The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-03-21
special to the indianapolis Journal.

Special to the Indianapolis Journal.
WASHINGTON March 20-The Presi-
dent received large number of party lead
ers at the White House this afternoon and
evening. There was, in fact, an almost con-
tinua conference going on al the Executive
Mansion from o'clock this afternoon till 10
o'clock tonight. There were with the Pres
ident at various times singly and in groups,
Senator's Allison, Hale, Davis, Fairbanks.
Spooner, Aldrich, Elldns and Representa-
tives Cannon, Boutelle, Dingley, Hit, Hull
and Grosvenor Prior to the arrival of
members of Congress Secretaries Alger and
Long and Assistant Secretary Day were
with the President two hours or more. The
purpose and result of this gathering of par
ty leaders are kept profoundly secret, and
if any programme for the week was agreed
on the fact cannot be ascertained. The
President has been fearful however, that
the House may run away and get beyond
control when he sends in the Maine report
with his message, and it is believed that he
called the strong men of the party together
for the purpose of preventing imprudent or
untimely demonstrations by either branch
of Congress. The President has received as
surances from many quarters that Congress
will keep its head, remain cool in any
emergency and accord him loyal support;
but one element of uncertain strength has
developed which threatens to desert him if
he does not go at Spain like a wildcat if
the report gives him a shadow of excuse
for so doing. 1t is to headVoff any impru-
dent demonstration from that quarter that
he is said to have asked the cooperation
of the leaders.
An Associated Press dispatch says: The
President did not attend church this morn
ing as is his custom, but instead spent two
hours and more in conference with several
n nembers of the Cabinet. Assistant Secre-
tary Day called about 10.30 o'clock and re-
mained until nearly l o'clock. Secretary
Long and Secretary Bliss were the other
members present. They remained less than
an hour. Commander Glover, in company
with Charles r. Flint, who has been act
ing for the government in the negotiations
for the purchase of ships, also called and
were shown into the Presidents private
office. The members of the Cabinet on Ieav-
ing the White House said there was no
special significance In the meeting this
morning. The report of the Maine court of
inquiry had not been received, nor was it
definitely known when it would reach here.
1t was expected, however, early in the pres
ent week, and as soon as received it would
be handed at orce to the President, and
when it had been read and considered by
the President it would be made public. Sec
retary Long in speaking of the report. said
that while fully realizing its Importance,
the country. in his opinion, would willingly
accord to the President a day or two if
necessary for its consideration. The indi-
cations seem to be that the report will be
made public by the middle of the present
week.
The presence of Mr. Flint at the confer
ence naturally gives the inference that the
President and his advisers were discussing
the question of acquiring additional ships
Mr.. Flint, whose commercial interests are
largely with South American countries. is
believed. in a measure at least. to represent
Chile and the Argentine Republic in any ne
gctiations which are under way for the dis