Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-01-10
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Matters Discussed at the Cabinet
Meeting Today.
RATIFICATION OF PEACE TREATY
Believed That This viii Aid in
Clearing Matters.
FORCE NAY BE NEED ED

The cabinet gave comparatively little
time to the Philippine situation today, in
asmuch as no dispatches have arrived
showing any change in the condition of af-
fairs The outlook, however. has aroused
some imDatience in administration circles,
and the persistent unfriendly attitude of
the Filipinos is likely to cause still further
resentment.
The opinion is expressed by high officials
today that the speedy ratification of the
peace treaty will aid in clearing up mat
ters, and that it may have much to do
with changing the defiant position assumed
by Aguinaldo and his followers. The
agents of the Filipinos have heard so much
talk of strong opposition TO the peace
treaty that it is believed to have pushed
them forward in their determination to re-
sist American occupation of the entire
archipelago. They may have concluded,
after crude reasoning, that a defeat of the
peace treaty would leave them IN undis-
puted possession of sovereignty while if it
was defeated and they We're without their
organization some other influence would
outweigh them and obtain possession.
Our obligations to the Nations.
So long as the treaty remains undisposed
Of the insurgents possibly contend, it is
pointed out, that the United States has no
legal title to possession. The President and
his cabinet know the absurdty of this
thought in Filipino minds. One of the ag
graVating features is that the countries of
the world expect this country to perform its
international obligations. If this is not
done unpleasant suggestions may be made
by Europe. y member OF the cabinet said
today that Spains sovereignty in the
Philippines had never been disputed and
that no country had ever recognized the in
surSeuts Is anythinS more than marauders.
When Spain lost her sovereignty of these
Islands by conquest II passed INTO the hands
OF the United states. Tie rest OF the world
looks to this country to perform the obliga-
uOns due To nations in restoring order and
bringing about peace. Under these cIrcum-
stances II VIII Ue necessary l.: 4 short time
10 use more than persuasion in deaiing with
the Insurgents Practically all the insur-
gent strength Is massed around IlOiIo. Their
contention OF an established government,
when they are in control of only one island
viii not long be permitted. The President
continues to nope that force will not have
10 be brought into play. and in this respect
ne Is more hopeful than any other member
OF his administration.
No Additional Orders sent
Ii IS said that no additional orders have
been sent from here TO Gen. Otis for de-
livery 10 Gen. Miller. If Gen Otis himself
has given any orders different from those
exclusively mentioned in The Star yester-
day the fact has not been made known
here II is said that telegram was re-
ceived from Gen. Otis last night and that
he suggests the sending of a commission to
study the situation in the Islands. The idea
OF commission agrees with the Presidents
views. but he does no. want 10 assume the
responsibility for creating such a commits
sion while Congress is in session.
There was no suggestion today that Gen
Miller Will be instructed to take more ag-
gressiTe steps for a short while. The near
est to suggestion is in the impa thence ex-
hlbited by high officials. That Gen. Miller
VIII get such orders If the Filipinos retain
their position, there is not the slightest
aouot Many strong men in the admin stra-
l1A urge that too mitch parleying will ac-
comp!ish little and that prompt action will
have more effect throughout the archipelago
than pTotracted gelte dealing. The Pres
llent Will probably receive considerable ad-
wee aICnS this line Already he has been
told that trouble cannot be avoided and
tnat quick, last work will impress the Fill
plnOS Tar more than a method of dealing
totally unknown to them and not apprecf7
ated by them
Administrative Details in Cuba.
The greater part of the time of the cab
met was consumed in discussing admins
uauVe details in Cuba Many perplexing
minor questions are constantly arising
which have TO be referred to the higher au-
tAorlues and find their way to the cabinet
one OF these questions Of detail this morn
ing was whether mail steamships should be
tHaISeu the tonnage dues at the various
Cuodn ports These ships do nothing else
but carry mail 10 and from the island and
nave no cargo TO dispose Of The tonnage
tax would amount to more than the post
age on the letters
The final determination of the question Of
the concentration Of funds at Havana will
not bt' reached until after Gen Wood comes
i he[e ana talks with the President and cab
met officers. lie may get in washington in
tlEne TO attend the reception at the White
House tonight.
tramped for Room
me cramped condition of the White
rouse during the social season was OBJ
served and commented upon today by sew
eraI congressman paying official visits. In
preparation for tonights reception the
beautiful vestibule Of the Executive Man
sion has been converted into a room for
coats. wraps, hats. etc, thereby curtailing
the space FOR moving to and fro and mar.
Llhg the appearance with ugly framework
several or the visiting officials said that
thIs ought not TO be necessary, and that
an executive mansion ought to be built
with sufhclent room TO provide accornr,o-
dation and room during the social season.
Invited to Wilmington.
Bishop Leighton Coleman and Horace G.
movies or Delaware saw the President
this morning and invited him to attend A
banquet 20 be given in honor OF Senator
Gray on Saturday night. The BANQUET is TO
De given by the board of trade of Whining
Ton an@ 1t is desired to have all the mem
ISrs OF lhe peace commission present The
president will give an answer soon He
may go over to Wilmington If he finds on
pOEtlh!ty. as II would give him great Dleas-
LT- IT Joining in honor 10