The evening times., 1897-04-20
CABINET TALKS ABOUT WAR
The eo-Turkish Affair the
Topic of Discussion.
THE AMERICAN INTERESTS
No Course of Action Definitely De-
termined Upon, But Further Ad-
vices From Minister Terrell at
Constantinopie Are to Be Awaited.
Visit to Fort Washington.

There were but few callers at the White
House today, and only handful OF office
seekers sought the President during the
morning hours Politicians, as rule, are
| beginning to respect Cabinet days, and
are content TO leave the President unmo-
Tested TO confer with his Off cial advisers.
The latter began to arrive shortly be-
| fore IL O'clock, and were ushered into
the Cabinet room. Secretary Alger was
the first member of the Cabinet to put
in an appearance, and spent a short time
| alone with the President, before his col
leagues arrived
The Cabinet meeting lasted scarcely an
hour, during which time but few matters
of national importance were discussed.
1t was expected that the Turko-Grecian
war question would he the principal topic
of the meeting, but the subject was only
referred to in cursory way. No action
was taken as TO the sta nd the Adninistra-
ton would take during the conflict. The
President and Cabinet, however, are thor
oughly alive to the situation, and should
occasion demand it, are ready to recon-
mend such measures as Will insure our
interest.
The telegram received yesterday from
Minister Terrell at Constantinople to the
effect that American interests were be-
ing endan gered" was not discussed. No
action will be taken in the matter until
the State Department receives further ad-
vices from Turkey.
The Cabinet also tiisregaTded the subject
relating to the protection of Greek subjects
which has been intrusted to our minister
by the Porte. Such protection is entirely
unofficial, and il is claimed that out Gov
ernment would have no authority to act
in the matter even / f Greek subjects under
the minister's care were maltreated. In
fact. it is asserted that our Government is
rather inclined to deprecate all efforts Of
ministers in foreign lands 10 give such pro-
lection. THERE'S always the risk that grave
trouble may follow the assumption of such
respon sIbilty.
This was made manifest during the
war between China and Japan, when the
United states ministers involved them
selves into great trouble in their attempts
TO protect the Chinese and japanese.
Secretary Sherman neld an extended
conference with the President after the
Cabinet meeting adjourned.
secretary Long inIoi med the PTesi-
dent that he had Instructed the cruiser
Cincinnati, now at MeIsine. under orders
To come home, to remain on the Medterra-
mean station for a time. Undoubtedly,
the war question will receive greater
consideration at the Cabinet meeting on
Friday, \ S the State Department viii have
received such advices by that time that
win enable it to properly inform the Presi-
dent Of the true situation, and just how
far our interests are jeopardized.
President Mckinley and the Cabinet
Gea Miles and number OF the higher
officers in the War Department are this
anernouR The guests Of Gen. Flageler at
Fort Washington.
Soon after The meeting of the CahinG..
the party went to the Seventh street wharf
and bearded the private steam yacht
Gretchen, owned 10y Congressman Rey-
burn, which had been loaned Gen. Flage-
ler for che occasion, and proceeded t. Fort
WASH gton-
After the distinguished party had made
an examination Of the place Gen. Fiageler
gave orders TO discharge a heavy gun 10
show the workings OF the improved Gis-
appearing gun carriage. This exhibition
was watched with Interest, for but few
mt had ever seen u similar gun in
actual use.
The party is expected to reach the city
about O'Clock today