Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-08
Al The w HITE HOUSE
Not Many Callers on the President
Today
A Short Cabinet Meeting -Snh..,.-
Discussed During the
Brief Session.

The day. even for cabinet day. was an
unusually quiet one at the White House
and visitors, official and sightseeing alike.
were noticeably small in number. The
first and earliest caller was President
Schurman of the Philippine commission.
who came just after President Mckinney
had left the mansion for his usual morn
Ing walk around Lafayette Square and the
White House grounds He came by ap-
pointment for 10 o'clock. and was with the
president after the latter's return for a
short time. Senator Allison followed and
Senator Cuiiom paid a brief call to pro
pound an inquiry" as he remarked. Sena-
tors Platt and Hawley of Connecticut, who
came and went together, completed the
senatorial contingent before cabinet meet
ing. and shortly after the latter convened
Senator Hanna called with two friends and
proceeded to the private parIors, his visit
being a social one.
The cabinet meeting was attended by all
its members, and was briefer than anv of
its predecessors for several weeks past,
remaining in session only a few minutes
over an hour.
Subjects Discussed by the Cabinet.
1t was devoted to the consideration of
minor diplomatic matters. and some amuse-
been at last received from Mr.. Macrum. the
elusive and long-lost-sigflt-of consul at
Pretoria. The rumored purchase of the
Galipalagos Islands. off the coast of Ecua-
dor, by Great BRITAIN. was mentioned cas-
TALLY, but in view Of the fact that no off
cial knowledge tffSt such a transaction has
been either considered OF consummated. no
discussion was iplnigedk in regarding it,
Secretary Root laid before, the meeting
dispatches from Gen Otis, including tina
describing the uprising in the Island Of
Negroes as due tolthe raise representations
of Aguinaldos triumphant progrt and
announcing the 7aeatf=ef Lieut.. Ledya rd
The latter sad news AFFECTED Secretary
Root deeply, as ne Is very warm friend
vigorous measures viii IN all probability be
taken in the cary fut3re to prevent the
dissemination of mhflannnatory or misIead-
ing literature in the Philippines, no polio,
was suggested in this 7directien at today's
meeting. The cabinet Il separated short,.
after the noon hour.
The Vice. ADMIRAL Plan.
1t Is said thasGPrssiaent MCKINLEY in.
formed Senator wellington of MARYLAND
during their conference at the White Houst
yesterday that the simplest solution nj tbr
controversy between Rear Admirals scblax
and samp3on would probably be reached
,, by the revival of the grade of vice aGI
miral of the navy. ana the elevation oil
both officers to that grade. 1t is Reported
further that the President expressed him.
self in favor of that plan, and that ~ht
informed Senator Wellington that If Con-.
gress enacted the necessary legislation he
would promptly nominate both Admiral,
Sampson and Schley in the order named
II the report Is true 1t Is probable tina
Senator Wellington Will Introduce a bill pro
viding for the appointment of two vice ad
| mirals, without specifying names, SO as no
| to infringe upon the executive prerogatiyt
| of nominating whomsoever he thinks hest
Inasmuch, however, as the alleged piaI
contemplates placing Sampson ahead O
/ Schley, which il the sole point at issue n
| the existing controversy, 1t is not yer,
| clear how 1t can be expected to satisfy til,
friends Of both officers.