Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-20
Nothing of Importance Done at To-
days Cabinet Meeting.
CONSULTATION WITH GEN. MERRITT
No Formal Discussion Of Future
Policy as to the Philippines.
SOME OF TODAY'S CALLERS

The cabinet held session Of about the
Usual length today without doing anything
materially changing the known plans and
purposes of the government
Much interest centered at the meeting in
the report that the Spanish fleet has ar
rived at Santiago. Secretary Long, it is
stated, informed the cabinet that the
neager Information received by his de-
partment tended to confirm the reports
tfat the fleet arrived at the eastern end of
the island This information was such,
however, that the fullest reliance could not
be placed upon it, and Secretary Long HIM
self was in some doubt what to think of
the matter. The Secretary did not COM
municate anything as to the position of the
American warships. He simply said that
there might be naval battle in few days
and there might not be one for weeks
months.
Secretary Long also reported the safe ar
rival of the Oregon, which has increased
the strength of the American fleet to a
large extent.
Consultation with Gen. Merritt.
Secretary Alger made no report on mill
tsry operations having the invasion of
Cuba in view. The cabinet officers who are
not directly concerned in the details of this
have asked that nothing be said at the
ca binet meetings about the dates for the
invasion and the places of landing.
There was some discussion of the expedi-
ton to the Philippines. Gen. Wesley Mer-
ritz, who is to command the expedition and
to become military governor of the Islands,
went 10 the White House before the cabinet
meeting concluded, and remained in a pri-
vate room until it adjourned. He then en-
tered into an extended conference with the
President during which the President free
ly expressed his intentions with regard to
the islands and their future. This consti-
tuted the Presidents instructions to Gen.
Merritt.
There has never been any formal discus
sion in the cabinet of the future policy of
this country to the Philippines. Some of
the cabinet officers think that a policy
ought to be outlined now, but this will
hardly be done. One cabinet officer who
has expressed himself is for thu permanent
retention of the islands He believes they
would soon become filled with enterprising
Yankees, who would revolutionize things
and make the country rich and prosperous,
peaceful and contented.
1t is understood that 10000 soldiers will
be OIL their way to the Philippines within a
few weeks. More will go later if Gen. Mer-
rftt cables that he needs them. He will sur
vey the ground carefully reaching the
islands, and after the occupation by the
American forces will know what is lacking.
Much will be left in his hands.
The Reason for Delay.
The administration is aware that some
impatience is expressed that soldiers have
not already been dispatched to Manila 1t
is stated that this has been impossible, for
the reason that sufficient number of ships
have not been secured, and for another
reason that uniforms suitable to the cli-
mate have had to be made. These are not
finished, but are now being manufactured.
The uniforms will be something like those
worn by English soldiers in the Soudan.
The President intends that everything shall
be done for the convenience of the soldiers.
Reports were received today from unoffi-
cial sourcs that Spanish soldiers now
embarking for the Philippines. The cabi-
net does not believe that this is true
Secretary Alger went to the White House
early this morning and had long talk
with the President on military matters.
Some of Today's Callers.
Whatever news the President had this
morning as to the Spanish and American
fleets, he kept to himself. not revealing
word to any of his callers.
Senators Platt Of Connecticut, Spooner,
Carter, Elkins, Shoup Cullom and Nelson
and Representatives Hopkins, Southard and
Otey called before the cabinet meeting.
Senator Nelson said it might be a month or
mere before Congress adjourns, although It
ought to be able to finish its work and get
away In two weeks.
Representative Otey and Captain Miller
Of the Virginia troops, urged the President
to appoint General Nalle Of Virginia as
brigadier general OF volunteers. They
warmly tndorsed General Nalle, who is the
present adjutant general OF Virginia