Kootenai County Republican. (Rathdrum, Idaho) 1899-1903, 1902-02-21
MEETING HELD
NATIONAL LEADERS THERE.
Prominent Senators and Represent
atives Called Together by Presi-
Discussell-SchleyC Case and War
Tax the Supposed Topics.


Washington, Feb. IA very i'm
portant conference was held in the
cabinet room of the White House Sat
urday. At the presidents request he
was Joined there shortly after 10 o.
clock by Senators Allison, Aldrich and
Spooner, Speaker Henderson and Rep
resentatives Cannon and GrosvenOr,
and the conference lasted until a few
minutes after noon. 1t is something
Of coincidence that those at the con-
ference were, with the exception of
the president himself and Senator
Spooner, the same men who took part
in the famous conference few weeks
prior to the Spanish war, which re-
suited in the definite conclusion that
congress should appropriate $4,000
900, to be placed at the disposal Of the
president to prepare for war. Not
now, have the same men been formally
summoned for a conference at, the
White House.
Previous to the conference the pres
ident breakfasted at the White House
with Attorney General Knox, Post
master General Payne and Senator
Hanna.
When the conference broke up those
who participated in it were extremely
and unusually reticent. The fact that
the senators are members Of the steer
ing committee Of the senate and
Speaker Henderson and his two lieu
tenants who were present practically
control legislation in the house gave
rise to the belief that the consultation
referred to the legislative program in
congress and might have a bearing
upon the shaping Of Cuban, Philippine
and war revenue repeal legislation.
There also was an intimation that
the president talked with his party
leaders in congress about the Schley
case, and color was given to this sur
mise by a remark dropped by one OF
the senators. But nothing definite as
to the purpose or result of the consul
tation could be obtained.
The Washington Post says concern
ing the conference Of the president
with republican leaders Of the house
and senate at the White House. that
the chief topic was the ways and
means committees bill for the reduc-
| ton Of war revenue taxes. The Post
says that Speaker Henderson and Rep.
resentative Grosvenor explained the
reason for pushing that measure
through the house without permitting
amendment, the reason being that
they feared the reopening of the whole
tariff question should any other course
be adopted. The Post further says:
"The conference, it is understood
resulted in the president consentine
to the plans of the house leaders and
informing them that he desired tc
have the war revenue reduction bill
disposed Of as quickly as possible. He
shared the opinion of the speaker and
Mr.. Grosvenor that delay was menanc
ing to the chance of the bill passing
1T was decided that a conference
of the republican members of the com
mittee on ways and means should be
held Immediately after the war reve
nue. bill passes the house for the pur
pose of ascertaining how the members
stand on the presidents proposition
for reduction in the tariff on Cubar
sugar. 1t was agreed that this shoult
be the next important question takeI
up in the house."
The Post also says:
"The Schley case was also under
discussion at the conference, the pres
ident being anxious that his disposi
ton of the case should not be followed
by action in congress. Speaker Hen
derson was able to assure the presi
dent that action could be blocked il
the house. but it was pointed out tt
him by the senators that the, situation
in the senate was different, the NOR,
liberal rules of that body allowin,
any resolution to be considered If i
commanded majority vote.
"The presidents views of the Schle,
case became generally known as re
!, suit of the conference last night. A
, for the battle of Santiago the presi
dent is inclined to the opinion, accord
ing to his visitors. that the victor,
was won by all the captains and tina
credit can not be given exclusively t
Schley, although the latter acted cour
5 ageously, and. with the Oregon, sue
ceeded in preventing the escape of tn
Colon"
a Hurricane at Apia.
| San Eranni Enh D,...o,,4..... = :.