Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-07-12
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
The Cabinet Session Today Was
Very Brief
BELIEF rs TO SHAPTER'S POSITION
No indications That the Spaniards
Have Escaped.
NO PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
BELIEF Is TO SHAFTER'S POSITION
70 PEACE NEGOTIATIONS

comparatively unimportant State De-
partment matter occupied the greater part
of a short cabinet ses sion today. The only
official war news for the cabinet was the
telegram of Gen. Shafter, made public dur
ing the morning.
Several cabinet officers who read this
telegram between the lines said that
Gen. Torai was probably getting ready to
surrender his army. They said that it
might have been done before this but for
the Spaniard's habit of putting off every
thing until tomorrow.
The same cabinet officers said that the
continued negotiations would be beneficial
to Gen. Shafter, as It would enable him to
strengthen the weak spots in his line with
the reiEforcements that are constantly ar
irving. The arrival of these reinforce
ments, they said, would be noted by the
Spanish commander and would make him
all the more inclined to surrender.
No Intimation of Spaniards Escaping.
The expectation of at least two members
of the cabinet is that some time will elapse
before there will be decisive fight, if
the Spaniards intend to fight at all.
1t is said that intimation was thrown
out that the SpaEiards may have escaped
from Santiago. 1t is believed that Gen.
Shafter would have become aware of their
departure The Cubans are scattered In
all directions, and would certainly know
of any such movement, it is said.
Secretary Day asserts emphatIca!iy that
he has had no indications that Spain will
ask for peace. The question of peace was
not suggested at the cabinet session, as
there is nothing Upon which 20 base any
SUCH suggestion.
Anxious for News.
The President was in his office until
O'Clock last night waiting for news from
the front. He was greatly disappointed
when nothing came, and is reported to
have been somewhat anxious. He had ex-
pected official news all through the even
ing.
Notwithstanding the late hour at which
he retired, the President arose early this
morning and was soon in his office ready
for hard day s work. Eight or ten con-
gressmen called and talked with him be-
fore the cabinet meeting
Today's Callers.
Among the Presidents early callers this
morning there was an impression that the
desultory firing, which has been in prog
ress around Santiago, has allowed General
Shafter to enclose the city and prevent the
escape of the Spaniards It was not be-
Heved that the Spaniards had succeeded In
getting away. although there would be no
surprise if they had done So
The Presidents visitors said that the in
formation in their possession was that
santiago was now securely invested and
fully at the mercy of General Shafter. 1t
was said that an intermittent artillery fire
was kept up from Sunday afternoon to
O'Clock yesterday afternoon, when flag
OF truce was raised by the Spaniards
There is talk that General Shafter may
not use his infantry at any time. He may,
it Is said. continue to harass the Span
iards with artillery and from the fleet until
they surrender.
No Peace Negotiations.
Secretary Day today stated to a Star
reporter that the call of the French am
bassador at the White House yesterday
afternoon had nothing to do with peace ne
gotiations. No talk of peace was men
toned at the conference, he said.