The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1898-04-23
AT THE WHITE HOUSE

Washington, April 22.-President McKin-
ley was at breakfast by five minutes past
this morning. Two old friends. Webb
| c. Hayes and General Hastings of Ohio,
! dined with him. Mr.. Hayes is the son Of
the ex-president, and General Hastings
was colonel of the regiment in which Mr..
Mckinley served during the war. They
! have been the presidents guests for a
/ day or two.
It was unusually quiet at the White
! House during the forenoon, largely in an
| ticipation of the assemblage of the presi-
! dents official council, for it was the reg
ular cabinet meeting today. The change
in the cabinet became operative today and
Postmaster General Charles Emory Smith
| of Pennsylvania sat with the cabinet.
Senator Davis, chairman of the COM
mittee on foreign relations, and Senator
Cannon of Utah, were with the president
early today. Senator Cannon's visit, how
ever, was of a largely personal character,
but he expressed the belief that there
would be a formal declaration of war
made by congress tomorrow and that it
would be put through the senate within a
few minutes after noon, when the period
ment would expire He did not he said,
believe it would be proper for this gov
eminent to take such action until after
that limit had expired.
Arrangements were made early today
for the assumption of office at II o'clock
OF Mr.. Smith, the new postmaster gener-
al. 1t is customary for the cabinet off,
GERS TO enter on their duties with an ad-
ministratton of the oath by a member of
the supreme court. Today was no excep-
ton and in Difference to the personal
friendship and cordial relations between
Mr. Smith and Associate Justice Shfras
of Pittsburg, the latter administered the
oath at the White House shortly before
the cabinet meeting.
Senator Davis, as the chairman Of the
foreign relations committee. was in con-
ference with Mr.. Mckinley for half an
hour. At the conclusion he announced
that there had been no material change
in the situation and that everything was
progressing satisfactorily. He was in an
especially happy mood and as he drove
off for the senate jovially called back.
please put me down 5 reticent. That's
what one of my colleagues IN the senate
takes occasion to suggest sometimes, and
just mark me likewise"
Mr.. Davis said he understood the presl-
dent would issue the expected call for vol
unteers before the close of the day. AS
to the probability of a formal declara-
ton OF war by congress. he said it was
likely that action would be taken tomor-
row. That would allow the Spanish gov
eminent the full INIT Of time imposed byi
the ultimatum.
Senator McMillin OF Michigan and SEN
ator Wilson of Washington, Representa-
tive Curtis of Iowa and Babcock of Wis
consin, the latter is chairman Of the Re
publican congressional committee, were
also with the president Mr.. Babcock's I
mission related to the proposed bond is /
sue 70 meet war emergencies. He urged |
that It be made a popular loan, saying II /
was only right that the people should be |
given an opportunity TO take part in the |
issue.
The president. It was understood. agreed !
in this policy and Secretary Bliss who had |
also been talked with. it was stated. was /
heartily in favor OF IT. Mr.. Babcock
thought the bonds should bear int est
at per cent
A member Of the cabinet at II o'clock
today. just before the cabinet assembled.
SAID it had not been settled by the admin
istrauon whether to ask congress to make
a formal declaration of war