The Press., 1901-10-24
Washington Letter.

washington, october 81, 1901.
The most talked of event of the past
week was the presence Of Booker T.
Washington, the southern negro educa-
tor, at a family dinner with the president
at the White House. Southern comment
upon the incident has been promptly con-
demnatory of President Roosevelt for
what is considered significant instance
of .soc.al equality" More conservative
people are inclined to the view that the
president, as any other man, has the right
to choose his private guests at his pleas
ure. But few who know the president
really believe that In honoring Washing
ton as he did he meant to become the ex-
emplar and champion of indiscriminate
social equality.
A local organization has been effected
to promote the building of fitting Nc
Kinley memorial In this city. There is
no purpose In this to interfere with the
work of the national commissioners ap-
pointed by the president to further the
erecting of worthy memorial to the late
president at his old home, Canton, Ohio.
Yet it Is difficult to figure out how two
such projects, each calling for couple of
millions Of dollars, are to be exploited
simultaneously with success. 1t is to be
hoped, however, that both plans can be
carried out In fullest achievement.
Washington Is becoming one of the
greatest student centers of the nation.
The several universities already here and
the large number of technical and private
schools for both sexes are drawing an
nually larger contingents of young men
and women from all parts of the country.
The departments of government are filled
with young men, brought by congressman
from their districts, whose chief purpose
is to hold Office only while fitting them
selves in the night classes Of the colleges
for future professional careers. There
are over three thousand such studenta in
the city at the present time.
The announcement that General Miles,
the head Of the army, will report in favor
OF, the law abolishing the wine and beer
canteens from the army exchanges has
produced sensation In the pro-canteen
camps. The beer dealers are especially
furried over the report and fear the influ-
ence of it upon congress. An effort Is to
besmade this winter to secure the repeal
of the prohibitory law, but 1t Is not likely
to succeed. A congressional investiga-
tion will precede any legislation on the
subject, and that inquiry may develop
facts that will support the law and con-
vince congress that the prohibition is a
wholesome measure for the army.
The return of,Ambassador Choate from
London is assigned to the pending negoti-
atlons for a new and satisfactory canal
treaty with England. A synopsis OF me
salient feature of the treaty under formu-
lation represents it in terms that must
certainly prove satisfactory to the presi-
dent and to congress. It Is hard to see,
If the forecast be correct, what further
concessions England could make after
abrogating the Clayton Bulwer treaty,
and acknowledging our right to build,
own, control and protect the canal. Sem
ator Morgan, the canal champion in the
senate, Ii sure the treaty will be prompt
Iy ratified.
The reports of cabinet changes will not
down. Secretary Root has returned to
the city with his family, and declares that
he has settled down for the winter, and
has no intention of resigning. Secretary
Hay refuses to say anything except that
he has not handed in his resignation up to
this time. That he will do so as soon
as the Hay Pauncefote treaty is ratified
is not doubted, and that Senator Lodge
will succeed him is also confidently ex-
pected. Secretary Gage, whose declara-
tion before the bankers convention, that
he believes In the retirement of the green
backs and the extension of the power OF
the national banks, is regarded as unfor-
tunate, is expected to resign soon after
congress assemblies. Assistant Secretary
Of the Navy Hackett has stated his in
tention to resign, and Judge Charles H.
Darling of Bennington, VT, will succeed
him.
The president goes to Yale University
this week, where he will be invested with
the hOnors of doctor of laws. 1t is
probable also that Harvard, his alma
mater, will follow with similar honors
next summer.