Evening star., 1898-12-26
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Senators Davis and Frye Of the Peacs
Commission Call.
SENATOR CAFFBRY ON THE CANAL
Wiling That the Governmen.
Should Build Il.
\ . L L L CHI R S TN 4 s
\ UIET ISTMAS

Senator Cafrery Of Louisiana saw the
President today to ask for pardons for sew
eral persons he thinks ought to receive
Christmas presents of liberty and freedom.
To a representative Of The Star Senator
CafIery had this to say Of the Nicaragua
canal:
IF the proposition is for the government
to build the canal with its own money and
under its supervision | do not believe there
would be single vote against st IN the
Senate, but there Will be serious opposi-
ton to putting the construction and owner
ship Of the canal into private hands and
thus causing dispute.
There is too much chance for skuldug-
gerry and scheming in The United states
backing private concern. Let us build 1t
and operate it by the government. That is
the only safe and sound method. Amy other
course will be soundly opposed. / am free
to say that / beIleNe the Whole senate
would vote for United States ownership
outr.ghI.'
The senator said that the question OF cost
was a doUbtful one. ''Genera4 LU4Io%, an
accompanied engineer. has estimated the
cost at SlaU,UOO,UUU, much greater lnau the
e. linates Of the Maritime Company
Admiral Walker says uhat Une dispatch
from New York, published in the star
last Friday, was not from information iGr-
nlshed by any member Of the canal COM
mission. he adds that there are no I'M
pOrtant differences between members OF
the commission upon the report. but that
the document is not Yet completed froI'
Haupt also says that he has furnished no
outline of the report
Quiet Christmas.
Christmas has been quiet one at tho
White House. The Christmas dinner on
Sunday was partaken of by the family and
a few friends. Mr.. and Mrs. Abner Nc
kinIey will be here this week, will other
relatives. Mr.. James Barber and bother
and James Mckinley, nephews of the Presi-
dent, are the only relatives here now.
Sunday afternoon President and Mrs. Nc
Kiuley went for a drive In the evening
Secretary and Mrs. Gage and Postmaster
General and Mrs. Sm--.. called socially.
The President remained at the White
House today. Mrs. Mckinley enjoyed a
long drive this morning. She graciously
exchanged the seasons compliments with
the attaches of the White House before
going to drive.
Express wagons and letter carriers con-
tinue their visits with Christmas presents
from all portions of the country. One OF
the last presents to arrive was a beautitm
mocking bird from a southland admirer OF
the President. The bird was in a pretty
cage decorated with ribbons, and began to
sing Immediately upon being taken into the
house He was pronounced u perfect speci-
men of his species.
While the Executive Mansion was closed,
there We're many tourists in the grounds.
1ne W hlte House SulueS Sdlu lilstl al lllu-
sually large number OF visitors are In the
city.
Senators Davis and Frye Call.
Senator Davis was at the White House at
1890 O'Clock this morning and had talk
of half an hour with the President. As
Senator Davis was leaving Senator Frye
called and remained a short time with the
President. When the peace commissioners
presented the treaty Saturday there was
no opportunity for a conference. and the
two members who are in the city conclud-
ed TO call today. Senator Frye went TO the
State Department from the White House.
Members of the commission express them
selves as pleased with the approval Of
their work by the American people and the
of the Presidents position.
when We were in Paris" said : Senator
Davis, I'VE saw little OF newspapers from
home. They came to us twelve days late,
and we would then be entering upon new
subjects. OF course, We are grateful that
our arduous work is appreciated and COM
mended."
The commissioners do not discuss the
subject Of salaries 10 be paid them, but
they do ridicule some of the stories which
have been published of enormous fees The
President will determine the question OF
paid. 1t is believed that $1,000 each Will
be something near the sum recommended.
All expenses of the commissioners in
travelling and at Paris will be paid by the
government.