Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-12
THE WAR MUST END
Evident Determination of the Admin
istration Developed Today.
Big FORCE FOR THE PHILIPPINES
SPANS Dilemma if She Sends
Ships to the Pacific.
IMPORTANT CONFERENCES
IMPORTANT CONFERENCES

An important conference today between
President Mckinley and Secretaries Long
and Alger resulted in the determination to
largely increase the force of troops to be
sent to the Philippine Islands. The exact
number agreed upon was not made public
by General Alger, but he admitted that it
would not be less than 10000 men, 1t is be-
lieved that the force will be nearer 5000
men. The Secretary this afternoon said
that every arrangement is now being made
to speedily push forward the reinforce
ments for Dewey.
The Presidents Views.
President Mckinley has come to the con-
clusion that Spain means to send soldiers
to the Philippines, and he does not propose
that this country shall be caught with a
small force of men. He does not believe
that feet of warships will be sent to
Manila by Spain.
Gen. Merritt Leaves Tonight.
Secretary Alger said to a Star reporter
On leaving the White House that General
Wesley Merritt will be sent to the Philip
pines with the force, and would be accom-
panied by General Otis. General Merritt
will be installed as military governor of the
islands. He mas been directed by the War
Department to proceed at once to San
Francisco, and has notified the department
that he will leave tonight
1t is understood that Secretary Alger will
order further changes in the destination Of
state troops, so as to increase the force at
San Francisco. 1t is hoped by the War
Department that tie full number of troops
to be sent to the Philippines will be on
their way within five days.
An Interesting ContfnEency
Not one of the Presidents advisers be-
heves that Spain will attempt to dispatch
any of her fleet to the Philippines. IF she
does So said Senator Lodge at the White
House, Il think our officials would imme-
diately send a squadron to the Canary Is
lands and to Spain. The Spaniards would
not regain the Philippines and would lose
more territory and vast amount of prop
erty by bombardment of her chief seaport
Cities
Notwithstanding the confidence of the ad-
ministration that Spain is making bluff
as to sending new squadron east, her
movements will be closely watched by
agents of this government. and she will
pay heavy penalty for foolhardiness. To
send fleet capable of coping with Dewey
the Spaniards would have to send away at
least half of their finest vessels. The 9TH
ers would be left at the mercy of the
United States fleet.
The Siege of Havana.
Gen. Miles conferred with the President
during the afternoon about sending troops
to the Philippines and the coming in
vasicn of Cuba.
After talking with the War Department
officials. the President had a long confer
,,,,.L I
rotary Allen was present part of the time.
1t is confidently believed that the entire
plans for the siege of Havana on the sea
side were carefully gone over and that
orders will be sent to Admiral Sampson at
orce as to what is expected of him and his
ships.
Important Bills Signed.
President Mckinley today signed the fol-
lowing bills: An act to provide for organ
izing a naval battalion in the District of
Columbia; an act amending section of
the law regarding the carrying and selling
of deadly weapons within the District of
Columbia; an act to provide for volun-
teer brigade of engineers and an additional
force of ten thousand enlisted men special
ly accustomed to tropical climates. This
is the bill which authorizes the enlistment
of yellow fever immunes.
Maryland Matters Considered.
Senator-elect McComas and Representa-
tive Baker of Maryland had an interview
today with the President regarding Mary
land matters. Representative Baker de-
slres the early appointment of John L.
Hanna as collector of the port of Baltimore,
and the President will grant the request.
1t is understood that the reappointment
of Postmaster Warfield at Baltimore will
be delayed for some time, as his term doe,
not expire for several months.
Judge McComas, for himself and Senator
Wellington, urged the President to nomi-
nate speedily as convenient the Mary
land men recommended for staff majors.
These are Capt. Noble H. Creager, Col. II.
c. Millikin and Gen. II. X. Douglass.
Representative Mcdonald of Maryland
also saw the President about matters in
his district.
Red Cross Work in Cuba.
Ex-Vice President Morton, Bishop Pot
ter and number of prominent churchmen
of New York had a talk with President
Mckinley this morning regarding Red
Cross work in Cuba.
For Army Appointments.
President Mckinley spent another busy
day listening to pleas for the appointment
OF citizens in the military service. After
the rush of congressman was over the
President settled down to conference
with Secretaries Alger and Long regard
ing appointments and the hundreds of
other naval and military details of the
war The conference lasted a long time
and was probably important.
Secretary Alger and Senator Hanna had
talk with the President today about CIV
Ing military appointment to Lloyd Girls
com. son of c. A. Griscom the president
of the American line of steamships 1t was
decided to give Mr.. Griscom a good place.
Mr.. Jenkins Urged for a Place.
Representative Babcock of Wisconsin, on
behalf of the delegation from his state,
urged the President to appoint Representa-
tive jenkins of Wisconsin as an adjutant
general Mr. Jenkins was a gallant SOL