The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1901-12-07
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SA TURDAY. DECEMBER :, 1901.
WASHINGTON LETTER


Especial Correspondence.l
The example set 10y Adjutant Gener-
al Corbln since his return from China
and the Philippines Of wearing his uni
form while on duty at the war depart
ment is being gradually followed by
other army officers on duty ut that de-
partment. Colonel Lusk and Major
Abbott Of the engineer department APP
peared at their Offices in uniform. and
Colonel Mackenzie. principal assistant
10 the chief of engineers, has Indicated
his intention TO follow suit IN a few
days There Is no order on the subject
and the army officers are exercising
their own discretion in the matter. Ii
Is understood. however. that several Of
them have been influenced by a report
that the secretary of war has expressed
the opinion that the wearing Of uni
forms by officers on duty in the war de-
partment Is in entire accord with the
fitness Of things In all the other ar
mics Of the world the officers are re-
Quired to wear their uniforms when on
duty. regardless OF whether such duty
is In the field or elsewhere.
The welsh Mansion.
Work viii Dee begun al once on the
excavations for the magnificent new
Washington residence OF Mr.. Thomas
+ Walsh Of Colorado At Tweuty-hrst
street and Massachusetts avenue. \
permit was granted several weeks ago
TO- TIE excavation. The plans. as hled
with the application to build. are elab-
crate in the.eXtreme. and the residence
when nniSncd will in all probability be
the finest iu thc Capital City.
The house Nili De- Of extensive pro.
portions an3 farce stories in height
The front VIII hc OF white marble
ile magnificent entrance 10 the front
or Massachusetts, avenue, Building In-
sn,ct0r Brady says. VIII be- the most
artistic and massive of any IN Wash
inston. II is expected that the beauti-
fui structure will Dee completed by this
time upXt year. which would Indicate
that q lars, force is 90 De- engaged on
the work from now on.
The Presidents Message.
The president. II is understood. is co
Ing TO deal vigorously with reciprocity
matters and also with ship subsidies.
lie is giving most thoughtful attention
to TIE matter of reciprocity and has
discussed this with number OF his
callers with view TO sounding their
opinions.
II is learned that the president Is also
going 70 recommend that there be no
backward movement in the recent
growth " the navy The president will
ask congress 10 provide literally for
the navy. This VIII be one Of the fea-
lures Of the presidents message He Is
thoroughly acquainted with the situa-
ton 10 the navy department and viii
leave nothing unsaid TO fairly put be-
fore congress the need OF continued
substantial growth in the navy.
Conditions in the Philippines, the
isthmlan canal. the situation in Cuba,
immigration and international arbitra-
ton viii be among the other matters
that will form the message.
Probable Cabinet Changes.
The various stories In circulation re-
garding the probable retirement Of Sec
rotary Root from the cabinet because
Of alleged continued III health are Wig
orously denied by cabinet members
who know what the facts are. II is ex-
pected that unless the unexpected hap
pens Secretary Root will permanently
continue as one of the presidents fore
most and ablest advisers.
1t Is stated that every member Of the
cabinet accepted in good faith the invi-
tation of the president to remain with
him, and there are not likely 10 BE-
changes for some months. Those likely
to leave the cabinet first are Secreta.
ries Hay and Long both for substan.
TALLY the same reasons. that public life
has no glitter for them and that they
had each contemplated resignation
months prior to the assassination Of
President Mckinley. When Secretary
Hay retires. he Will probably be sue.
ceeded by Secretary Root or by Sena-
tor Lodge
white House Stationery.
President Roosevelt has decided that
his official residence shall be called the
White House Heretofore the station
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