The White House Week

P: When confronted, a fortnight ago, by members of the House Naval Affairs Committee, who demanded immediate appropriations for three 10,000-ton cruisers, President Coolidge gave in to the extent of "authorizing" ten eventual cruisers (TIME, Dec. 27). Last week, in peace talks at his two press conferences, the President emphasized that these ten cruisers are merely a program, that he would approve nothing for present construction, that he does not wish to stir competitive navy building by the world powers. Thus, militant Congressmen and Navy officers are back in their original position, ready to fight for immediate appropriations for at least three cruisers.

P: On Christmas Day, President Coolidge was astir before 7 a.m. Going out on the rear grounds of the White House, he greeted his pet raccoon, who wore his gift, a gleaming collar bearing the legend: "Rebecca Raccoon of the White House." Returning indoors, the President gazed reflectively at the three Christmas trees in the Blue Room, decorated by Mrs. Coolidge and their son, John. This was the first time that there have been Christmas trees in the White House since the death of Calvin Coolidge Jr. Later the Presidential family gathered upstairs with Mr. & Mrs. Frank W. Stearns of Boston to open their presents.* Before going to the Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church, the President read some papers and worked on his Trenton speech. In the evening, Attorney General & Mrs. Sargent and others arrived for dinner. A 30-pound turkey was carved.

P: Last week, news emanated from the White House that only four official dishes have been broken since 1918.

P: Contrary to the usual custom, President Coolidge did not issue any Christmas pardons to prisoners in Federal penitentiaries.

*Among the gifts received by the President were innumerable turkeys; a 22-pound, home-cured ham from Governor Gore of West Virginia; more than a dozen canes, which the President does not use; cigars by the hundreds, some of which he will smoke; cigar holders, intended to displace the paper holders which he uses.