Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-04-03
Two Hours Session of the Presidents
Cabinet.
new TARIFF SCHEDULE FOR CUBA
Changes Deemed Wise by the War
Department.
FEDERAL JUDGE NAMED

The cabinet was in session about two
hours today, but no matter Of administers
ton or governmental policy was decided
upon. Secretary Root, usual, took UP
most of the time of the session. He pre-
sented the telegram from Gen. Otis. printed
in another column, reviewing the operations
in the Philippines since January i.
Secretary Root touched upon affairs IN
both Cuba and the Philippines. President
Mckinley has signed new tariff for Cuba.
It changes a number of things under the
former tariff. Secretary Root says the new
tariff is based on the experience of the War
Department in the operation Of the tariff
in existence.
Representative McPherson's Selection.
After talking with Senator Allison this
morning the President decided upon the
appointment of Smith Mcpherson of Red
Oak, Iowa, as judge of the southern district
OF Iowa, in place of Judge Woolson. re-
tired. Mr. Mcpherson is now the repre-
sentative in Congress from the ninth Iowa
district and his appointment will leave q
vacancy, which will probably exist until
November. Mr.. Mcpherson was district at
torney Of the third judicial district Of Iowa
for a number of years, and was attorney
general of the state from 1881 to 1850 Mr..
McPherson's nomination was sent 10 tho
Senate today.
aksessOr DarneIlle talIs.
Mr.. Darneille, District assessor, called at
the White House today on District mat
| tiers.
May Take No Action.
Senator Allison conferred with the Presi-
dent this morning regarding some Iowa af-
fairs. Senator Allison is Of opinion that
Congress will not attempt TO revise the war
revenue act at this session. He is one OF
hos rhn 70 = ha al 1orIe
lature adjourn eary-by the first or second
week in June. This cannot be accom-
plshed, he thinks, II Congress is required
to handle a revenue measure. 1t IL cal
culated by a number of senators that sew
eral important necessary measures and the
regular appropriation bills will take all
the time of Congress until early June. BY
next December. it is argued, Congress may
sec its way clear to doing away with tho
war revenue act altogether with the eXCep-
ton of few features.
In his last annual report Commissioner
Wilson of the internal revenue bureau
recommended certain changes in the law,
saying they were necessary TO clear up DIFF
ferent sections and to enable a satisfactory
enforcement Congress has done nothing
to carry out these suggestions. which would
take little time compared to a general re-
vision of the act
Broke the Handshaking Record.
President Mckinley this morning broke
the handshaking record of himself and all
former Presidents and statesmen. He
shook hands with $50 young ladies from
Boston in seven and one-half minutes, cs-
tablishing record of sixty persons to the
minute, one each second. The young ladies
are pupils of Boston schools and ara enjoy
ing the spring vacation allowed them each
year. They are accompanied by teachers.
President McKinley's method Of hand 4,
shaking for large parties is unique He
quickly and firmly grasps the outstretchad
hand and with the same movement gently
pulls the person past him. At the same
time the President extends a few pleasant
words of grestng. When the President
formerly held public receptions in the east
room he shook hands with 800 or 600 people
in fifteen minutes but he established a rec
ord today which will be hard to beat.
Saw Numerous Callers.
Senators Scott and Elkins visited the
President in the interest of a West Virginia
constituent of prominence Senator Deboe
saw the President, with young Ken
tuckian, who wants position in the Treas
ury Department.
Senator Hawley introduced some constitu-
ents. and Senator Fairbanks talked about
a legislative matter.
Senator McComas discussed a Maryland
appointment with the President.
Representative Fitzgerald introduced some
constituents who wanted TO pay their re-
spects.
Altogether the President had a busy
hour prior to the assembling OF the cabinet
Webster Davis Resignation.
The resignation OF Webster Davis as
sistant secretary Of the interior was re-
ceived at the White House late last night
and was not acted upon at once. Mr.. Davis
has not been to the White House himself.
Chilean Claims Commission.
President Mckinley has invited the pres
ident of Switzerland to name a member OF
the Chilean claims commission. The Chilean
government has already named its COM
missioner in the person Of its minister resi-
dent here, Senior Vicuna, and its agent in
the person of Senor Cruz. The United
States government will also select a mem-
ber of the commission and an agent, ana
the person named by the president OF
Switzerland will be the third member or
the commission, and will be its president
and the umpire in case any decisions are
reouired The name of the Swiss minister