The Triumphant Life of Theodore Roosevelt edited by J. Martin Miller

THE HOME OF THE PRESIDENT 67
secretary to the president and his assistants, and one of the
large hallways was given up as waiting-rooms for visitors. In
addition to this another room was given up as a visitors'
reception room. Under this condition of affairs, doorlieepers,
ushers, and secret service men occupied the main entrance,
and stood at the various doors in that portion of the White
House, on the second floor, used as the business office of the
president. It can be seen that this was not a very agreeable
or satisfactory arrangement. There is hardly a business man
in the country who would care to have his office at his resi-
dence, and be obliged to stay there all the time. Besides, the
ladies of any family might object to having the men folks
around all of the time.
THE NEW WHITE HOUSE OFFICES
Now this condition is completely changed. None of the
business of the President whatever is now conducted at the
White House residence. In the old daj's, or before the
improvements that were completed in the winter of 1901-02,
there was a conservatory just to the west of the White House
that was built in the time of President Jackson. This con-
servatory was the pride of Mrs. Hayes, Mrs. Cleveland, and
other "first ladies" who occupied the executive mansion. It
was extended, until now it is some two hundred feet long.
At its end, and right at the edge of the White House grounds,
directly opposite the great government building occupied by
the State, W^ar and Navy Departments, has been erected the
White House office. President Roosevelt was the first Presi-
dent to occupy this ofifice. The first room upon entering is the
public reception room. To the immediate right, and nearest
the door, is a small room with telephones and typewriters for
the use of the newspaper men who go to the White House to