Evening star., 1897-05-28
The President Not Talking Much on
the Subject.
GOSSIP ON TIE SPANISH MISSION
Denials of Rumors Made at the
Cuban Legation Here.
WAITIN FOR ACTION

Kinley has been compare lively uncommun-
icatve on the subject of Cuba. Several
members of Congress. who have attempt
ed to sound him to even the smallest ex-
tent, have gone away empty-handed, the
President deftly turning off to something
else. but unmstakably giving them 70 un-
darstand that he was not talking too
much. Prior to that the President had on
several occasions plainly said that he did
not expect to remain idle very long. This
was at n time when pressure was being
brought On the House to pass the Senate
resolution, and the President no doubt
felt ii due to members who asked him to
express an opinion.
Cause of the Change.
The change Is thought to have come
about because of the publicity which has
been given to every utterance of the Presi-
Gent on the subject The President thinks
number of congressman have repeated
their conversations with him. and practi-
eally his exact views have crept out. These
conversations are not now freely indulged
In. and are confined to congressman of dis
erect tongues and fully in sympathy with
the Presidents policy. 1t is not considered
wise that too mucn of the Presidents views
shall become public. Minister DeLome
will hold a good hand OF diplomatic cards
when the proceedings begin If the conver-
sations with the President repeated
almost verbatim. The Spanish repre-
sentative will be in position to play with
a knowledge of the cards, the Americans
hold. In fact. there is good ground to
believe that he has communicated to his
government the fact that something is rn
foot over on this side very different from
the movements under the last administra-
tion.
1t is foolish to believe. 1t is said. that
the President and the State Department
are going to make a single demand upon
in fff he
that. The Spaniards will have several op-
portunities to say what they are willing to
do. and this government will put itself in
position to not be termed the aggressor
if serious complica tions shoul1 come up.
In nearly all human events those derelct
in duty generally given a number of
cssanceS to reform before the screws are
put down.
Many republican members of the House
who have called on the President this week
have informed him that their constituents
are willing that he shall handle the cor
troversy with Spain. They have assured
him that they have received many letters
from constituents along that line. The
President has expressed qualification al
the confidence of the people.
For Minister to Madrid
In the gossip about the new minister to
Madrid. the usual rumor about ex-Presi-
cent Harrison being offered something is
on the rounds. The ex-President is spoken
of a possibility. The fact is that the
name of General Harrison has not been
suggested. and President Mckinley would
not think Of offering him the place. He
knows that General Harrison would not
accept the position.
1t is officially denied today that White
law Reid has the call on the mission. He
will not be the next minister. The Presi-
dent possibly sounded him. but that was
all. Mr.. Reid's health is not good, and he
would not want a permanent place abroad.
Another rumor says that ex-senator His
cocks r2me Is being considered. This is
also without foundation. Mr. Hiscock was
at the White House few days ago in con-
ference with the President, but he received
no suggestion that he was wanted as the
American representative at Madrid.
The Cabinet Meeting.
The cabinet meeting today was devoid OF
interesting gossip. For the first time in
several weeks the most of the time was
taken up in department details. There was
no talk of Cuba. Attorney General Nc
Kenna remained with the President long
after the others had gone, going over
some pardon cases.
President and Mrs. Mckinley will take
dinner tonight on the Dolphin, as guests o.
Commander Clover. Who has been ordered
to other fields. The occasion will be a re-
Union of the party which went 10 Annapo
@is this spring on the Dolphin. Secretary
and Mrs. Porter, Mrs. Saxton and DIR. an(
Mrs Bates the other members o.
this party. Additional gueS.s tonight will
be Abner Mckinley and Senator Hanna.
At the Cuban Legation.
At the Cuban legation here 1T Is sal
that there is no truth in the statemen
that there Is to be an important confer
ence in Philadelphia to consider matter
suggested by President Mckinley or tn
Secretary Of State. 1t is also denied tha
General Gomez has resigned as commander
in taf Of -
come to this country In the interest O
the Independence Of Cuba
ThS Cuban representatives say that theI
have received. very satisfactory reports o
the operations of the Cuban forces espe
cially Of the successful operations of Gen
Garcia in the so-called pacified provinces
The Cuban representatives here are les
CON municative than Usual as to what the,
expect or hope for from this government
but 1T is quite evident that they are en-
couraged by the Developments of the sit
uation- They are evidently waiting pa
tfently for the return of Mr.. Calhoun from
Cuba, ith confidence that his report mus
be of a character to compel immedia:
action.
Belief I'm Congress.
1t is not believed by the Cuban sympa
thizers in Congress that the President in
tends to refrain from all action until set
tlement of the Cuban question can be ha
through diplomatic negotiations at Madrid
The fact that the President is looking 70
a man of very high qualifications and O
recognized superiority to represent the ad
nninistration at Madrid indicates that h
expects TO settle the matter through negc
tiations with Spain. which of necessit
must take some time. But 1t is though
that there will be action of a more direc
and positive character preliminary to this
1t is believed that Immediately upon I'll
return of Mr.. Calhoun representations wi
be made to Spain that the situation of a
fairs existing in Cuba today must not
continued even pending negotiations ths
may be entered upon
1t is suggested that q suspension of ho
ttlftles may be advised by the Unite
States. and also that the operation OF SON
Of Gen Weylers oppressive orders sha
be suspended.
Interim tfOnal Chess TOurmaHenf Pos