Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-20
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Samoan Situation Discussed at the
Cabinet Meeting.
WAITING FOR DETAILED OFFICIAL NEWS
Internal Affairs of Cuba and Porto
Rico Discussed.
OFFICIALINS STRUCTIONS

Al; members Of the cabinet were present
at today's session, which is said 10 have
been devoted largely to details.
The most important new matter before the
assembled officials was the Samoan situa-
ton. In The absence OF official news the
discussion was informal. Secretary Hay
and the members of the cabinet believe
that when the matter has been officially put
before the three governments of Germany,
England and the United States Germany
will disavow the illegal action Of her rep
lesentative in the islands. Such is expected
from Germany at the proper Time. II is not
believed by the administration that the Ger
man agent acted on instructions of his gov
etnment. If he did there Will undoubtedly
be complications of some kind.
The impression among cabinet officials Is
that after official news comes there will be
a conference OF the three countries inter-
ested, in which definite acuon wall be taken.
" hether the conference will be held here Is
not yet known. IL is understood that each
OF the countries is awarding news from its
representative before taking any step.
Cuba and Porto Rico.
Internal affairs of Cuba and Porto Rico
again took up much time in the cabinet.
Secretary Gage submitted revised tariff
for Porto Rico. The President approved
this, and it will shortly be promulgated.
The Secretary OF ;he Treasury also SUBJ
mitted a revised valuation OF Porto Rican
money. This will be signed by the Presi-
Gent after he conters with Porto Eicans
who are in the city. These are Dr. J. j.
Henna, Dr.. EugenlO Maria HUstos and DIR.
Gambia. They were appointed by the peo-
pie of the island as a commission to come
10 Washington and present their needs and
requirements 10 The government The COM
mission considers that nnancial reform is
enc of the imperative needs of the island,
and Congress !s looked 10 for action as
early as possible. The commission consid-
ers that nnany radical reforms are neces-
sary. They Will have fun conference with
the President, il is thought.
Philippine Commission's Instructions.
Secretary Hay has prepared the formal
written instructions TO the Philippine conf
mission. The instructions were laid before
the President at the cabinet meeting, but
as the members were familiar with the con-
tents they were not read. The general 1enor
OF the instructions have been given in The
Star. The President has particularly i'm
pressed upon the commission 10 carry TO the
tIi.pILos message ot good Wall irem the
Gnlttd States. TEC EIAp-uos are To be told
that the policy Of thls country is not con-
quest ana that our intentions are friendly
and helpful. Persorally representing the
President the commissioners Will, IL is
thought, be able 10 BRING about better
feeling. In turn, they are To communicate
TO the President the sentiments and leel-
ings of the FIlP!nos on all subjects.
senator Pritchard's Tnis.
Senator Pritchard of North Carolina had
a tax with President Mckinley this morn
ing about congressional action on the ideas
expressed by the President as TO national
care for the graves of confederate soldiers
Senator Pritchard went from the White
House to the War Department TO gather
whatever facts is 10 confederate cemeteries
are to be had. In a few days the senator
will introduce a bill which Will embody the
views OF the President
Senator Harris on the Treaty.
Senator Harris of Kansas visited the
President today on business connected with
the War Department. Senator Harris was
asked by d representative OF The star Tor
his views as to the adoption Of the peace
treaty. The senator sand that he would
vote for the treaty if Senator Davis and his
colleagues would make some CONCESSIONS
Senator Harris is understood 10 stand with
a number of senators who would vote Tor
the treaty Il Trey could OBTAIN CONCESSIONS
or promise that the policy OF the country
and OF the republican party is not TO be the
annexation OF the islanus. The various op-
ponents OF the treaty ana OF annexation be-
Ileve that they make up more than third
of the Senate, sufficient 10 hold the balance
of power in this Senate at least They fear
to first ratify the treaty and lhen To de-
pend upon vote committing the country
against expansion. Upon a resolution OF
this kind majority vote would be neces-
sary. The intention now, IL rs said, Is 10
use the power apparently in hand, and not
TO take chances at some other time, after
the treaty has been ratified, on securing a
majority vote OF the Senate Tor an anti
expansion resolution
The men using this club, however have
little hope of succeeding Senator Davis
will not make promises, 1t is said, and in
this he is thought to have the cordial back
ing OF the President.
May BE Available Later.
Representative Wadsworth and eN-Rep-
resentative Farquhar of New York pre-
sented E. ]. Miller of Albion TO the Presi-
dent today as a suitable man for a posi-
ton on the Filipino commission, if il is
to be increased in number. The President
said that he had completed the commission,
but later might need the services of
man like Mr.. Miller. Mr. Miller spent many
Malay and seven oriental languages and
has wide knowledge OF the people and
their customs.
Many Delegates Received.
The President this afternoon received
several hundred delegates to the pure fooo
congress.
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