Striding three paces forward from the swinging central doors of the House of Representatives chamber, Doorkeeper William M. ("Fishbait") Miller sucked breath and bellowed the call that has been his prerogative for eight congressional sessions. Cried Mississippian Miller: "Mistuh Speakuh, the President of the United States!" A packed chamber's applause pealed out as Dwight Eisenhower, following Doorkeeper Miller and followed himself by an escort of four Senators and two Representatives, made his smiling way down the aisle to the House well.
Ike took his place before a felt-covered reading stand, held arms...