The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-09
FRIDAYS CABINET MEETING
Coming War with Spain Discussed
Quiet Day at White Hou~a

Quiet Day at White House.
WASHINGTON April S.-The Cabinet
meeting to-day was uneventful No tee-
grams of any Importance had been received
since yesterday from Minister Woodford or
Consul General Lee, and there was said IN
be no reason to expect any in the near
future. The session was devoted entirely to
a general discussion of affairs but no con-
clusion was reached on any point. The situ-
alton can be stated, on the authority of a
number of the members of the Cabinet to
be unchanged since yesterday There are
no new developments, and as evidence that
none are looked for before Monday, at
least, Attorney General Griggs left for his
home in New Jersey at 4 o'clock this af-
ternoon, to remain until Sunday evening
During the Cabinet meeting an Associated
Press telegram was handed to the Presi-
dent stating in effect that all cipher tele-
grams hereafter sent out of Havana must
first be translated in the presence of the
press censor. 1t was interpreted as applying
to government, as we'll as other messages
This information was received with express
sions of indignation, but as General Lee
will leave Havana tomorrow the order
seems to have come too late to be of much
service to the Spaniards or much annoy
ance to this government There is now no
difference of opinion among members of the
Cabinet on the question of the final issue
of the present complication. All agree that
war apparently is unavoidable At to-day's
Cabinet meeting the question of what
course this government would pursue in
case of surrender on the part of Spain
was not discussed. Events have moved for
ward rapidly within the last few days. and
all other questions than those involving
war have been passed over. The issue has
been made, up. and present indications, it
was stated, point only to open hostilities
within the next few days
Save for frequent conferences there is no
sign Of a crisis at the White House, and Oh
the day fixed for the transmission to Con-
gress of a message that is expected to lead
to war probably 5000 or 10000 American chill
dren will be enjoying themselves on the
Executive Mansion. Despite the grave sit
uation at this time all arrangements are
going ahead for the Easter egg rolling on
the White House grounds, with the Marine
Band as an adjunct to the festivities.
The President shows somewhat the effect
of the great strain on him, but on the whole
bears up wonderfully. Last night he sue
ceeded in retiring by ii O'Clock. To-day he
was up bright and early and enjoyed a
from her usual drive, but sent out her party
of about ten young lady guests on sight
seeing tour. There was a conspicuous alb
sence of distinguished visitors to confer with
the President in the early hours. Apparent
~ it was realized fully that the government
OF the United States had fixed its course
and that efforts to influence the executive
were now out of the question, so senators
and representatives We're far less pressing.
Even Assistant Secretary Day did not make
his appearance until comparatively late in
the day All the outward calm contrasted
strongly with the rush of the past month.
Senator Lodge, of Massachusetts. a mem
Der OF the foreign relations committee, and
Representatives Fenton OF Ohio, and
Brucken of Michigan, formed the forenoon
contingent OF congressional arrivals to see
the President. 1t was the regular Cabinet
day and the knowledge of the fact helped
TO keep away the crowd and make the quiet
est forenoon at the Executive Mansion for
many days.
The entire day passed with the same
unusual absence of callers that had marked
the forenoon. Assistant Secretary Day was
with the President fer over an hour in the
afternoon. but when he left stated that