The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1899-03-25
A FIXED POLICY THEN
THE PRESIDENT FLIES DOWN
TO TALLAHASSEE
FlO7lOA'S CAPITAL ADORNS HERSELF
And the Chief Executive is Welcomed With
More Ceremony and Display Than he
Has Met With Elsewhere
on iha Trip.

Thomasville, Ga, March 24.-The Ad
ministration will not decide upon its
permanent policy respecting the Philip
pines until the Schurmann commission
reports 1t feels that its present knowl-
edge of the islands is too indefinite as
basis for fixed policy. Moreover an
immediate decision is felt to be need
less since for the present the only prob
lem is the restoration of law and order,
and the establishment of stable peace
ful conditions. This and the appoint
ment of a diplomatic representative at
Madrid are two of the most important
matters remaining open. The Madrid
mission probably will be raised to an
embassy soon after payment of the $40
100000 indemnity, and man of the
highest qualifications and attainments
chosen for this delicate and important
post. General Woodford may not be the
new envoy, owing to the fact that New
York already has such an undue proper
tion of the highest diplomatic appoint
ments.
President Mckinley and quite a large
party made a flying trip to Tallahassee.
Fla, to-day. Vice President Hobart
has not been well, never having recov-
cred from the results of an attack of
grip last winter, SO he and Mrs. Hobart
remained behind. A special train was
provided by the Plant System and m
cluded 2 Pullmans, one extra coach and
a baggage car. 1t left Thomasyille
shortly after 10 o'clock.
At Monticello, the home of Senator
Pasco, that gentleman and his family
greeted the President. The Senator
could not proceed to Tallahassee. but by
invitation the two Misses Pasco and a
young son became members of the Presi-
Dental party. AT Tallahassee the party
was received by Governor Bloxham and
a local committee. The town had been
deliberately decorated in honor of the
President. Salutes were fired. an escort
provided. n regular programme carried
out, and the visit made more of a
ceremonious affair than any feature of
| the present Southern trip. The party
was driven first to the State capitol
where "A large crowd from the town and
surrounding country had assembled On
the portico of the State House the entire
party, including the Governor and the
Floridian committee were photograph
ed. After brief rest during which the
ladies of the party We're presented with
immense boquets of beautiful violets, the
party was driven to the Leon House,
where an informal public reception was
held by the entire party and an elabor-
ate lunch served to about 100 persons
Governor BloXham sat on the right of
the President, and Judge Raney on his
left Then followed drives to points of
interest, and visit by the President to
a large negro college having about 300
students. A band of music, a local mill
tary company and organizations of the
students were assembled here in the
Presidents honor. No speech making
occurred in Tallahassee. The party left
there at $3.50 and arrived in Thomasville
at $40. An effort is making TO induce
the President to visit Tampa. He is dis
inclined to make the trip, and unless he
changes his mind will be in Washington
late next Tuesday