Evening star., 1897-06-04
Secretaries Long and Alger Absent
From the Cabinet Meeting.
TEE VALENCIA AFFAIR DISCUSSED
Early Appointment Of a Minister to
Spain Expected.
HAVANA CONSUL GENERAL

eral interest. The only thing touching upon
Cuba was the report of Secretary Sher-
man upon the Valencia incident. The re-
| port or the Secretary showed that the Va
| lencia was sailing in Spanish waters with
| out a flag, and put herself in position of
being fired at The affair did not seem to
be regarded as of Importance by the cab
| met.
| Attorney General McKenna discussed
| several pardon cases with the President.
ana In the department over which Secre-
tary Gage presides the President signed
the nominations of Ellis H. Roberts to he
treasurer of the United States and Conrad
JORDAN to be assistant treasurer at New
York. These went to the Senate this af-
| ternoon.
with the President at the close OF the ceb
! met meeting, but said the conference mad
nothlng to do with foreign affairs
| A Big Reception This Afternoon.
Inc large body of South American busi-
| ness men who have been at Philadelphfa
| Will be received by the President this after
| noon.
Judge W. H. Strotner one Of the leading g
| republicans of southwestern Virginia, talk
ed with the President about Virginia af-
| fairs.
Coming Appointments of Importance.
The coming appointment of a SPANISH
minister continues to interest callers at
the White House. Anything like trust
| worthy information, however, Is scarce
of the names which have SO far been men
Eoned that of ex-Secretary of the Navy
tracy OF New York is received with a
good deal of favor. This it NAV be said
ooes not come from official sources and is
no! taken as meaning that Mr.. Tracy will
get the mission, although ne is personally
popular with the President The good
opinion entertained of him by senators and
representatives reaches the President and
has its effect. --
For consul general to Havana 1t is now
known that the Illinois delegation is be-
mind ex-Rcpresentative Frank Aldrich and
thinks lie will get the place. 1t is alleged
that the President has Offered III. consul
gsne1 alship to Mr.. .Aldrich. who has the
ofter under consideration, with the proba-
biity OF accepting It The question as to
when he will pe nominated If at all, is
purely Speculative, but il is said that his
nomination will be made later than that
OF lni1ister TO Spain, but not very much
later. Tbiss idea may be the correct one,
on the ground tina: the President will pre-
fer to have republicans at Havana and
Madrid when he enters upon his Cuban
policy. Consul General Lee is ready to
leave Havana when his successor is named.
There is not much doubt tha. Mr.. kldricn
will accept the place If t has been offered
matter under consideration for some time,
the President having told him there was
no hurry, as he was not ready to interfere
with General Lee.
offered to Gen. John w. Foster.
1t has trar spired that President McKin-
ley was extremely desirous that Gen. Joh1
w. Foster of Indiana should represent this
country in diplomatic capacity at Mad
rid. and that he tendereI him the office of
tntc hot Mr.
on the ground that his physical condition
did not justify his undertaking the re-
sponsibilities of the office under existing
conditions. There was special fitness in
the selection. Gen. Foster is an accom-
plished diplomat, and is particularly We'll
informed on Spanish affairs. He visited
that country during the administration of
President Harrison, and successfully ne.
gotiated a reciprocity agreement between
the two countries. AS is well known, he is
now on special mission to England and
Russia, looking 10 the conclusion of an in
ternat1onal agreement for the preservation
OF the seal herds. Although not exactly a
sick man, his active life and arduous duties
Tor many years past have SO affected his
constitution that it is necessary that he
Should husband his strength. The Presi-
cent was disappointed at his decision but
feit the force Of his reasoning, and is now
looking elsewhere for n good man for the
piace. An appointment as minister to
Spain viii be made shortly. 1t has been de-
clded to raise the ministry to the grade cf
an embassy, provided Spain will first take
the initiative with its diplomatic repressn-
tative at this capital.
President Invited to New York.
Senators Platt and Murphy visited the
President this morning and cordially in
Vited him to attend the meeting of the So
ciety Of the Army of the Potomac at rroy
on the 10th and 21st of August. The Prest-
dent is q member Of the society. 1t is
amcng the probabilities that he will accent
the invitation, as it is thought he will ac-
cept an invitation to attend the national
encampment of the G. A. r. at Buffalo on
the I'D of August. He could make the
same trip cover both places. By that time
the President will probably have a relaxa-
ton from the rush of official business. and
few days increase in q trip will not
amount to much.
Memorial From Texas.
A handsome memorial from the Texas
G. A. R.. indorsing the Presidents friendly
course to old soldiers. was presented to the
chief executive this morning by w. A.
Stcner Of Waco, representing the Grand
Army. Mr.. Stoner was first sergeant OF
Company G. 23d Ohio Regiment. President
Mckinley was captain of this company,
and he and Mr.. Stoner were boyhood com.
panions, as well as army friends.
r. L. Gregory, now of West Virginia.
but formerly Of Virginia, saw the Presi-
ueHt, III Couipduy with Representative
Dovener Of West Virginia. Mr. Gregory
is one Of five candidates for the Persian
mission to succeed Alex. Mcdonald of Vir-
gtnia. Mr.. Gregory has the Endorsement
of the republicans of Virginia and West
Virginia, and has strong hopes Of winning.
Other Callers.
Representative Dow of West Virginia
was caller. introducing Thomas Davies
Of his district. candidate for marshal of
Alaska.
Senator Cullom was accompanied by two
stituents. One Of them, Mr. McConauehy
of Belleville, is not particular in his seiec-
ton of position. He will be contented
with good place Mr.. Baldridge wants a
consulship.
Representatives Sherman and Fisher Of
New York called to talk with the President
about constituents who want consufships
Mr.. Fisher is endeayoring to have Georre
E. Wibbicon sent to San Domingo. win
bicon is q wen-known colored republican OIL
New York. and has the indorsen,ent Of
Senator Piatt and theestate orEanisafton.
Representative Sherman is very much In
terested in Col. George A. Reynolds. who
Ia