Evening star., 1901-03-29
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Aguinaldo and Funston Discussed at
Cabinet Meeting.
WILL AWAIT COMPLETE REPORTS
Kansas Representatives to Call on
the President.
NJ r. RIGG s. FAREW ELL

ture of Aguinaldo, its effect upon the mil
itary situation in the Philippines, the dis
position to be made of the insurgent chief
and the reward to be given to Gen. Funs-
ton. The whole subject was considered in
all its phases, but no definite conclusions
were reached either with regard to Gen.
Funstons reward or the punishment of
Aguinaldo. The President and all the men,
bers of the cabinet are in favor Of the most
liberal and substantial recognition Of the
service performed by Gen. Funston, and
there was some direct discussion of the
question Of making him a brigadier general
in the regular army. 1t was thought, how
ever, that full and complete reports should
be awaited before taking action. The mat
ter will probably be allowed to rest where
1t Is for the present. Gen. Funston is now
holding a volunteer commission briga-
dfer general, which will not expire until
June 30 Of this year, so that SO far as the
honor and emoluments are concerned. his
will be in no wise prejudtced by
the delay.
Disposition of AGuinaldO.
The disposition to be made Of Aguinaldo
was a matter that could not be decided
definitely now, as whatever action is taken
in regard to him will originate with the
army officials in the Philippines and be
clination to deal harshly with the man who
has led the insurrection against the forces
of this country, and some Of the cabinet
officers think it possible that he may be
used with good effect by the authorities
Of the Philippine commission In the estab-
lishment of civil government. General
MacArthur's dispatch suggesting that
Aguinaldo might soon issue an address
advising the insurgents to accept the situ-
alton was pointed to as indicating possibil-
IN ha har h Il
Aguinaldo's record has not been such as to
win for him great confidence in his con-
sistency, and If his influence cannot be
safely utilized he will undoubtedly be sent
to some place where he can foment ne
further trouble. Guam was mentioned as a
possible place for his detention.
The President and his cabinet believe
that the capture of Aguinaldo will mean
and, indeed, they are inclined to believe
now that it means the utter collapse of the
opposition to the authority Of the United
States.
partment is at work trying to perfect plans
for the opening of the Kiowa and
Comanche Indian reservations in Oklahoma
to settlement in AugusS next. Mr.. Hitch
cock Is trying to avoid the troubles which
prior openings, especially the
opening of Oklahoma. The act under which
the reservation is to be opened has quite
number of complex features and much
Is now being resurveyed for the purpose
or locating quarter-section lines county
lines, county seats and school lands There
must must be allotted to each of 5000 Indians
100 acres, and grazing lands must also be
set aside. The whole reservation includes
IL, 900 Quarter-sections.
Secretary Wilson reported that he had
sent an agent to Hawaii to establish an
station.
Mr.. Griggs Says Farewell.
This was the last cabinet meeting to be
attended by Attorney General Griggs, and
his leave-taking was not unattended by the
most sincere regrets from the President
and fellow cabinet members. There has
not been more popular member Of the
cabinet within the administration family
circle, and many kind words were spoken
when the cabinet was about to dissolve it's
session. Mr.. Griggs will leave Washington
at ~ o'clock tomorrow morning for his
nome In New Jersey and will at once begin
the practice Of his profession.
Ihere 1s barely any doubt, as stated In
Inc Star yesterday, Of the acceptance of
the president's offer by Philander c. Knox
expected to be announced shortly. Mr..
Knox will probably come on here shortly
a1ter his acceptance. Pending his arrival
solicitor General Richards Will be at the
mead OF the Department Of Justice
Working for Gen. Funston.
The Kansas congressional delegation has
decided to urge the President to appoint
General Funston a brigadier general in
the regular army, as recommended by Cen
eral Macarthur, for his daring capture of
Aguinaldo. This afternoon Senator Burton
ana Representatives Long and Curtis the
only members Of the delegation in the citv
Will call upon the President for that p,lr-
pose At conference they have already
canvassed the situation and find that under
tod
Dill officers of the volunteer army ara
not eligible to appointment in the line
ABOVE the rank Of first lieutenant until
brlgadfer general Is reached
Every grade from first lieutenant to and
including colonel is therefore barred nv
law. The President can. however, appoint
from the volunteer service or civil life to
tne rank OF brigadier general The mem
slider that brigadier generalship would
be too great q reward for General Fun-
st0ns exploit. and point to General Mac
ArtnuIs recommendation that he be ap-
pointed 70 that grade aS a complete demon
stratfon OF the great service he has rem
dered the government.
Praise Gen. Macarthur.
They are exceedingly warm in their praise
of General Macarthur for giving the entire
credit Of the expedition to Funston In
view OF his recommendation they do not
believe that the President will hesitate to
bestow upon the gallant Kansan the star
Lney say he has won. They would not be
however If considerable oppo-
sition to giving Funston a brigadier gener-
alship should develop at the War Depart
nent. 1t Is learned that two officers have
been suggested to the President within the
last few days for promotion to the grade
Of brigadier to fill vacancies caused by
retirements. One vacancy, it Is said now
exists and another will be made within
short time.
1t is for one Of these appointments that
the Kansas delegation will strike. Six
weeks ago, long before the success of Fun
ston's exploit was dreamed of the Kansas
delegation went to the War Department in
regard to a place for Gen. Funston. bur
was informed that nothing could be done
for him unless he should desire ueuten-
ancy.
Possibilities If Promoted.
There Is no disposition In the regular
to belittie Gen. Funston's ex-
ploit. especially since the receipt of Gen
dispatch giving full credit to
Gen. Funston. but there would naturally
be opposition to jumping volunteer officer
thifty-ffve years Of age into the grade OF
bSigadier general, and the Kansas deIeea-
ton recognizes this fact.
II Funston We're made brigadier general