Member-only story
Elephant Tusks, a Peanut Farm and a Puppy: Presidents Who Knew When to Say No
At a time when public office has become personal theater, the Constitution still says what it says.
The President of the United States sees no issue in accepting a $400 million jet once owned by Qatari royalty — a flying palace with gold-plated fixtures, winding staircases, and not a single medical bay. At his age, 79, that might be a mistake. It’s not his only one.
There was a time when public office demanded restraint. Ask the King Rama IV of Siam, yes that King of Siam. Anna’s friend. So let it be written. So let it be done.
In 1859, the King offered President James Buchanan a pack of elephants. At the time, people used the unfortunate and majestic animals for logging, hauling goods, clearing land, and even warfare. The King imagined they might serve a similar purpose in the U.S. — pulling wagons, working the land, or transport.
But by the time the letter arrived, Buchanan was out and Abraham Lincoln was in. Lincoln declined, citing the American climate as unsuitable for elephants.
The long, cold winters of the plains would have killed them. And besides, the United States had replaced brute strength with steam power.
