Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-06-14
The President Preparing for His
Eastern Trip.
REPORT REGARDING CENSUS POSITIONS
Action Taken on Applications for
Clemency.
RUMORs AS, TO FIGHTING

Senator Platt. Senator Martin of Vir-
ginia, Acting Secretary Meiklejohn, Assist
ant Secretary Allen, Secretary Gage and
Representative Swanson were among the
official visitors who saw the President to-
day. Except to Mr.. Meiklejohn, the Presi-
Gent did not refer to the fighting in the
fhifppines or the situation there 1t is
SAID that there was some uneasiness around
the White House until a late hour last
night, when telegram was received from
zen. Otts showing American victory
and comparatively few casualties. Some of
the administration enemies today reported
that secret advices were to the effect that
Gen. Lawton and his forces were driven
back several miles and defeated.
Ihere were many visitors at the White
House today, caused by the fact that the
PRESIDENT is going away Friday. The Pres
loent Will not see any visitors tomorrow
except those having urgent and important
business. He will try to settle as many
matters as possible before leaving for the
east which trip will keep him away from
washington for ten days.
The Census Bureau Appointments.
1t was stated at the White House TODAY
by a visitor who had been 10 the censps
bureau that Director Merriam had an
nounced that he intends to give each sena-
tor and representative six appointments i'm
Ine bureau and that this would be the limit
Inc remaining appointments will be made
Tor others of influence.
Pardon Granted to Two Indians.
President Mckinley has granted a pardon
to John Washington and Simmons Wolfe
two Seminole Indians, who were convicted
in Kansas in 1886 of criminal assault. and
who have since been serving a life SEN
tence Attorney General Griggs, in recon-
mend1ng the pardon, makes some interest
ing comment on the subject of the proper
punishment for rape. The Attorney Gem
eral says:
The petitioners. John Washington and
Simmons Wolfe, are Indians who were in
dlcted in Kansas in 1886 for the crime of
rape. AT that time the prisoners were
mere boys. They pleaded guilty to the
charge and were sentenced to be hanged
Ihe sentence was subsequently, March l.
1881, commuted to Imprisonment for life.
There does not seem to have beens<at
any time any thorough investigation Of
the facts Of the case, but the offense was
committed upon q married woman whose
husband was Frenchman, and who ap-
pears to have been interested before the
United States commissioner in finding out
how much money he was to get from the
boys as compensation for the offense COM
mitted upon his wife
THE good character of these boys is
vouched for by much testimony, and the
belief is confidently expressed that if they
are discharged they will become indus
trfous and useful men. Their conduct in
prison has been modest and exemplary
and believe that the extension of a par
don to them at this time would be not
only justitiable act of clemency, but an
encouragement to them to conduct them
selves hereafter as useful men. /, there
fore, advise that they be pardoned."
Other Cases Settled.
The President has commuted the sem
tence of Isaac E. Stevens, sergeant in
the 7th Cavalry, who aided in stealing and
selling a car of oats belonging to the gov
ernment. Stevens was convicted in April
in Alabama and was sentenced to two
years imprisonment. The sentence has
been commuted to expire December %,
1899. The ground for the commutation is
that Stevens furnished testimony to con-
Wet the others engaged in the crime.
The sentence of James d. Harston, con-
victed in Oklahoma of forgery, has been
commuted so as to expire July 10.
The President has refused a pardon to
Edward M. and Charles w. Raymond who
were convicted at Middietown, Pa in 1895
of violating the national banking laws
and sentenced to seven years and five
months Imprisonment each. The case was
noted one in Pennsylvania The Attor-
ney General says the trial Judge and dis
trict attorney declined to recommend a
pardon.
More Papers Filed.
c. V. Gates, who is a candidate for regis
ter of wills, was at the White House today
and filed additional papers to his appiica-
t1on The President has in no manner be-
gun to consider the case, and 1t is not
known when or whether he will do so.