Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-04-26

terested in securing places or promotions
in the army or navy for constituents.
Senators Quay, Penrose, Pritchard. Lind
say, Gear Fairbanks. Spooner, Represen-
atives jenkins and Grosvenor. Lieutenant
General Schofield, and Ex-Governor Oates of
Alabama. were among the callers.
Prof. Moore, the new first assistant sec
retary of state. called as the cabinet was
assembling. He had long talk with the
President. There is much satisfaction at
his selection.
Wayne MacVeagh. ex-ambassador to
Italy was a visitor. He has been at the
White House frequently since the begin
ming of the trouble with Spain.
Ex-Secretary John w. Foster was with
the President a short time.
The visit of Ex-Governor Oates was to
urge the appointment of General Wheeler
OF Alabama a major general of voiun-
teers. This appointment is being urged
from all parts of the country. Senator
Davis of Minnesota has Endorsed the sug-
gestion, saying that he knows of General
Wheeier's ability, having been chased over
several southern states during the war, by
the noted Alabamian.
Discussing Coast Defenses.
General John NJ. Wilson, chief of engin-
GERS of the United States army, went to
the White House this morning with num-
ber OF important maps and papers in his
possession. He was present during great
er part of the cabinet session and was un-
doubtedy consulted regarding the coast
defenses throughout the country. 1t Is
generally believed that his presence at the
White House was exceedingly significant.
The click of telegraph instruments at the
White House never ceases now and makes
merry music when everything is still. Hun
dreds of messages go across the White
House wires daily. All the newspaper dis
patches are sent to the President, in addi-
ticn to the numerous official dispatches.
The Cabinet Meeting.
The two hours session of the cabinet to-
day did not reach any agreement changing
in any way the movements of the army
and navy heretofore agreed upon. Every
thing is said to be proceeding to the salts
faction of the President and cabinet
The cabinet discussed numerous matters
in connection with the pending situation.
Secretary Sherman was present for the last
time. His resignation was accepted at the
close of the meeting, and the venerable and
much-beloved statesman bade goodbye to
the President and his fellow officials.
The farewell was affecting and historical.
AS he was leaving the White House he
cen piled with number of requests for
his autograph.
The Buena Venturn's Case.
The seizure of Spanish ships by the Key
West fleet was informally discussed by the
CO binet. 1t Is said that there is not unanim-
ity among the administration officials as
to the case of the Buona Ventura, but it
is felt that no orders can be given from
here regarding that ship or any of the
other vessels which were captured.
The prize court will settle all these cases,
and the government here will have to
abide by the decision of the court. Attor-
ney General Griggs will represent both
the government and the captors through
the district attorney of the southern dis
trict of Florida, who is now engaged in the
preparation of the papers.
Report of Engagement Denied.
Cabinet officials denied the rumors of an
engagement between the fleet and the bat
teries of Morro Castle. No news intimat-
ing this was received during the day by
Secretary Long, who reported that every
thing stands as ordered several days ago.
government has received TO official news of
the sailing of the Spanish fleet from the
Cape Verde Islands. 1t is said that the
government is keeping a close eye on this
fleet.
The run of the Minneapolis and Columbia
to the New England coast is declared to
have had no particular purpose in view. ex-
cept to give the people along the coast an
Of bar thaU Ia
in case of the approach of the enemy. The
quick run of the two splendid cruisers was
gratifying to the officials.
The reports that a Spanish fleet Is head
ing this way gave no alarm to the Presi-
dent and cabinet, who feel sure that the
coast is well protected at every point by
Notifications and mines. General John NJ
Wilson, chief of engineers, increased this
assurance today by showing the assembled
cabinet officials just how everything stands.
War Revenue.
There was some discussion as to the
question of war revenue measures but 1t
vas purely informal, pending action by
Congress. Secretary Gage, who always
keeps the cabinet posted as to financial af-
fairs. IS in New York, and was absent from
the meeting.
Secretary Day will take his seat at the
cabinet table Friday, If he is not detained
at Canton. He has been present at nearly
every cabinet session for weeks. but did
not participate in the deliberations except
to unfold the progress of affairs. when
called upon to do so, and to order the
carrying out of such matters as were
agreed upon.
SPAIN WILL PLAY BADGER.