Evening star., 1902-01-28
Cabinet Meeting and Subjects Under
Discussion.
LETTER FROM GENERAL CHAFFEE
The Criticisms Of Gen. Wheaton
Touched On.
SOME OF TODAY'S CALLERS

were more varied than usual. Secretary
Root had some Philippine matter, Secre-
tary Hay referred to the purchase of the
Danish islands, Secretary Wilson sub
mitted some reports from the heads of ex-
pertinent stations and Postmaster General
Payne discussed the troubles he Is having
about enforcing strict regulations among
publishers. or alleged publishers who
claim and are not allowed second-elass
mail matter rates.
Secretary Root has received private let
ter from General Chaffee touching upon
conditions in the Philippines and especially
upon the relations of the civil and military
authorities. General Chaffee vigorously re-
flutes the stories that there is any feeling
between the two governing powers. and
goes so far as to say that there are not
even serious differences Of opinion. OF
course, the officials General Chaffee says,
may occasionally have different views as
to the length of time that will be required
to pacify certain island or something
else, but this is merely individual and does
not extend to lack Of harmony or differ
ences as to administration
The tone of the letter was most reaSSur-
ing as to the future outlook in the Islands
and gave the cabinet much satisfaction.
Some comment was made in the cabinet
as to the criticism in the Senate yesterday
about General Wheaton's alleged mistake
in talking. Reference was particularly
made to the characterization Of General
Wheaton as a charity boy one who had
obtained his education at the expense of
the government. An army and navy rec
ord was consulted and it was found that
General Wheaton had never been in West
Point; that he had entered the army dur
ing the civil war and had worked his way
up from the bottom. The cabinet opinion
was that General Wheaton's record has
been one deserving of support by the ad-
ministration.
Postmaster General Payne told the cab
met he is having a good deal of trouble
In enforcing the order issued under his
predecessor relating to mail rates for con-
Germs claiming to be entitled to second
class rates. 1t is hard matter to draw
the line exactly at certain point, and
nearly every concern that comes under the
ban of the department is making all kinds
Of threats and talking of appeals. Mr..
Payne merely spoke of this as illustrative
of some of the vicssitudes confronting a
new cabinet officer. and not because any
change In the departments attitude is con-
templated.
Secretary Wilson submitted to the Presi-
dent the annual report of the directors of
experiment stations In Alaska and Porto
Rico He also submitted reports re-
partment of Agriculture. The reports from
these officials Will be transmitted to Con-
gress by the President.
The expectation is that Secretary Gage
Will probably not retire from the cabinet
before Saturday. but as the new Secretary
may arrive in Washington on Thursday. he
may take the oath of office on the last day
or the month, which would prevent Secre-
tary Gage attending the next regular cabf-
net meeting on Friday.
Callers Today.
DIR. Won Holleben, the German ambassa-
dor, accompanied by four officers of the
German schoolship Moltke, now at Balti-
more, was received by the President in the
White House parlors this morning. The
President expressed pleasure at meeting the
representatives of Kaiser Williams navy. =
representative Lessler of New York had
talk with the President about the launch
ing of the Meteor the German emneror's
new yacht. The launching will take place
In Mr., Lessler's district and he wants to
provide way for some of his friends to
witness the event.
Among others who saw the President
were senator Lodge, who presented some
friends; Senator Kean and Dr. Dix of New
&c Jersey. representative Moody and friends
senator I1llman and friends Senator Tai
iaferro Of Florida, Representative Mcc,alI
OF massachusetts. Col. Roger Williams of
4 kentucky, Representatives Burkett and
Bartnolot. 6. Representative Bates and ex-
representative Samuel B. Dick of Pennsyl-
vania, Representative McCleary and friends
of Minnesota 1 - -e''o'
Senator Bates and Representative Gaines
OF tennessee presented John c. Brown, a
PRESIDENT said he had decided upon giving
another term to Postmaster Wills, and
Wouid send the fatter's name to the Senate
without delay
Cats Sent to the White House.
The White House steward has received
flve young cats from Perry Collier Of Bey-
erly. Mass. The cats were described as rat
eradicators of the finest strain. Mr.. Col
ner was under the impression that the
xxritb
ms sorrow at this condition Of affairs Sc
lected regular drove of cats to begin the
annlhllat1on OF imaginary White House
rats AS soon as Steward Pinckney had re-
celved the felines he began looking around
ton to flna $50 some way OF disposing of them, and
soon found enough people who wanted cats
to get them off his hands. There ia oni.s
one cat IN the White House, and she has
remained there under several adminjstra-
lions. She catches all the rats that make
noises In the big building, and no other cat
Is to be allowed to divide the work with
her. "A'AA