“AND I can only say,” remarked Irving, as we left the White House
together, after his first interview with the President, “that, if his
reëlection depended on my vote, he should have it. I know nothing about
the political situation; but the man we have just left has evidently
several qualities that I should say fit him for his office,—foremost
among them is patience. I would also say that he has the virtue of
self-denial, and he is certainly not impulsive. A kind-hearted man, I
am sure, capable of the highest sentiment of friendship, of a gentle
disposition, and with great repose of character.”
“You have made quite a study of him,” I said; “and I am glad you like
him, for I am sure he likes you.”
They had had a long chat at the White House. Mr. Congressman Phelps
accompanied Irving, and introduced him to the Secretary of the Navy,
and to other ministers who came and went during the first part of
the informal reception. The President talked of plays and general
literature; regretted that Washington, which had so many fine
buildings, did not yet possess a theatre worthy of the city.
“A beautiful city, Mr. President,” said Irving. “I had heard much of
Washington, but am agreeably surprised at its fine buildings, its
handsome houses, its splendid proportions; and the plan of it seems to
be unique.”
“The original design was the work of a French engineer,” said the
President, “who served under Washington. His idea, evidently, was that
a republic would have continually to contend with revolutions at the
capital. He, therefore, kept in view the military exigencies of the
government. The main streets of the city radiate upon a centre that is
occupied by the legislative and executive buildings, like the spokes
of a wheel, so that they could be dominated by artillery. This was
the French idea of the dangers and duties of that republican form of
government, which has never been contested here, nor is ever likely
to be. While but a village Washington was laid out for a great city,
and, without any seeming prospect of the grand idea being realized, the
original lines have, nevertheless, always been adhered to.”
“And with glorious results,” said Irving. “Washington is one of the
most beautiful cities I have ever seen. There is no reason why the
highest architectural ambition should not be realized in such broad
avenues and boulevards, and with such a site.”