Clinton to Return Furniture

Feb. 5 -- Former President Clinton is blaming a clerical error for reports that he left the White House with expensive furniture that was not his to take, and now promises to give back "any item in question."

The Washington Post reported this morning that $28,000 worth of furniture donated to the National Park Service — and intended to remain in the White House, regardless of its occupant — managed to slip into the Clintons' private collection.

"Every item accepted by the Clintons was identified by the White House Gift Office as a gift to them," said a statement released by "The Office of Former President William J. Clinton."

Clinton's office maintains his taking of the gifts, received by the White House as part of a highly publicized $396,000 redecoration, was approved through all necessary channels.

"Of course, if the White House now determines that a cataloging error occurred seven years ago, any item in question will be returned," the statement said.

Asked today whether the Clintons should give back the furniture, President Bush continued his post-election policy of refusing to comment on the post-inauguration controversies that have dogged his predecessor.

"I think, you know, it's important for all of the facts tobe laid out on the table," Bush said. "And I'm confident that the former presidentand first lady will make the right decision."

‘We Gave It to the White House’

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The furniture-makers who donated the gifts do not appear to be pleased that the items left the White House with the Clintons.

Joy Ficks, whose late husband headed the Ficks Reed Co., told the paper she was puzzled by the fate of the custom-finished rattan chairs and breakfast table the company gave the White House.

“We gave it to the White House,” she said. “I wondered what happened to it.”

“When we’ve been asked to donate, it was always hyphenated with the words, ‘White House,’” New York furniture manufacturer Steve Mittman told the Post. His company donated two sofas, an easy chair and an ottoman — worth $19,900 — to the White House. The furniture is currently considered private property of the Clintons.