Evening star., 1900-08-02
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Cabinet Meeting Held on the Presi-
dents Return.
NO CHANGE OF POLICY NOW
Hoped All Governments VIII Join
in Relief Expedition.
CHAFFEE'S INSTRUCTIONS


A formal call for a cabinet meeting was
sent out shortly after the President re-
turned this morning. and the four members
who are in the city were at the White
House at IL o'clock. These were Secretaries
Hay Root. Gage anu Postmaster General
Smith
When the session broke up. after having
talked for two hours and half on the
subject of the situation in China, Secretary
Hay made this general announcements
The President feels that everything has
been done within our power. and does not
favor any change of policy at this time.
This brief announcement was a summary
Of the proceedings. Secretary Hay failed TO
give any details Few of these were sup
Piled by other members, the discussion
was not along set lines and with a certain
object in view.
To Relieve Foreigners at Pekfn.
There was full approval of the admins
tratton's intention to join in the attempt
to relieve the foreigners at Pekin, and Il
was stated that telegram was expecte'
al any minute from General Chaffee telling
what had been done 1t is hoped that all
the governments will take part in the ex-
petition. as necr Ssity for haste IS generaIIy
apparent So far this country Is con-
cerned the expedition cannot be stopped py
cunning appeals from officials of emma.
Appeals will be listened to after the army
is at Pekn- Threats will accomplish no more
than appeals or bluffs, and the Chinese
government had as well decide 10 make
the best of the situation. II must see a
foreign army in Z lin or whip that army
before 1t reaches there.
1t was rvyysI4.zvu lay that the cnarSes
If the correspondent of the London Times
of Chinese government completely In the
attacks on the legations was serious mat.
ter. and again brings forward discussion OF
th.. possibilities of a regular declaration or
war against China The feeling is growing
in administration circles that the Chinese
government may have had much to do
with the murderous attacks at Pekln, but
that It now sees the punishment that will
follow and desires TO lie out OF any con-
nectfon with the matter 1t may nave
changed front Immediately after the for
ejgn victory at Tien Tsin. The likelihood
If proving this completely is SO remote
however. that it. is considered that decla-
ration OF war is a good way on
Instructions to ChafYee.
1t is not understood by cabinet members
that General Chaffee has started for Pc
kin with the small American force alone.
His instructions were, it is said, to do all
in his power TO reach Pekin. Those In
structions did not contemplate rash or
desperate chance, and 1t is believed If Cen
with a sufficient force to accomplish the
purpose Of the commanders.
Saw Many Visitors.
The President received several visitors
this morning before the cabinet met. and
again saw few friends and political sup
porters in the afternoon. Several republic
can congressman in the city. and 1t Is
expected that they will call on the Presi-
dent and talk with him before he returns
to Canton
The Pre.ident's Return.
President Mckinley. accompanied by Sec
retary Cortelyou, reached Washington at
7:4O o'clock this morning They travelled in
a special car attached to the regular Penn
sylvania train that left Canton at 3 o'clock
yesterday afternoon. The trip devoid
Of interest The approach OF a political
campaign was manifest in the increasing
number Of people at railroad stations and
the enthusiasm shown at number OF
places AT all the stations in Ohio and
Pennsylvania during the afternoon and
early evenings crowds were congregated.
The President appeared on the plat
form several times in response TO the greet
lnSs OF the people, but the stops We're brief
and he made no attempt to speak
At Economy Mr.. Abner Mckinley. the
Presidents brother, boarded the train and
rode with the President as far as Pitts
burg.
The President was met at the train by
Secretary Root. Adjutant General Corbin
and Assistant Secretary Pruden. who ac-
companied him TO the White House.
No Significance In His Presence Here.
There Is particular significance In the
Presidents trip to Washington at this time.
When he returned to Canton two weeks ago
he decided to return to Washington every
fortnight to dispose of such official busi-
ness as had accumulated in the meantime
and 10 go personally over the Chinese sit
uaIon with his cabinet advisers In this
way the sending Of many bulky papers to
Canton for his examination and signature
would De- avoided. and the President would
nave an opportunity periodically of consult
ing with members Of the cabinet
II - officially stated that nothing has de-
Vel1ped IN connection with the Chinese sit
uatipn that especially demanded the pres
encs of the chief executive in Washington
al thiS time. II IS the Presidents intention
20 return 10 Canton tomorrow night.
Secretary Long. who intended leaving
Washington last evening for his home in
massachusetts,. on his annual vacation re-
nlained over and called upon the President
lhls morning on his way to the station.
Remained to Lunch
Secretary Root and Postmaster General
Smith remained TO lunch with the Presi
dent after the cabinet session and were
with him more than an hour. They talk
ed some about China but political matters
were the principal topics