THE OVER-SHAKEN HAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 9 August 1930, Page 6

THE OVER-SHAKEN HAND.

IVIr Hoover, I see, lias made a stand against promiscuous and excessive hand-shaking to 1 which American Presidents have too meekly submitted (says a writer in the ‘‘Sunday Times”). It is iii the tradition of what the Americans imagine to be democra y that anybody and everybody should be at liberty to go and shake hands-with the Chief Executive This is really a terrible infliction for the victim. Theodore Rooeevelt told me that a cautions President on entering office, goes through a course of intensive training in the art and sfence of shaking hands If properly drilled lie takes care to seize the .proffered hand, and drop, it quickly before his own can be fairly grasped Thereby he avoids the hearty and forcible grip which is the American expression of esteem ; for such a process, applied by several thousand persons in succession, would almost squeeze the Prosidontal hand to pulp Poosevelt said he would like to employ a professional handshaker with a stool gauntlet to deputise for him at these uncomfortable functions.