Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-04-26
Cuban Question Discussed at Cabinet
Session.
70 TANGIBLE PROPOSITION OFFERED
Correspondence as to Restoration
Of Washington Relics.
SOME OF TODAY'S CALLERS


sideration of the Cuban situation. The
discussion was of a general character, rem
dered from the fact that the Cuban
commissioners have presented no definite
proposition Furthermore there is a ques-
tion of doubt as to their authority to make
an offer, and in fact they did not come
here for that purpose.
Secretary Root, who has conducted the
conference with the Cubans since their ar
rival in Washington, explained to the cabi-
net at length the result of his interviews
with them The Secretary found, 1t is un-
derstood, opportunity to explain to the Gu
bans the meaning and effect of the terms of
the Platt amendment and to dissipate what
might have been grounds of misunder-
standing on their part.
AS stated, the Cubans have made no tan
gible proposition to this government. The
most definite impression they have vet i'm
parted is a Discrimination to grant coaling
stations; but even upon this point they are
not unanimous.
The idea was expressed in the cabinet
meeting that the object of the commission
erS visit was mainly to sound this gov
ernment upon its intentions with regard to
Cubas future If SO, their visit should GER
tainly result beneficially to all parties con-
cerned, for they have been enlightened
frankly and fully upon this point The be-
lief was generally expressed in the cabinet
meeting that the commissioners will re-
turn with more favorable impression of
the Platt amendment.
This was the last cabinet meeting before
the Presidents departure The President
VIII see the Cubans again only to bid them
formal farewell. but Secretary Root will
hoid further conferences with them.
Some of the Callers Today
The President had rather a quiet forenoon
prior to the meeting of the cabinet today,
0QlV a
Senator Hanna spent half an hour with
the President ito sweep up some odd cor
ners," as he explained to the newspaper
men when he emerged from the executive
office. Senator Millard of Nebraska called
to introduce some friends and was followed
by Senator Spooner on a like mission.
Ex-senator Wilson of Washington was at
the White House this morning comforting
upon some final details of the Presidents
visit to Spokane.
One of the callers at the White House
today was Assistant District Attorney
Leakin of Savannah, Ga. Some other re-
publican office holders from the south are
in Washington, notably f. A. Webster, col
lector of internal revenue of South Car
olina, and several men whom he has recon-
mended for Office
1t is said that the recent appointment of
democrat to federal office in South Car
olina and the growth of what is now called
the McLaurin movement has GREAT ed un-
easiness among the old-line republican Off
clals who desire to retain their hold on the
federal patronage. In consequence if is
said, there is general fastening to brace
up political fences all along the line and
efforts to strengthen their positions.
Gossip About the Cubans
The Cuban visitors did not reappear at
the White House today and the talk about
them among the casual callers was more in
the nature Of gossip and speculation than
anything else. The impression is growing
In congressional circles that the delegates
Will return to Havana more favorably In
clined to the acceptance of the Platt
amendment and that it's terms will be, sec
ondary in Importance to the subsequent
arrangements to be made for the admis-
SION OF Cuban products to the United
States under preferential tariff. The set
tlement OF that question will be left to
Congress, of course, and it is thought that
the contention will begin with the next
session, the beet sugar and tobacco inter-
ests of this country being vitally interested
Restoration of Washington Relics.
The President has taken a great deal Of
interest In the suggested restoration OF
the George Washington relics to the pres
ent head of historic family. The follow
Ing correspondence, made public today,
or Virginia explains the proposition:
Senator Daniers Letter.
WASHINGTON, D. c., April 20, 1901.
Mr.. President
Sir: have the honor to indorse herewith
the application of General George Wash
ington Custis Lee, submitted by me on be-
half of Miss Mary Custis Lee, his sister,
who has his power of attorney, for restora-
tiOn of the relics of General Washington
which he became owner of on the death of
his mother, who was the wife Of General
r. E. Lee.
When the House of Representatives pass
ed the resolution in 1863 now thirty-two
years ago, against their restoration to
General r. f. Lee it was under the appar-
ent impression, which it recited, that he
owned them and had applied for them.
This was a mistake, as is shown in the re-
port Of the judiciary committee of the
House in 1870. Mrs. Lee had life ten
ancy in them and the remainder was in
General G. w. c. Lee, as shown in his ap-
plicatiOn for the restoration of the Arling-
ton estate, which Congress honored after
judicial decision and purchased from him.
By this same title judicially recognized in
the Arlington case and congressionally rec
ognized by the purchase of Arlington these
heirlooms descended to him.
Mr.. President you know the character Of
the Lees-they had rather give than take
and, as "sectionalism has disappeared" :" am
sure you will not deem me presumptuous
If 1 express my conviction that you, who
have done so much to this happy end. will
SHOULD your right to do so be confirmed
by your inquiry be glad to have these hon.
orable and cherished articles handed over
TO their rightful heir. With great respect,
Very truly yours, JNO. w. DANIEL.
The Presidents Reply.
EXECUTIVE MANSION.
WASHINGTON, April %, 1901
My Dear Sir:
ON, hob Of