Evening star., 1901-09-20
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Return of President Roosevelt From
Canton.
MEETS MEMBERS OF HIS CABINET
VIII Live at the CowIes Home
Until Monday.
MIR. CORTELYOU TO REMAIN
MIR. CORTELYOU TO REMAIN


guests who went to Canton to attend the
Mckinley obsequies returned this morn
ing by special train over the Pennsylvania
railroad.
There were few persons at the station
when the train arrived 1t was scheduled
to get In at 9:20 but was delayed six min
utcs at Pittsburg, where the car contain
ing Abner Mckinley and the other rela-
tives was switched off
The train was in charge of Mr. George
W. Boyd assistant passenger agent of the
Pennsylvania system, and the trip from
Canton made without incident.
President Roosevelt occupied the first
car and was accompanied by Commander
Cowles. his special aid. The President was
dressed in deep mourning. and bowed sim
ply to those waiting hurrying to his car
riage waiting at the side entrance of the
depot. He driven at once to the
White House. Following the President
came the members of the cabinet with
their wives dressed in deep mourning. and
after them the senators and representa-
tlVes who accompanied the party. de-
tachment of police. under Captain Cess
ford and Lieutenant Moore, was on hand
t. keep back the crowd.
Accompanied by Secretary Cortelyou and
Commander COwleS. the President arrived
at the White House at 9:i0 o'clock There
were visitors to greet him as he ali2ht-
ed on the front pOrtico, and he walked
swung open by blue-coated policeman to
receive him. The President spoke cor
daily to the employees of the Executive
Mansion and walked to the elevator, which
quickly lifted him up 10 the private portion
on the second floor, from which he entered
the Presidents office.
He seated himself at the head Of the
cabinet table. and in few minutes re-
Ceived Secretary Long, who did not go to
Canton to take part in the funeral crre-
monies. Soon afterward Senator Cu!iom
called to pay his respects, and following
him came Senator Proctor, one of his close
personal friends Secretary Long discussed
the condition of affairs in his office. aad
was asked by President Roosevelt as to the
work of the Schley court of inquiry.
With Senator CUilom President Roosevelt
exchanged pleasant greetings and received
the assurance of the warm support of the
Illinois senator. With Senator Proctor
there was a similar exchange of good will.
Senator Cullom did not refer to the APP
pointment of William Barrett Ridgeley as
controller of the currency to succeed
Charles G. Dawes who will retire October
l. but President Roosevelt voluntarily told
him that the appointment would be made.
This appointment had been decided upon
by President Mckinley, and was about TO
be made when the latter shot.
In talking with Secretary Long the OBJ
ject of President Roosevelt was to ascer-
tain the condition of affairs in the Navy
Department. 1t will be necessary for Mr..
Roosevelt to devote considerable time with
In the next few weeks to acquainting him.
self with the progress of public business in
all of the executive departments, and to
do this he will have frequent conferences
with his cabinet advisers.
Meeting of the Cabinet.
That was one of the objects of the cab
met meeting that was held at II o'clock
this morning. The meeting was the first
under the new administration, and the
members assembled at their usual places
around the familiar table.
OF course. 1t all seemed strange to these
devoted advisers of the dead President to
sit at the table without him at the head.
and there gloom and solemnity that
were not unbeftting the occasion. Those
cabinet advisers are to serve the new ad-
ministration and to face the problems that
will arise. but it will be long time before
the memories of the past will cease to
come to them when sitting around the new
chief. Some of them will not remain
throughout the new administration but
will patriotically stand by the new Presi-
dent until they feel that they vacate
their places. Secretary Long is of
these. He would not have remained four
years longer had President Mckinley
lived, and he will not do now.
Cuban Laws Discussed.
The cabinet was in session an hour and
a half. and at its conclusion President
Roosevelt expressed great satisfaction that
the business of the government had been
left in such splendid shape by Mr. Mckin-
exception of Attorney General Knox who
is not In the city. recounted the condition
of business in their departments. No new
matters were brought forward. President
Roosevelt cOntenting himself with becom-
ing acquainted with the old before taking
up the new.
The situation in the Philippines and in
Cuba was discussed, Secretary Root pre-
senting some facts in regard to the new
electoral law adopted by the Cuban con-
stitutional convention. These facts reveal
that the convention has arranged for six
general elections each year. This was
looked upon unfavorably by the ca binet as
q possible factor in continual disturbance,
but nothing looking TO material change
can be done now. The Cuban convention
having accepted the amendments of the
United States, as provided by the Senate,
the only thing remaining for the new ad-
ministratfon is TO arrange for the with
drawal of the forces of the United States
at a time yet to be determined upon as
best for the interests of both the United
States and Cuba. The repeal of election
and other laws is beyond the power of this
government. but ii is believed that repre-
sentations made to Cuba might induce
changes in the laws, and these represen-
tations are likely 10 be made.
After the cabinet meeting President
Roosevelt had a long conference with Gen
Wood. governor of Cuba. who acquainted
the chief executive with the exact
state of affairs on the island.
General Wood said afterward that he had
not had time to talk fully with President
Roosevelt. much of the time of the
conference taken up by Secretary
Root in business affecting the War Depart
ment. General Wood will call upon the
President tomorrow for a longer conference
He viii leave for Cuba Monday. He does
not think the constitutional convention
will adjourn until he has returned.
At Work with His Secretary.
For half an hour before the cabinet as
sembled President Roosevelt was engaged
with William Loeb, his private secretary, in
debating responses to messages that de-
manded immediate attention The Presi-
dent dictates well and swiftly, and will
transact much of his business that way
Exactly what position Mr.. Loeb will event
Ually occupy at the White House is unset
tied. Secretary Cortelyou has accepted the
request of President Roosevelt that he re-
main in his old position. This is as much
can now be learned to Mr.. Cortei-
yous intentions. The invitation to him is
sincere and the position open to him per-
manently. On the other hand. Mr.. Cortel-
you has had some excellent business offers
and when he has served President Roose-