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A night in Lincoln's bed for the Clinton donors

He stands accused of offering the most exclusive bed and breakfast deal in the United States. The list of people who enjoyed a night in the room where President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation freeing America's slaves, includes Hollywood stars such as Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks.

Republicans were calling last night on Janet Reno, the US Attorney General, to appoint an independent investigator to examine the claims. Roy Schotland, a law professor, said it was illegal to use the White House for "other than government purposes". He added: "The first law the President violated was Jimmy Durante's law, 'Say it with roses, say it with mink, but never, ever, say it with ink'. "

He was referring to a Clinton memo about soliciting money in exchange for a night's stay. Mr Clinton insists that the bedroom "was never sold". Yesterday he told reporters that he had received "strict advice" about the legality of the situation.

"Everybody knew what the rules were. Did we hope the people who came there would support me, particularly after we got into a political season? Of course we did." But he said that "no price tag" was put on the stays. "There was no solicitation at the White House."

Steve Forbes, the publisher who ran against Mr Clinton in the White house race, said: "I don't think Republican presidents ever treated the revered bedroom like a hotel room, and a very expensive room at that."

16 February 1997: Clinton's Chinese takeaway
22 October 1996: Fresh allegations of illegal funding threaten Clinton

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