Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-05-10
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
An Important Conference Held There
Today.
INVASION OF CUBA DISC CUSSED
General Miles Called in by the
President and Secretary AIger.
ACTION WITHIN TEN DAYS

since long before the beginning of the war
with Spain.
Neither Secretary Long nor Secretary AL
ger had a report of any consequence to
make Secretary Long was not in the
cabinet room twenty minutes and when
he went away said he did not have a word
OF news from the vicinity in which Ad-
miral Sampson is supposed TO be operating
The Secretary did not venture an opinion
as to when this news may come as he has
been disappointed in not receiving some
thing before this
There was little discussion in the cabinet
about the expected battle with the Spanish
fleet, for the reason that there was moth
Ing before the Presidents advisers to war
rant anything more than speculation, and
for the reason that some cabinet officials
90 not believe the Spanish fleet is any,
where near Porto Rico waters The Presi-
dent was absolutely unadvised in any
trustworthy manner as to what NAV he
looked for.
Inc shrewdness of the Spaniards in keep
ing the movements of their vessels secret
Is appreciated by the administration which
is constantly kept guessing as to what may
happen. 1t is understood that every effort
is being put forward, through all channels
TO find out something definite.
Secretary Alger and Postmaster General
Smith remained with the President long
after the cabinet had adjourned The lat
ter talked with the President about post
office appointments and General Alger talk
ed over military appointments yet to be
made There are many positions yet to
be filed in the army. Adjutant General
Corbin was called into the conference and
was present for d time.
a ,Inr fola oil 3,
is the purpose of the war authorities to
speedily start an expedition to Cuba.
photographer arrived to take a picture
of the President and his war cabinet, but
Gid not succeed because of the early ad-
jcurnment of the meeting.
Gen. Miles Called In.
General Miles was called into the con-
ference between the President and Seere-
tary Alger later in the afternoon. After
concluding the talk about appointments
they discussed further details OF, the In
vasion of Cuba. The understanding now is
that the invasion will take place within
ten days and that between 10000 and TO-
0OO will be landed. The troops will be
landed earlier than that If possible.
The President is determined to end the
war as soon as possible, said an official
who knows of the present plans.
Within three or four days, 1t is stated
Admiral Sampson will have completed the
work cut cut for him and will be in posi-
tion to send a portion of his fleet to Ha-
vana to aid in the attack to be made by
land and sea.
WoOdfOrd to Remain a Diplomat.
The President, it is understood, intends
that General Stewart L. Woodford, the
| minister to Madrid, shall retain his diplo-
matte capacity to return to Madrid after
the war is br ought to a close and dipio-
matte relations are restored This state
ment is mdde by a well-Known senator
cognizant of the facts Gen. WoodforPs
first knowledge of the intention to confer
| a major generaiship on him was his
meeting with the President On the latter's
| SUNNI ons to come mn.ediately to Wash
irgton after landing at New York. The Of
fer then made was promptly declined, and
unless there is some unforeseen contin-
gency Gen. Woodford eventually will re-
turn to Madrid.
After Appointments.
Pursuit of military and naval appoint
ments continues at the White House and
departmo nts. The President had many
visitors today before and after the cabinet
meeting.
Senators Mason and Cullom and Repre-
sentative Belknap of Illinois are still trying
to have the Chicago Naval Reserve assign
ed to duty and called to see the President
about the matter today. They also make
some recommendations for army appoint
ments. Senators Davis, Lodge Shoup
Fairbanks and Platt of New York also had
business on different affairs with the Pres
:dent So did Representatives Grosvenor,
TaylOr. Mercer Steele and others
Senator Wellington and Serator-elect Nc
Comas again saw the President about the
Maryland appointments agreed upon sew
eral days ago.
General GroSvenor, eX-Judge Thompson,
ex-RepresentatiVe d. K. Watson and other
Ohioans called to see the President regard
ing the Columbus, Ohio, post office. 1t is
said Senators Hanna and Foraker have
been opposing each other over this place
Senator Hanna wanted r. w. Rownd given
the place. Senator Foraker opposed Mr..
Rownd- No agreement could be reached
until yesterday, when Senator Foraker
withdrew mis- opposition on condition that
he should have his way in certain appoint
ments yet to be made. After concessions
all around, the President was this morning
requested to nominate Mr. Rownd
Lieut.. Col. Astor Calls.
JonH JdcoD <AStOF, the young muti-mil-
lionaire of New York, who was yesterday
appointed an inspector general of the army.
by President Mckinley, visited the White
House today in company with Lieutenant
Colonel Roosevelt. Mr.. Astors position
gives him the rank of lieutenant colonel.
Tall, thin and awkward, Lieutenant Colo
mel Astor looks anything but a soldier, but
he is on fire to get to the front He has
caught the enthusiasm of Colonel Roose-
welt, and wants action. He pleaded earn
estly with the President to assign him 10
duty which will carry him to the froar but
the President did not say what he would
do.
"Will you be attached to the STAFF of
Lieutenant Colonel Roosevelt's regiment ?"
Mr. Astor was asked.
II do not know" he answered, sbut I
would like to get to the front at once. I
am anxions for duty. am going toatry 10
find out what is to be done for me-"
Colonel Roosevelt. when asked about his
regiment, said that 1t is all ready to 20 to
the front. but is not yet provided with arms
and ammunition. The regiment will be de-