friend or a Cabinet officer to stay to dinner with him, but as yet he has not given either a state or a private dinner party, and probably will not until next season. Wine is served at the table, and the President enjoys it in moderation. As soon as the meal is concluded, the table is deserted, and the President with his guest, if there happens to be one present, goes up-stairs to enjoy an after-dinner smoke in private. The President likes a cigar, but he is a light smoker, and no one about the house has yet seen him with a cigar in his mouth during the day. His cigars, like President Arthur’s, are all imported, but they last longer.