Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-08-13

the seat which secretary-of- -the-Navy
Long. now away on a vacation. usually
occupies. The President stood at the left
hand corner at the head OF the great
Cabinet table. Secretary Day. NJ. THE
baut, and M. Cambon entered their names
on the left side OF the table. The rest
OF the party were standing in other por-
tions OF the room.
THANKS TO FRANCE.
No credentials were produced at the
meeting at the White House, the Presi-
dent accepting Secretary Days assurance
that this had been settled to his salts
faction at the State Department.
1t was 4:23 o'clock when the final sig
natures were attached to the protocol,
and. within the knowledge of all the
officials present, this was the first time
that protocol of treaty had been signed
at the White House.
As this ceremony concluded, Acting
Secretary Allen, Of the Navy Depart
ment; Secretary Alger. and Adjutant-
General Corbin appeared, having been
summoned to the White House by the
President, and they were admitted into
the Cabinet-Room just in season to wit
ness one Of the most impressive features
of the ceremony, when the President
addressed the French Ambassador. and
through him returned thanks TO the sis
ter republic of France for the exercise
OF her good Offices in bringing about
peace. He also thanked the Ambassador
personally for the important part he had
played in this matter. and the latter re-
piled in suitable terms.
THE PRESIDENT SIGNS.
AS a further mark of his DISPOSITION.
President Mckinley called for the pro-
clamation which he caused to be drawn
up. suspending hostilities, and signed it
in the presence of NJ. Cambon. who ex-
pressed his appreciation of the action
Without delay Acting Secretary Allen
hastened to the telephone, and directed
that cable messages be Immediately sent
To all Of the naval commanders-Dewey
in the Philippines, Sampson at Guanta-
namo. and the various commanders at
navy-yards and stations, to cease hos
tilities Immediately.
MILITARY TO CEASE OPERATIONS.
There is a dispatch boat at Hongkong,
and it is believed that 1t can reach Gene
raj Merritt in forty-eight hours at top
speed.
On the part OF the army, while Secre-
tary Alger availed himself of the tele-
graph. AdjutantGeneral Corbin braved
the storm and rushed across to the War
Department, where he Immediately is
sued the orders which had been pre-
pared in advance to all of the military
commanders to cease their operations.
The State Department filled its duty by
notifying all diplomatic and consular
agents of the action taken.
THE PENS THAT SIGNED 1T.
All the formalities having been dis
posed of, the President spent half an hour
chatting with those present, and then. at
4:5S, the rain still continuing in force. the
Ambassador and his secretary entered
their carriage and were driven to the
embassy The pen which was used by
Secretary Day in signing the protocol was
given to Chief-Clerk Michael, of the State
Department, who had bespoken It. NJ.
secured that used by the French
Upon emerging from the White House,
Secretary Day received the earnest con-
of the persons present upon
the conclusion Of the protocol. lie stated
that the peace commissioners who are TO
draw up the final treaty would not be
appointed for several days, but declined
to indicate who they would be.