This is the lobby of the Willard Inter-Continental hotel.  It is said that President Grant used to come to this lobby and sit and smoke his cigars to get away from the everyday stress of the White House.  People started hearing that the President was here and they started coming here hoping to get a chance to speak with the President to talk to them about what they believe, or to get their agenda done.  These people became known as "lobbyists".   © Mike Lynaugh