Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-06-18
Matters Discussed at the Cabinet
Session Today.
THE CHINESE INDEMNITY CHARGES
Expected Proclamation of Free
Trade With Porto Rico.
MRS. M'KINLEY's CONDITION

Notwithstanding the cabinet was in ses-
sion some time today it was stated by mem
bers that unimportant matters, with few
exceptions, were discussed. Secretary Hay
talked for short time as to foreign af-
fairs. particularly about the situation in
China. Mr.. Hay believes that everything is
progressing satisfactorily in China. He
said that in the indemnity charges of the
nations against China were included the
damage done to missionaries and their
property. He said that he was informed
that in many cases the provinces and NUM-
cipalities Of China had settled directly with
the missionaries for the damages inflicted
If investigation showed that settlement had
been made to any large extent he believed
that the amounts settled should be de-
Quoted from the sums to be paid by China
to the different nations. 1t was, of course,
impossible at this time to know how far
these Independent settlements had gone,
how much property had been restored. etc,
but he thought that as China was being
made to pay for all the damage and loss of
life and property she would be entitled to
reduction of the charges in the sums that
have been paid.
No action was taken by the cabinet on
the suggestion of Secretary Hay. but some
thing may be done by this government if
further investigation shows that reparatiOn
has been made by China in any amount
worth talking about.
Free Trade with Porto Rico.
The general opinion Of the cabinet men,
bers is that if the Porto Rican legislature
is able to present facts showing that the
island is on a self-sustaining basis the
President will promptly issue a prOclama
ton. under the provisions of the Foraker
act granting free trade between Porto
Rico and the United States. 1t is under
stood that the President will be gratfied to
do this if he knows that the revenues of
the island demand it. Such action on the
part of the President will be valuable
lesson in the Philippines, 1t is pointed out,
as 1t will show the good faith of this coun-
try to its new possessions. Official infor-
nation is to the effect that the Porto
Ricans are Immensely pleased at the pros
pect of thus having removed one of the
features that shows discrimination between
the island and other parts of this country
In addition to this sentiment they believe
that their financial prospects will be great
ly improved. Sugar and other articles that
are now paying duties will be admitted free
and the money now paid in duties will go
back to the people of the island.
Mrs. Mckinley's Condition.
DR.. Johnston was at the White House
with Dr. RiXey for short time today, and
they found Mrs. McKinleys condition as
favorable could be expected. The two
physicians were with Mrs. Mckinley only
a short time and expressed satisfaction
with the steady improvement shown in the
condition of their patient. Dr. Rixey is
said to be receiving many congratulate tions
from the medical world on his successful
handling of the two critical illnesses of his
patient
A Philippine JudEeship.
Representative Moody of North Carolina
Judge Adams of Guilford, N. c.,
to the President. Judge Adams wants a
judgeship in the Philippines, and Mr.
Moody is trying to procure it for him. The
President said he would know at an early
date exactly what openings there are in
the Philippines, and would be glad to give
Judge Adams name consideration.
Senator Scott was at the White House
with B. F. Kelar and ex-Gov. Atkinson
the newly appointed judge and district at
torney, respectively, of the new federal
district of West Virginia. The new ap-
pointees were presented to the President.
Ex-SenatOrs Carter and Shoup were
among the Presidents callers this morning