The Personality of American CitiesHungerford, Edward
History
The Personality of American Cities
Hungerford, Edward
Cities and towns -- United States; United States -- Description and travel; United States -- Social life and customs -- 1865-1918
There is little red-tape about the arrangements in advance. The tendency
to hedge the President around with restrictions has been completely
offset in the present administration. A note or a hurried call upon the
President's secretary in advance--a card of invitation is quickly
forthcoming. And at half-past two o'clock of any ordinary afternoon you
present yourself at the east wing of the White House. Your card is
quickly scrutinized and you may be sure of it that the sharp-eyed
Irishman who is more than policeman but rather a mentor at the gate, has
scrutinized you, too. His judgment is quick, rarely erring. And unless
you meet his entire approval, you are not going to enter the President's
house. But he has approved and before you know it you--there are several
hundred of you--are slipping forward in a march into the basement of the
Executive Mansion and up one of its broad stairs. There are numerous
attendants along the path.
"Single file!" shouts one of them and single file you all go--just as
you used to play Indian or follow-your-leader in long-ago days. And you
all step from the stair-head into the East Room, while the women-folk
among you conjure imagination to their aid and endeavor to see that
lovely apartment dressed for a great reception or, best of all, one of
the infrequent White House weddings.
Other attendants quickly and easily form you into a great crescent, two
or three human files in width and extending in a great sweep from a vast
pair of closed doors which give to the living portion of the house. No
one speaks, but every one takes stock of his neighbors. If it is in
vacation season there are many boys and girls--for whole schools make
the Washington expedition in these days--there may be several Indians in
war-paint and feather making ceremonious visit to the Great White
Brother. If you are traveled you will probably see New England or
Carolina or Kansas or California in these folk, whose hearts are
quickened in anticipation.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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