"And what became of the Alamo?"
"It still stands, or rather the old church does, facing the principal plaza of the beautiful, wide-spread city that has grown around it since Travis and his men won for it a glorious immortality."
"Can any one see it, and go inside and touch its walls?"
"Certainly he may."
"Then," said Bryce, glowing with enthusiasm, "that is the very first place in all the world that I mean to visit just as soon as I set out on my travels."
[THE PRESIDENT'S PRIVATE LIFE.]
Aside from the arduous official duties of the President of the United States, it is interesting to note some of the pleasure and profit that accrue from his term of four years. With an income of $138 a day, or $50,000 a year, paid by the strongest bank in the country, the United States Treasury, he may or may not leave office with a snug fortune of perhaps $100,000, depending on whether his expenditures have been of an extravagant nature. Many Presidents have taken office as poor men, but with the money they have saved during their term, and the influence that the office has brought them in business pursuits afterwards, they have died comparatively rich.
The country instals the President in the White House—a magnificent residence—and surrounds him with every convenience. With an appropriation that Congress makes every year most of the expenses of this establishment are paid.
The following is a fair idea of the many incidentals that come free to a President: Every bit of linen, bedding, towels, and such things is furnished. He is shaved by the White House barber. His table is spread with the finest, daintiest damask, set with the most exquisite china, and bountifully supplied with flowers from the White House conservatories. If he sends a telegram, it is done from an instrument in the White House, for which the government pays. His stationery, postage, etc., cost him nothing. Should he desire a game of billiards, there is a beautiful table at hand; or if he wants to take a drive, his stables, which the government pays the rent for and takes care of, are amply equipped. When he enters his business office, a man is stationed at the door to open and close it; and a private secretary, to whom the government pays a salary of $5000 a year, assists him with his correspondence. The services of a type-writer are also furnished. He is protected from the curious by a number of private watchmen. Should he want a cruise, a magnificent steam-ship from the navy is placed at his disposal.