Evening star., 1898-09-20

ACCEPTED BY SEVEN
The War Inquiry Commission About
Completed.
FIRST MEETING TO Be HELD SATURDAY
Hopes of Obtaining Nine Compe-
tent Men.
4
IRSH MEETING TO Be HELD SATURDAY
PRESIDENTIAL SELECTIONS

Secretary Gage and Attorney General
Griggs are the only two cabinet officers in
the city, and they went to the White House
today for informal cabinet session with
the President. this being the day for
regular meeting of the Presidents advls-
ers. The two officials did not remain long
with the President and no serious matters
were taken up for discussion I'm view of the
absence OF six other members.
The President mentioned to his visitors
during the day that he had about COM
pleted the commission to investigate the
conduct of the war. He also said that he
had called a meeting of the commission 10
be held in this city Saturday. This Will be
the first meeting of the commission. which
will be expected to get down to work i'm
medately.
1t is understood from official sources that
seven men have accepted places on tho
commission. The President is assured OF
this number. He has, however, invited a
sufficient number of good men to make
nine the number he has desired from the
first. If he has not secured acceptances
fIom nine men by Saturday the number
who have accepted will meet here any
now, and begin work. Should one man ba
lacking he can be secured after the COM
mission opens business.
1t is learned today that General Anson
G. McCook of New York and Mr. Whiting
or Massachusetts have been invited TO go
on the commission, and the President ex-
poets both to accept Mr.. Whiting is a
big paper manufacturer. The President is
especially anxious to have General McCook
to serve. No formal acceptance has been
received, but one is looked for 1t is also
said to be probable that General W. IL.
jackson Of Tennessee will accent the pOsi-
tion rendered him. This will make nine
members. General Jdckson's health is not
the best, but he may consent to serve
Ex-Minister Charles DENLY saw Pr. sideat
mckinley this morning and notified hiln
personally that he would accept a position.
Inc President never saw Mr.. DENLY untiI
q few dayc ago. when the former minister
to China called to pay his respects. The
President was impressed with the appear
ance of his caller. and without consulting
any one offered Mr.. DENLY a place.
1t is believed now that the commission
will be made up as follows: Gen Granville
NJ. Dodge, Col. James A. Sexton. com
mander of the G. a. r.: President Gilman
of Johrs Hopkins University DR. w w
Keen of Philadelphia. Char.es DENLY Of
Indiana, Capt. Evan Z. Howell of Atlanta.
Gen. Anson G. McCook Of New York Mr..
whiting of Massachusetts, Gen. W. II.
jackson of Tennessee.
Gen. Jackson is the owner of the big
stock farm near Nashville, and is a man
OF ability and wealth.
Messrs. Gilman. DENLY, Howell and ia *
sen are democrats. The others are repub-
hcans. The President feels however, that
few of them can be partisans, and Is salts
fed the investigation will be conducted
without any regard TO politics.
Secretary AIger Has Not Resigned.
1t is said by officials at the White House
that there is no truth in a story that Sec
retary Alger verbally rendered his resigna-
ton to President Mckinley before leaving
the city. Cabinet officials ridicue the
story. They say that Secretary Alger is
not the man to offer his resignation while
under fire. He would prefer to remain un-
til an investigation of charges.
1t is SAID that if Secretary Alger ever
said anything to the President on the sub
ject it was TO the effect that if he had be-
come embarrassing in any way he was
ready to step down and out. Every cabinet
official has at some time or other int!matcd
this to the President Secretary Gage did
so last year. when there was difference Of
opinion between himself and certain MEM
bers of Congress.
Picked Out for the Regulars.
Rev Henry A. Brown, the chaplain Of
the Rough Riders, called on President Nc
Knley today. He made such a good i'm
preston on the President that he went
away with an autograph order to the War
Department. This order instructed Gen.
Corbin to appoint Mr. Brown a chaplain in
the regular army just soon as there is
a vacancy. Mr.. Brown is from Prescott
Arizona.
The President Drives to Arlington
Without an escort President Mckinley
drove to Arlington cemetery at o'clock
this afternoon, to be present at the inter
ment of the remains of Brigadier General
Haskell. who died suddenly at Columbus,
Ohio, a few days ago Shortly after the
Santiago fight General Haskell went to
the White House on crutches 10 see the
President. The tribute 10 his memory paid
by the President this afternoon will be one
ever to be remembered by the generals
friends and by all. soldiers.
Annual Departmental Reports.
The President suggested to Secretary
Gage and Attorney General Griggs today
the necessity Of giving early attention to
annual departmental reports, saying that
ne desired TO begin the preparation of his
message TO Congress as soon as practicable.
He talked with Secretary Gage at some
length as to the lines OF his report, but no
informat tion given out concerning its
probable scope or character.