The age-herald., 1900-07-17
Exciting Day in Washington

The day was the most exciting Washing ton has known since the battle of Santiago. At the very beginning came Admiral Remey's cablegram announcing the defeat of the allied forces at Tien-Tsin and then came the vivid Associated Press account of the fight
 A special cabinet meeting was held on receipt of this news with such members present as are in town. Great reluctance was manifested on the part of the partici- pants to answer questions as to the nature of the deliberations. The best indication of its nature was the departure for the White House of Secretary Hay immediately after the meeting. He sat down and had a long talk with President Mckinley over the long distance telephone and it soon be- came known that the President has agreed that it would be best for him to come back from Canton to the National Capital. The cabinet officers talked over the possibili- ties of reinforcing the troops in China. There was disposition shown to hold these troops, the only question being as to the amount of additional force available. That was a technical question. So 1t was left to the War Department officials to de-
 
 the government would send forthwith all the troops that could be spared at this time. One proposition discussed by the cabinet appeared very practical aspect about it. Technical men had made objec- ton to the further conduct of the Chinese campaign with an international force with out some working understanding as to the duty of each power represented. It was suggested that an international conference be called hastily at one of the capitals London Berlin, Paris or Washington to define the part to be taken by each power and the quota of troops to be furnished and arrange for the selection of a commander in-chief of the allied forces.
 This suggestion did not meet with a fa- vorable reception. It is felt by the Cabinet that the United States should send what force ft-could dispose of to China as far as necessary, and not to make any agree ment with any powers to the number of troops. This decision involved the the increase of the force of troops destined for China.
 Troops from Cuba
 Responsible officials evaded any specific statement as to the extent of this increase. It was, however, gathered that the rein. forcements would be limited only by the ability of the government to spare troops from the commanders now in the United States and Cuba.
 The estimates varied as to how many could be spared, but the general opinion was that somewhere between 1000 and 5000 men could be shipped to the East from Cuba and the United States in addition to the troop salready under orders. A state- ment prepared by Adjutant General Corbin shows that there are now a grand total of 10,665 officers and men in Cuba, enroute to China, enroute to Nagasaki or under or ders for Nagasaki This table, of course, includes the ill-fated Ninth Infantry, which may not be in condition for further service. General Woods last reports indicate that owing to the tranquility prevailing in Cuba it will be entirely safe to decrease the military force there quite largely. But even with theSe Cuban troops 1t will be necessary if the Cabinet plans are carried out, to divest the home posts of garrisons.
 Continued on Third Page.)