The times., 1899-12-31

When Colonel Bingham conferred with
the President yesterday respecting the dec
orations for the White House on New Year
Day it was determined to make some sligh-
changes in the programme that had been
mapped out
The floral decorations will not be as
heavy for the reception as has been the
custom in evening reception, and the great
er part OF the decorative work will be done
early tomorrow morning. II had been sug-
gested that the palms and flowers be ar
ranged last night, but Colonel Bingham de-
cided yesterday TO have this done Monday
Florists and decorators will arrive at the
White House early tomorrow morning and
will complete their labors by 9:S0 O'CLOCK
The East Room will be fully decorated by
103O half an hour before the reception be
gins.
Miss Grace Mckinley and Miss Sara Dun
can, nieces of the President, arrived at the
White House yesterday. They will assist
Mrs. Mckinley to receive on New Year
Day, and remain her guests during the
social season which the reception tomorrow
will inaugurate.
The last cards to be issued for New Year
Day were sent out yesterday afternoon. and
with the exception of the decorative fea-
lures, the arrangements for the New Year
receptions are completed.
The day was a quiet enc at the White
House. There was but little politics talked
about by the Cabinet officers, Senators, and
Representatives who called to see the Pres
ident. Secretary Root conferred with Mr..
Mckinley with respect 10 pending Army
appointments. The Secretary is very much
in favor OF holding open all places possible
for the West Point class which Will be
graduated in February. He prefers to give
( commissions to these young men who have
received a military training. The Presi-
dent. it is understood, also favOrs the early
graduating Of the class of 1860, that their
( services may be available.
Senator Foraker had q brief conference
with the President yesterday afternoon,
He informed a reporter for The Times thu;
his business with Mr.. Mckinley was not
OF a public character
Senator Wctmore OF Rhode Island talked
with the President about fifteen minutes
relative to small appointments. and Sena-
ter Frye made q call which he said was
purely social.
c. p Lincoln, of this city. a member
Of the G. A. r.. has announced his can
didacy for membership on the commission
with will probably be created By Congress
10 revise the pension laws. This bill ha.
passed the Senate. and it is generally be
Heved will pass the House. It provides
for the appointment Of three commissioner
10 make the revision.
I The Grand Army. it is said by members
should be represented on this commission
and yesterday. through Calvin Farnsworth
Commander of the Department OF the Po
tomac, the name OF Mr. Lincoln was pre-
sented TO the President Tor consideration
Mr.. Lincoln was Deputy Commissioner o
Pensions during the Harrison Administra
tion. He is a lawyer, pracJicing at tn
local bar.
After Representative Tayler OF Ohio hat
paid his -espects to the President he in
formed a reporter for The Times that h
expected the special committee investigat
ing the case of Representative elect Rob
erts OF Utah would be able 10 report abou
January Is. The committee will resume IL
work January 4.
Others who saw the President for a FEY
minutes were Representatives Lacey o
Iowa, Curtis Of Kansas, Waters OF Cali
fornia, and Lanham and Slayden Of Texas