The times., 1898-12-22
AT THE WHITE HOUSE.
The President Receives a Host of
Political Vfsiforx.


President Mckinley had. an unusually
busy day yesterday. During the hour
which he devotes to the reception of
members of Congress on Cabinet day, he
gave audience to n number of senator's
and representatives, many of whom called
to congratulate him upon the success of
his Southern trip, and others TO pay their
respects before leaving for their homes
to spend the holidays.
Besides the visitors who had personal
business with the President, there were
many whose presence at the White House
was significant of important matters
Representatives Bingham, Wanger, and
Butler of Pennsylvania. We're there to
persuade the President TO sign the appro-
by Congress, allowing sS5O,o00 for the
Philadelphia exposition in 1899.
Former Speaker Alexander Boxwell, of
the Ohio legislature, called TO ask that
he be appointed to the position of chief
of the Bureau of Engraving and Print
ing. During the memorable struggle in
the Ohio legislature, which ended in the
tiNSaOiA VI 10 tTt L Dlleu
States Senate, Mr. Boxwell was of ma
terial aid in defeating the anti-Hanna
forces. 1t is upon this service that he
bases his cBiim for a position under the
Republican Administration. 1t is under
stood that the President was obliged to
refuse Mr.. Boxwell's request, as Mr..
johnson, who now holds the coveted no
sition, Is protected by the civil service
and is said to have an unassailabIe
record.
A delegation from the Interstate Repub-
lican Association. composed of Messrs. ].
A. Gordon, ]. w. Jackson, II Mason E.
E. Cooper. b. II. Harris, ]. H. Stewart
and James Blackwell, was at the Execu-
tive Mansion to recommend the appoint
ment of Louis D. Wine as postmaster of
the city of Washington, to succeed Mr.
Willett. They failed in their endeavor to
see Mr. Mckinley, but left their indorse-
ment with Private Secretary Porter.
Representative Alexander, OF New York.
called with delegation of citizens from
Buffalo ard introduced them TO the Presi-
dent. There was no particular purpose in
the visit further than TO pay their re-
spects to the President and assure him
that the sentiments expressed by him
while on his Southern trip met with the
appreciation of the people in their section
of the country.
Vice President Hobart held a short con-
ference with Mr.. Mckinley and expressed
his pleasure at the manner in which the
presidential party were welcomed and en-
tertained by the Southern people. Sena-
tor Platt was in conference with Mr. Nc
Kinley for some time. He would say notfl-
ing as TO the purpose of his visit when
leaving the White House. 1t was learned,
however, that he called in reference 10
the court-martial of Capt. Carter, whose
case is now in the hands OF the Attorney
General.
A few moments before the hour for the
Cabinet meeting Maj. Gen. Merritt, ac-
companied by Adjt. Gen. Corbin. was
ushered into the presence of the Presi-
dent. Mr.. Mckinley is desirous of learn
ing Gen. Merritt's views as TO the most
advisable form of government for the
Philippines, and at his request he will
soon pay the President another visit
when a more extended conference may be
held.
| AS the hour of II approached the officers
of the Cabinet began to arrive, and the
persons who were waiting in the lobby for
an opportunity TO see Mr.. Mckinley were
| told that he would have no more leisure
during the rest of the day. With the
exception of Secretaries Hay and Long
who were both confined to their rooms
| with the grip, the Cabinet officers were
| at the Executive Mansion at the hour ap.
pointed for the meeting.
The first important event of the ses.
sion was the resignation of Secretary
! Bliss. After expressing his regrets al
Secretary Bliss's decision to abandon
public life, Mr.. Mckinley immediatel!
sent the name of Ethan Allen Hitchcock
| to the Senate. in order that it might b,
confirmed before Congress should ad
journ for the holidays. 1t was remarked
after the session by one OF the Cabine
| officers, that the resignation, the Presi
dents regrets and the nomination, wer,
| all offered within three minutes TIL,
| President again brought up the civil ser
| vice order for discussion. 1t has beer
finally completed and number of amend
ments have been added by the Presiden
since 1t was first drawn up, severa
months ago. These amendments will b,
| submitted to the heads of the various
departments for any recommendation o.
suggestion they may care to make, and
after being reviewed by the Cabinet of
ficers at Fridays session, they will b,
| promulgated
| 1t is said that the order affects all o
the departments, but chiefly the Treas
| ury. One point that has been dehnitel,
determined upon Is that the deputy col
lectors shall be removed from the ciyi
| service regulations. Other business o
Importance was the consideration of
government for the Philippines and tn
| decision to muster out of the Unite,
States army 5000 volunteer soldiers.