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

THE HOME OF THE PRESIDENT 75
PUBLIC INTRODUCTION
As each person passes alonir the Hne and gets near to
where the President is standing, Colonel Symons, who has
been the President's aide until the present summer, would ask
each person his or her name. Upon having the name pro-
nounced, the Colonel would introduce each one to the Presi-
dent, who would extend his hand in the right cordial
Roosevelt fashion, and give each a hearty hand-shake. It can
be imagined what a task it must be to shake hands with from
five to seven thousand people as they pass along. Colonel
Bromwell, the President's aide, acts in this capacity during the
social season of 1904-05.
THE ORDEAL OF SHAKING HANDS
Mrs. Roosevelt stands alongside the President at these
public receptions After the President has shaken hands with
each, he introduces each one to Mrs. Roosevelt, who stands,
usually holding a large bouquet of flowers in her hand. Mrs.
Roosevelt does not shake hands with the visitors, but simply
bows. So much hand-shaking is a great trial to a very strong
man like President Roosevelt, and it would be impossible for
any woman to have the endurance to undertake the task of
shaking hands with several thousand people. As it is. Mrs.
Roosevelt is very often obliged to leave before the President
is through with the hand-shaking.
WOMEN OF THE WHITE HOUSE
Mrs. McKinley was not strong enough to stand up at these
receptions. She sat in a chair by the side of the President,
and would bow to each visitor as they passed on. The wives
of the cabinet officers stand along to the right of Mrs. Roose-
velt. Mrs. Hay, wife of the Secretary of State, stands nearest
to Mrs. Roosevelt, as the Secretary of State ranks highest