Evening star., 1899-02-06
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
The Equanimity of the Administra-
tion Undisturbed.
VIEW OF THE DISPATCH FROM DEWEY
Confidence in Ratification Of the
Treaty.
THE PRESIDENTS CALLERS

So far as outward appearances at the
White House went today the equanimity
of the administration was in no wise dis
turbed by the recent occurrences at Manila.
The earliest caller on the President was
the Secretary of War; who arrived at 10
o'clock and remained for fifteen minutes
He was followed a few moments late by
Assistant Secretary of War Meiklejohn,
who also had a brief conference with the
President. Both officials said that no infor-
nation had been received from Manila
since yesterday. They expressed perfect
confidence in the ability of the American
forces to successfully dominate the stua-
ton there. The dispatch from Admiral
Dewey received this morning disquiet-
ing, but the opinion was expressed at the
White House that the cablegram was be-
lated, and that it really related to yes
terdays events, which had already been
covered by dispatches received last night.
In any event the condition of affairs was
not regarded at all critical, as our forces
are deemed amply sufficient to dominate
the situation, and if thought necessary to
completely crush the insurgent forces
Mr.. Porter Speaks of His Mission.
Mr.. Robert P. Porter also called
early, having arrived here this morn
ing direct from Havana, coming by
way of Miami. Mr.. Porter presented to the
President his report upon the arrangement
for the payment of the relief fund to the
Cuban army, and was warmly congratu-
lated on the successful outcome of his
mission. Mr.. Porter stated that Gen. Gomez
was in full sympathy with the plan to dis
tribute 100000 among the Cuban soldiers,
and said there was nothing in the objec-
tions to it which have been made in Ha-
vana, the latter emanating from the little
bosses and agitators, who are always
deavorng to foment discomfort.
Senator Platt and Senator Lodge fol-
lowed Mr.. Porter, but the Massa chusetts
senator did not wait to see the President.
Ex-senator Henderson of Nebraska called
with his family and was cordially received
by the President. He received a warm
greeting as well from several of the older
White House officials and newspaper men,
with whom he was so popular when in pub
lie life here.
The Eagan COurt-MartiaI.
Col. George B. Davis judge advocate of
the Eagan court-martial, was an early
cCH1er, and occupied a chair In the corridor
lear the ante-room of the President for over
an hour Considerable Importance was at
tached to Col. Davis visit when it was
learned that he had been sent for by the
President, and it was believed that it was
the Presidents design to ask Col. Davis
a few questions about the case. Maj. Da-
Wis, who was with the President twenty
minutes, could not state when decision
would be reached, the custom in such mat
tcrs being so varied that no intelligent
forecast of the probabilities is possible 1t
Is regarded as certain, however, that the
President has completed his eXaminati ton
OF the papers in the Eagan case. as well as
those relating to it, and there is no doubt
felt that he is nearly prepared to arrive at
final judgment upon it. 1t Is also strongly
believed that TO consideration of the pro-
| cod pa1.<Ii Iiy1ep-
matter what form they may take, will be
allowed to delay action in the Easan case
So far as the proceedings alluded to are
concerned no official action has been taken
by the President, and it is pretty certain
that none will be until the war investiga-
ton commission report has been submitted
and read.
Secretaries Call.
Secretary Long and Secretary Alger visit
ed the President at noon, the first bringing
many documents with him. He said the
Navy Department had received no advices
from Manila since the dispatch from Ad-
miral Dewey this morning. 1t was thought
at first upon the receipt of this message
that it a belated one. Secretary Long
did not share this view, but regarded it as
indicating that the insurgents were fighting
again today.
Secretary Alger said the War Department
had received list of casualties from Cen
eTdi otlS tIlS morning, ana General GUS
had promised more information. When
asked If any instructions had been sent to
General Otis he replied negatively, adding
suggeStively:
More battles have been lost than won
by long distance Instructions.
Expected Ratification.
/ The impression was strong at the White
House that the peace treaty would be rati-
fled without question when the vote was
| taken this afternoon. The developments in
| the past forty-eight hours had been such, it
was felt, as to compel even opponents of
expansion, so-called, to withdraw from op-
position to ratification. defeat of the
treaty, 1t was believed, would be resent I'd
by the whole American people no matter
what views they might hold on expansion
Temporary ProtectOrate COntem-
plated.
| 1t was stated today by prominent caller
at the White House that those senators
who were regarded as doubtful in their
| attitude on the ratification of the peace
| treaty had been assured this morning that
| the intention of the administration regard
| ing the philippines dld not contemplate
| colonial policy. On the other hand, it
| was stated, and the declaration was given
| as having the very highest official sane
| ton, that the United States intended to
| SIMPLY establish temporary protectorate
| over the islands, precisely similar to that
| in Cuba, and aid the people in establishing
| free government of their own only re-
| tanning coaling station, securing, such
| commercial advantages that might be lust
| under the circumstances and arranging for
| the repayment of the s20OOOCOO to be paid
by the United States to Spain in accord
ance with the treaty of Paris
Pension Bills Signed,
The President today approved a number
of pension bills, an act providing for the
COZ struction of lighthouse at Cape Eliza
| beth, Me-, and an act authorizing the con-
| struetion of bridges over certain waters CT
| Lake Champlain.