The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-04-23
THE CABINET MEETING.
Ways and Means of Conducting the
War Discussed


War Discussed
WASHINGTON, April 22.-The members
of the Cabinet were late in assembling this
morning. Secretary Long did not arrive
until 1l:20 o'clock and Secretary Alger ten
minutes later. Secretary Sherman was ac-
companied by Assistant Secretary Day Mr.
Gary, the retiring postmaster general. re-
manned orly long enough to witness the TAX
ing of the oath by his successor and then
teelingly babe the President and his coll
leagues goodbye. The meeting lasted until
l o clock The discussion of the proposed
proclamation to the world that this govern
ment will establish and effectively maintain
blockade OF the port of Havana occupied
considerable time The proclamation, sub
stantlally as prepared by the attorney gem
eral, was signed before the meeting adj
Journed. The embargo resolutions of Con-
gress were also discussed at length and
nnally approved by the President. These
VIII go into effect Immediately. They will
effectually prevent the landing at any Gu
ban or other Spanish port of coal or other
contraband articles. Customs officers will
be instructed not to grant clearance papers
to any vessels so laden, and if false state
ment is made as to their destination they
will not be permitted to pass the blockade
ana Will be subject to seizure.
During the progress of the meeting Gen
A w. Greedy, the chief signal officer of
the army, was called in, as was also Mr.
MORGAN, the local manager of the Western
Union Telegraph Company, but the nature
of their business was not disclosed The
Cabinet discussed a number of important
matters bearing upon the situation, but
the members were unusually reticent in re-
r1nAt fl,Av,, II.
ers consider the war now on, and no time
will be lost in forcing the issue AT the
conclusion of the meeting the President
took walk with Secretary Alger
President Mckinley was at breakfast bv
five minutes past 9 o'clock this morning
Two old friends, Webb c. Hayes and Cen
Hastings, of Ohio dined with him. Mr.
Hayes is the of the ex-President and
General Hastings was colonel of the regi-
ment in which Mr.. Mckinley served during
the war. They have been the Presidents
guests for day or two. 1t was unusually
quiet at the White House during the fore
noon, largely i'm anticipation of the assem-
blage of the Presidents official council, for
1t was the regular Cabinet day. The change
In the Cabinet became operative to-day and
POSTMASTER General Charles Emory Smith
OF Philadelphia, sat with the Cabinet Ar
engagements were made early to-day for the
assumption of office at IL o'clock of Mr.
Smith. 1t is customary for the Cabinet Off
GERS to enter on their duties at an admins
tratlon of the oath by a member of the Su-
preme Court. To-day was no exception
and in Difference to the personal friendship
and cordial relations between Mr. Smith
and Associate Justice Shiras, of Pittsburg,
the latter administered the oath at the
White House shortly before the Cabinet
meeting.
Senator Davis, as the head of theAforeign
relations committee, was in conference with
Mr.. Mckinley for half hour. AT its con-
clusion he announced that there had been
no material change in the situation and
that everything was progressing satisfac-
torily. He was in an especially happy
mood, and as he drove off for the Senate
jocularly called back please put me
down as reticent That's what one of my
colleagues in the Senate takes occasion to
suggest sometimes, and just mark me like
wise" Asked as to the probability of a
formal declaration of war by Congress he
said it was likely that action would be
taken tomorrow. That would allow the
Spanish government the full limit of time
imposed by our ultimatum.
Senator Mcmillan of Michigan, and Sen
ator Wilson, of Washington, Representa-
tives Curtis, of Iowa, and Babcock, of Wis
consin, the latter the chairman of the Re-
publican congressional committee were also
with the President. Mr.. Babcock's mission
related to the proposed bond issue to meet
war emergencies. He urged that it be made
q popular loan, saying that it was only right
that the people should be given an oppor-
tunity to take part in the issue. The Presi-
dent it is understood, agreed in this view,
and Secretary Bliss, who has also been
talked with, it is stated, is heartily in favor
of it. Mr.. Babcock thinks the bonds should
bear interest at 8 per cent.