The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1898-05-04
M'KINLEY LEANS TO GORDON.
PRESIDENT GREATLY IMPRESSED
WITH THE SAVANNAHIAN.

Action of the Caucus of the @eorSi"
DELEGATION i'm Declaring by Slen-
der Majority in Favor of Col
WIGHT Not Likely to Have Much IN
Huence With the President OF
Secretary Alger.
Washington, May S-President Mckin-
ley is not yet ready to ratify the action OF
the caucus of the Georgia delegation
which. on Yesterday. Endorsed Col Wight
for brigadier generalship commission.
In accordance with yesterdays caucus
Senators Bacon and Clay and Representa-
tive Griegs called at the White House this
morning with Col. Wight. The latter was
presented to the President as the choice
of the Georgia delegation in Congress for
a brigadier generals commission.
The President had been previously in
formed of the methods employed to secure
the Endorsement of Col. Wight,
hence it made but little impress
sion upon him. Without commit
ting himself for or against Col.
Wight. he referred the Georgia committee
TO the Secretary of War Leaving the
White House. Senators Bacon and Clay
and Representative Griggs proceeded to
the war department. They were Informed
that Secretary Alger was at the White
House attending cabinet meeting. The
Georgians were therefore obliged to relate
their tale of woe to Assistant Secretary
Aleickeljohn. They stated their case. that
is. Representative Griggs stated the case
and Senator Bacon interposed numerous
qualifications and corrections, which must
have confused the youthful Assistant
Secretary of War. After hearing the pre-
sentation of Col. Wight's claim for recog-
milton and a recitation of his military
ability and experience, Mr. Meicklejohn,
in a very non-committal manner
stated that the President is not
prepared to name the civilians who may
be given appointments as brigadier gen
erals. Mr.. Meicklejohn stated that the
President had indicated that IL Is the
present intention of the President to ap-
point the brigadier generals within the
next day or two. These appointments will
be made from the regular army as it is
the intention of the President and the
Secretary of War to elevate officers who
have rendered valuable service and had
sufficient military experience to enable
chem TO accept the responsibility of a
command. He stated, further, that the
President in making the appointments,
will be guided by the military ability and
experience of the candidates, and political
Influence viii cut but little figure in the
appointments that may be made from civil
lie.
Representative Griggs, at the White
House and at the war department, ex-
planned how Col. Wight had been select
ed as the choice of the Georgia delega-
ton. He also told of the coloners expe-
rience in the war, and his long and nom
orable association with the state militia.
The President said he was glad the dele
cation had agreed, and then it was that
he disclosed his plans with regard to the
appointments. He said that he would
have probably forty or forty-five of these
brigadier generalships, but it was not his
intention to make appointments from civ
il life yet. He would first make promo
tons from the regular army, after that
he would appoint from civil life but he
would not ill all the places. II was his
intention to leave number of vacancies TO
be filled by promotions for merit displayed
on the field of battle.
With regard to Georgia's recommended
ton he would give that due consideration
when the time came.
At the same time he referred in most
complimentary terms TO Col. Gordon, who,
he said, had been most highly recommend
ed to him. and who had attracted him
very much. Senator Bacon rejoined that
he hoped the President might find it possl-
bic TO give two of the appointments to
Georgia. What the President said in re-
ply indicated his strong inclination to ap-
point Col. Gordon.
Gen. Alger wrote Congressman Brant-
ley to-day that suggestion which the
latter made to the department with re-
gard TO Brunswick would be followed, not
only with regard to that port, but also
other ports along the Atlantic. The sug-
gestion was that the buoys and lights used
10 show commerce where the channels lie
be removed if there was any likelihood of
the approach of the enemy. Secretary AL
gers letter indicated that this was a mat
Ter which had not yet been considered by
the department, but that Col Brantley'
suggestion would be acted upon as soon
as hostilities begin on this side of the
water.