Evening star., 1899-03-31
Three Members Absent From the
Cabinet Meeting.
VARIETY OF TOPICS TAKEN OF
The Proposed Republican Part,
of Porto Rico.
AN EXHIBIT FOR RUSSIA

Secretaries Long and Alger and Attorney
General Griggs wers absent from the cabi-
net session at the White House today.
The discussions in the meeting were gen.
eral, no important new matters being
touched upon.
1t . was stated that nothing official
of an exciting nature has been re-
ceived from the Philippines, and that
official news is still wanted from Sa-
noa There was some talk of Gen. Otis
evident intentions regarding the pursuit of
the Filipinos but the unanimous opinion
was that Gen. Otis, being on the spot,
knows better what to do than anybody
here Gen. Otis will not be int;srfered with.
1t is said that the canned and refrigerat-
ed beef questions have at times been in
formally discussed in the cabinet, COM
ments being made by the members as to
testimony which has been brought out.
1t is learned that 100000 pounds of can
ned roast beef have been sent at different
times to the army in the Philippines and
that no protests have SO far been heard.
1t is not known whether shipments have
recently been made, but it is presLmed that
canned beef is among the rations still sent
to Manila for the troops.
Republicans of Porto Rico.
The cabinet was much interested in
press dispatch telling of the organization
of a republican party in Porto Rico. the
chief objects of which are speedy annexa-
ton to the United States. free trade with
this country and sound financial basis.
1t is said that many Of the members Of
this new party, which disclaims any pres
ent connection with the republican party
in this country, are men of the highest
standing in Porto Rico. The opinion here
is that the party will become a permanent
one in the island.
Exhibit for Russia.
Secretary Hitchcock has proposed to the
cabinet that the United States exhibit at
| the Paris exposition shall be taken to Rus
sia at the close of the Paris affair and ex-
hibited at st. Petersburg. an independ-
ent exhibit. Mr.. Hitchcock, when ambas-
sador of this country to Russia, gave much
time to studying business conditions in the
cars dominions, and he is satisfied that
good exhibit of American manufactures
and products in the Russian capital would
awaken interest in the manufactures of the
United States, which would lead to this
country doing great deal of business with
Russia.
Up to this time the matter is merely
suggestion, but it is believed that Secretary
Hitchcock will succeed in putting the idea
| into execution. His judgment will be trust
ed by the administration, and it is said
that the cost would not be heavy The
exhibit could be taken from Paris to St.
Petersburg by water.
The Pennsylvania Senatorial Contest.
Representatives Dalzell, Grosvenor and
McCieary We're three of the Presidents
visitors this morning. They did not remain
long, and each had business pertaining to
their districts.
1t is learned on what is considered excel
lent authority that Mr.. Dalzelrs name will
be dropped by the anti-Quay republican
members of the Pennsylvania legislature
next week, and that another man suitable
to them will be taken up The new man
will be voted for. and if he cannot win,
may be voted for again before the contest
is concluded. 1t is said today with a great
deal of poSitiveness that Chris Magee of
Pittsburg will desert Quay next week, hav-
ing SO far maintained loyalty to the Beaver
man. 1t is declared that the desertion of
Quay by Magee will be the final blow
which may end in an election of senator.
At the same time it is declared that Magee
himself will not be candidate unless it is
seen that he is the only man who can be
elected. 1t is believed that when Senator
Quay sees that his last hope is gone he
will turn to and aid in the election of some
one more friendly to himself than TO the
Wanamaker faction, which has encom-
passed his defeat.
The senator's friends say that he Is too
good republican to prevent the election
of any simply because he cannot be
elected himself
The desertion of Senator Magee is booked
for the early part of next week.
Gen. Grosvenor's visit to the President
was not significant politically. 1t is said
that there is no truth in a story recently
published that Ohio politicians are demand
ing that Secretary Alger hand in his res
ignation before the state campaign there.