The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-03
GEIIlNG MESSAGE MATERIAL

GETTING MESSAGE MATERIAL
Washington, April AT II o'clock this
morning cabinet officer said that there
was no change in the situation from that
shown by yesterdays developments and
that he expected events would move along
the present lines until the presidents mes
sage was sent to congress early the COM
ing week. The preparation of the momen-
tous message was begun by President Nc
Kinley at a comparatively early hour this
morning, after long conferences with his
cabinet advisers and public men on the
lines it should take in order that the posi-
zion Of America in this crisis may stand
forth in clear, intelligent and justifable
way before the present and future gen
erations. The advice preferred most urg-
entity upon the president mad been recog-
milton of the independence Of Cuba and in
PREVENTION a. once 10 end the horrors Of
the situation. This course had been urged
especially by senators and members Of
the house. The president had listened 10
all these views but mad not expressed his
own 50 freely.
Approaching the wish Of congress that
the message be transmitted to that body
az the earliest practicable moment and
the fact that a document of its grave
significance and historical character re-
uuires the utmost elaboration and con-
sultation with his official advisers, he had
determined TO put aside all but the most
important matters until the MESSAGE had
been put in shape for submission to the
national legislature.
with this end in view he denied himself
10 a long line Of callers today but saw
quite number Of persons whose knowl-
edge and experience might be of service
10 him in his task. Throughout the day
there were rumors Of all kinds in circula-
ton and there was much subdued excite
ment among those who formed the throng
or visitors. Reports were even in circu-
lation that a special session Of the cabinet
had been hastily called and held during
the early morning hours but its falsity
was proven quickly AT i o'clock there
were more indications of a cabinet meet
ing though ii was intimated that it might
be decided 10 call the cabinet in session
during the afternoon.
Assistant Secretary Day was privi-
legged visitor at the White House and was
with the president by o'clock. He had
a long close conference with the presi-
dent and made a number of suggestions
as 10 the treatment of the discussion of
the situation to be incorporated in the
forthcoming message. He was the first
person to see the president and soon after
his arrival Major Easton, the president
military aide, slipped in for a brief in
erview. Mr.. Abner Mckinley came in from
New York on an early rain and stopped
at the White House for a few moments
to chat with the family. Shortly after his
departure Mrs. Mckinley. with a large
party of young ladies she is entertaining
went off in two of the White House
broughams for drive in the crisp morn
ing air Secretary Gage came over from
the treasury about 10 o'clock and for con-
slderably over an hour remained in i'm
portant consultation with the president.
Meanwhile a large party of congressional
callers had assembled. Among them were
Representatives Lacey of Iowa, Pitney of
New Jersey and Low of New York, who,
however. refrained from interrupting the
president
Senator Frye Of Maine. however, had a
personal interview that lasted few min
utes. It was believed that Senator Frye
had called TO ascertain when the message
of the president might be expected so as to
guide the senate committee on foreign
relations in its work. 1t was known that
Senator Frye was for vigorous action and
would like TO see the coming message take
strong grounds which would unite con-
gress and the administration in a firm
policy to secure the independence of Cuba
by intervention at once to that end.
Later Senator Wolcott of Colorado, FL
kins of West Virginia, Spooner of Wis
consin, Gear of Iowa and Representative
Hull, chairman of the military affairs
committee, had brief interviews with Mr..
Mckinley. Representative HulTs related
10 the army organization bill. The presi-
dent expressed his desire that the bill
should be enacted into law at the earliest
possible moment and said that il was
wise to have it on the statute books in
readiness for carrying out its war footing
provisions in view of the expected seri-
Gus elimination Of the present crisis. At
the close of the conference. Mr.. Hull said
the army bill would doubtless be passed
10Y NHe houSS next 1IoiludE ana thdt a
few incidental changes received would be
corrected by amendments when the bill
was acted on by the senate. Much sig
nificance was attached to the early date
fixed upon for bringing that bill up in
congress. The bill Is an administration
measure and provides for the adoption of
The characterization war formation in war
times.