Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-05-06
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
No Truth in Rumors as to Presidents
Ill-Health.
BRIEF REST WILL BENEFIT HIN
He VIII Settle Several Important
Matters While Away.
RUSH OF VISITORS TODAY

Sensational reports of the Presidents il-
health were in circulation today. but IT was
officially stated that they were untrue
This is disproved by the fact that the Pres.
ident saw and conferred with at least
twenty people today. All of them said that
he was looking well and was bright and
cheerful. There is no doubt, however, that
the President is In need OF rest. The work
of last year was sufficient to rob the most
robust man of his usual energy. The
Presidents physician has advised the trip
to Hot Springs, because he does not want
the President to give way under his enor-
nous responsibilities. He thinks that the
best way TO avoid a reaction from the
heavy duties Of last year is by all the rest
the President get whenever business
will permit his absence from Washington.
VIII Settle Several Questions.
Although the Presidents trip to Hot
Springs is to be for his health. ne viii set
tie several important questions while away
from the city. He has to get away from
the White House thronEs before he can
take up some matters. one of these is the
long overdue civil service order. 1t is now
nearing completion and will he signed by
the President while at Hot Springs. This
order has 50 long been delayed that many
Of those interested express the belief that
auce. The order is a real live affair, but
has been kept in the background by more
pressing matters.
The Nicaragua Canal
c. B. Hart, minister to Colombia, who
Was formerly editor Of the Wheeling, W.
Va, IntelIigA Ancer, called upon the President
today. He is on mis- way back to Colombia
after a two months leave of absence. He
believes that Congress has done exactly the
right thing in the matter Of the !s;hmian
canal Al the routes should be examined,
ne says and it may be founu thar the
Panama route is more desirable than the
Nicaragua route.
& Rush of Visitors.
In anticipation Of the Presidents de-
parture from the city Monday, tavre was a
rush of visitors TO the Wh.e House today.
All of these, except those having important
business. were disappointed. The President,
it is stated will not receive Visitors on
Monday before leaving Washington, unless
il is on extremely important affairs.
Some Minor Mntters.
President Mckinley said today that if he
is in Washington on the evening Of the 18th
he will attend the graduating exercises of
the law department Of Howard University
at the Congregational Church.
A delegation cf Methodist ministers. head
ed by DIR. Wilson of this city. saw the
President to request that Prof. EichelEorger
of Johns Hopkins University be made pro-
fessor of astronomy at the Naval Academy.
Representative Pugh of Kentucky was at
the White House to ask the appointment Of
Eugene Z. Hall an assistant paymaster
in the navy. Mr.. Hall held that position
during the with Spain.
Senators Spooner and Elkins, Paymaster
General Carey and Representative Dalzell
of Pennsylvania We're among the Presi-
dents other visitors during the morning.
Mrs. Pratt. wife of Rev. George b. Pratt,
also saw the President. Her husband went
to Porto Rico at the close of the war with
Spain and established the first Episcopal
church the island ever knew. Mrs. Pratt is
now on the way to join her husband.