The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-05-18
CABINET AND MERRITT
HIS REPORTED INTERVIEW Is TO
BE INVESTIGATED.
ed as 10 the Number of Troops
He Needs at Manila.

washington, May 1.-THE cabinet ses-
Sion today lasted until about IL 80. Sec
Rotary Long came late and left half an
hour before the others. Secretary Dale
also left early The members as they left
the White House were unusually reticent.
even as to minor matters.
Secretary Long said although the matter
OF rigid censorship OF the press was not
discussed at todays cabinet meeting the
action OF certain newspapers in publishing
movements and campaigning plans was
causing great embarrassment.
The published interview with General
Merritt, at New York, in the course OF
which he is reported to have expressed
mis- unwlllingness TO take the command at
the Philippine islands, without the gov
| eminent gave him more than IL, 900 troops
and complaining that such command was
| Inadequate to his rank. Is likely to be the
| subject OF an inquiry by the government
| as to whether he was correctly reported
| A member Of the cabinet said after the
| meeting that he had no doubt the matter
would receive official attention.
Nothing was said at the meeting Of the
reported purpose Of the president to issue
call for additional volunteers.
'1ne government Is now in constant
communication with Admiral Dewey and
his judgment as to the number of troops
necessary to accomplish the subjugation
of the islands will be followed.
SO far as can be learned no important
0n1ormaAan can be gained whether a
conflict between the fleets is likely TO take
place within the next day or two.
tsreclai Dispatch to The Post and New york
iiofa,d. copyrighted, 1895. b. James Cor
don Bennett)
Washington, May 17.-Little credit 4.
given by officials in the war department,
10 the statement that Major General Mer-
rift will refuse the command OF the phil.
ippne expedition, as yesterday stated. Of
ficers say that according TO military repu-
lations General Merritt will be Obliged 70
60 where ordered with the army troops
Secretary Alger informs me that he had
no idea that General Merritt would take
any definite stand against the plan of the
philippine expedition. He is inclined 10
doubt that General Merritt made any posi-
i've statement refusing to 60 to Manila I'M
less the regulars We're sent.
The commissary department has sent civ
hoh'hs provisions to San Francisco to be
USED by the troops going to Manila. II nv
any chance the men are not able to land
'ney VIII not be in any way dependen,
upon the shore for supplies.
Washington, May 7.-Secretary Alset
this afternoon received the following ,e,-
esram from Wesley Merritt:
Hon. Russell A. Alger. Secretary of War
Washington:
Governors Island, May Ill desire Won
to know that interviews published :, a.,
New York papers this morning are in every
way incorrect and unauthorized. I had in.
'pded to take no notice of than, out I'M
aersland the articles are taken serioux,v
- washington. Wesley Merritt"
washington, May l7.-Colonel r. p.
hughes, inspector general, with headouar-
tiers at New York, was at the war danar,
iNeh' On mission from General Merritt
soaay. Regarding the statement printed in
~" hofh TINS morning that General Mer-
with force of $4,000 men. Colonel Iiurhes
saia; The statement that General Mer-
ts't maze such utterances is untrue Gen.
eraI Merritt will so wherever the depart
nsnt sees hts to send him, but he con-
siaers that the additional troops are nee
use and has made such suggestion to
the department." -
General Greeley. chief signal officer, is
' maaA.hs arrangemsuts to send detach-
ment OF six officers and fifty-five men
maae up largely Of telegraph operators and
sxpedition. pp'ns