Evening star., 1898-11-09
Speeia Session Of Cabinet to- Discuss
Cuban Occupation.
TALK TURNS 10 ,mLlHCAL SITUATION
interest in Complexion Of Next
House Of Representatives.
NO ANSWER To SPANISH NOTE

President Mckinley sent word to his cab
met officials to attend a called meeting of
the cabinet at tho White House this morn
ing at II O'Clock. Every member was on
hand at that hour. 1t was quickly seen that
the session was devoted to considering the
details of the coming occupation of Cuba.
Gen. John M Wilson, Gen. Corbin and Col
Hecker were sent for at different times and
went over the maps and other papers pre-
sented with Gen. Alger and the President
The majority of the cabinet did not take a
great deal of interest in these matters and
talked politics at intervals.
The absorbing question, inasmuch as the
New York contest had been settled, was the
complexion Of the House of Representatives.
The President received bulletins announcing
republican gains in Washington, California
Kansas Nebraska, Michigan and elsewhere,
and many of the White House officials
thought this would insure a republican
House. Several cabinet members, however
were somewhat doubtful, and one member
expressed the belief that the democrats
would control the next House.
But Slight Hope.
About i o'clock Chairman Babcock was
asked BY telephone what he thought of the
situation. He did not furnish any great
hope. He did not either concede demo-
cratic victory or predict republican defeat
He simply said he would know more later
in the afternoon when he began to get re-
turns from close districts. The failure of
Mr.. Babcock to present more hopeful
view was depressing on some Of those who
knew of what he had said.
Attorney General Griggs was delighted
with the result in New Jersey He said
there was no doubt of the election of yoor-
lees as governor and of republican legis-
lature.
Secretary Long was somewhat doubtful
Of the report that Representative Walker
had been beaten IN Massachusetts.
Secretary Alger was highly pleased with
the work Of the Michigan republicans. The
Secretary's friends consider the victory an
Endorsement of his administration of the
War Department. A private telegram re-
cefved from Michigan early in the morn
ing reported the election of every republi-
can candidate for Congress. Il gain of two
republicans. The same telegram did hot
know how the legislature would stand as
to Senator BurrOws3@
The President and cabinet found much
satisfaction in the probable large increase
OF the republican majority in the Senate.
Result In New York
There was all-around congratulation on
the result in New York. The Presidents
custom is to write a letter of congratula-
tion in cases Of thfs Kind and Col. Roose-
fcil Ho uouDt lSCelNe SUCH Il letlST III
q short time. Various administration Off
cials have already wired their congratula-
ttons to the fighting colonel.
Secretary Porter has returned from Com
nectieut- He predicted some time ago that
the republican ticket n his state would win
by about 1900.
Aside from the talk about Cuban occupa-
tion and the political situation the cabinet
did little else. 1t, was stated by several
members that the situation in, the peace
commission was not discussed. ,2y
It was thought by a great many that the
cabinet would today discuss Instructions to
to what answer they should make to the
is thought the instructions have. either
already been sent or that the American
commissioners Will repeat their propos ton
With some alterations.
Mormon missionaries as Sightseers.
Eight Mormon missionaries, direct from
Utah, were among the sightseeing visitors
at the White House today. They were of
party Of fifteen sent by the Mormon Church
to do missionary work in Europe. The
party will embark from New York In few
days. Several are going to England, but
the majority are destined for Scandinavia
and Germany.
There are said to be several hundred Nor
mon preachers in Europe, sent out by the
church in Utah. They preach their
ligton among all classes Of people, but do
great deal of work among immigrants
preparing to come to this country