The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-09-20
A CABINET CONFERENCE.
The President COnsults With His
Official Advisers.

He Asks for Information as to the
Affairs OF the GOvernEaent-Intcr
est Manifested in the Proposed
Election Law for the Cubans.
The first meeting Of the Cabinet held
at the White House under the Admins
tration of President Roosevelt took place
this morning All Of the members were
present with the exception Of Attorney
General Knox. who is not in the city to-
day
The Cabinet members arrived at the
White House about Il O'Clock. and occu-
pied their accustomed places about the
table. the seat on the right Of the Presi-
dent being occupied by Secretary Hay.
The President addressed the Cabinet. reit-
Grating IN the main his former statements
made in Buffalo upon taking the oath OF
Office and at the Cabinet meeting held
last Tuesday at the residence Of Com
mander CowIes. that It was his pur-
pose to take up the work where his pre-
decessor had left it and to continue in the
line Of President McKinley's policy as
developed during the past four years He
said that he was grateful that the faith
fuI counseIors Of his predecessor had con
sented 20 retain their portfolios. He be
Ieved that this was done. ne said, at some
personal sacrifice by several Of them, and
he warmly expressed his pleasure that
they had periodically agreed to continue
at the head Of their several departments
The President said he desired to be in
formed Of the exact status Of affairs in
the several departments. and he made
special request for enlightenment upon
matters pertaining 20 the Philippines,
Cuba and the national finances. Each
member Of the Cabinet briefly reported
the condition Of affairs I'm his department.
especially those of recent development,
with which the President was, OF course,
not familiar. although he is well inform
ed as 70 general matters. The statement
Of each member showed a favorable sit
uation in the several branches Of the
Government
A considerable portion Of the time the
Cabinet was In session was devoted 70
discussion Of affairs in Cuba Secretary
Root said that General Wood had report
ed that the Cuban Constitutional Conven-
tion had enacted an election law. This
measure was in general terms laid before
the Cabinet meeting. but the text Of il
was not presented. II provides for cleo
tions al different times throughout the
year. which II ls feared win embrol the
electorate Qf the Island ip a continuous
political Fampa.gp saph year This is
said TO be the most objectionable feature
Of the act. II is expected that it viii be
simplifed later.
At prsse:.t the election dates are not
decided upon. and it is anticipated that
there viii ne some change which viii pro
vide for all general elections on the same
dav.
IL is not within the province Of the
Cabinet 10 interfere in this matter any
further than 90 make suggestions through
General Wood, as in accepting the terms
of the PIstt amendment the Cubans did
all that this Government required In
ternal affairs are TO be left TO their own
management.
The convention IS now practically ready
10 adjourn sine die and will probably do
so shortly after General Woods return TO
the island.
Mr. Roosevelt told the members Of the
Cabinet that he intended 20 devote a
great deal Of time in the immediate fU-
r,lre to an effort 20 famuiarize himself
with the requirements of the present Ad-
ministrg ton and To become SO c0u-or-
SAINT with the present needs OF the Gov
erumeut as 10 De able 10 prepare his an
nuaI message 20 Congress.
After the Cabinet meeting. which lasted
about an hour and quarter. General
wood saw the President iu company with
Secretary Root General Wood was at
the White House chiefly 20 pay his re
spect, but gave Mr. Roosevelt brief syn
opsis Of the election law. a copy Of the
law is now I'm the hands Of Secretary
Root and General Wood viii announce its
terms and conditions tomorrow He will
leave FOR Havana on sunday