Evening star., 1898-07-29

Interest focused this morning on toady's
cabinet meeting. 1t was the general ex-
pectation that in its results this meeting of
the cabinet would prove to be the most i'm
portant that has been held, not only dur
ing the present, but in many preceding ad
ministrations. 1t was held that upon the
nature of the reply to the Spanish overture
for peace would depend the whole future
policy of the United States, for it would de-
termine whether the nation should embark
upon a policy of worldwide expansion or
more cautiously content itself with expeI-
ling the Spanish flag from the western
hemisphere, while at the same time provid-
ing what may be in the end an ample guar
antee for the extension of our trade in the
east All this means in substance that in
the best judgment of close observers here
the one critical point at issue is the future
of the Philippines.
As near as could be ascertained from per
sonal inquiry, certainly a majority of the
cabinet were disposed to be content with
the requirement of a coaling station in the
Philippines, allowing Spain to retain the
remainder of the group of islands How
ever, it may be stated that within the last
forty-eight hours the President has confined
ms condolences closely to the Secretary of
state, so that the remaining members of
the CABINET entered the White House today
with their minds in a receptive condition
as TO any arguments that might be present.
Gu upon this important proposition.
Assembled on Time.
The members of the Presidents official
IanlHy assembled on time at the White
House, prepared for a long session, fully
realizing the important work before them.
Ihe morning was excessively warm, and
IlS members rod in
tire for a heated session.
The President had a good nights rest
ana did not appear in his Office until 10
clock He refused to see visitors during
the morning and devoted his time to prepar-
ihS Tor the important meeting which be-
gan at IL O'Clock. 1t was nearly 10 80 how
ever when Senator Thurston of Nebraska
-beSsed for a moments interview and was
auAitted 10 the cabinet room. He had
hardly gotten in before Secretary Day ap-
peared with a large bundle of papers.
Secretary Day had clear idea now as
to what ne desired, and when he left the
department today for the White House he
mad MS views outlined and ready for sub
HllsSioa 10 the cabinet in documentary
FORM The President excused himself to
the senator and began the work of the day
py examining the papers the Secretary of
State had with him. The President and his
Secretary Of State were together for at
least twenty-five minutes before the next
cabinet officer arrived. This was Secretary
Bliss who drove up in his coupe. AS he
entered the White House he remarked that
ne expected there would be long session
and that lunch time would be over before
the cabinet adjourned. Secretary Gage was
the third member to put in an appearance
walking over from the treasury despite the
hot SUM- Secretary Wilson next drove nm
Secretary Long and Attorney General
Griggs, who had returned from a fishing
trip. then arrived.
In connection with the peace negotiations
some significance was attached to the fact
that the members of the war board con-
ferred with Secretary Long in his office
Just before that official left for the cabinet
meeting While these conferences are fra
quent, yet there was disposition to re-
gard this one as having bearing on the
present negotiations, as Admiral Sicard and
Captain Mahan would be able to give yalu
able advice on the strategic value and ne
cessity Of coaling stations in the Philip
pinss, Ladrones and other points on the
highway TO the orient.
Postmaster General Smith drove up about
IL O'Clock, coming direct from, the depot,
faying been at his home in Philadelphia
Tor day or two. Secretary Aiger was ths
last cabinet member to arrive. When he