Show UNITED STATES WILL BE NEUTRAL r r war situation larig and care fully considered T washington feb at the cabinet meeting today long and careful consecration was given abe consideration raised by the russian japanese war early today the president and secretary hay as well as secretaries fatt and Moody were placed in possession of the news carried by the associated press of the naval conflict at port arthur prior to the cabinet meeting that was the only information concerning the battle which had been received by the administration dispatches from minister sillier at seoul received this morning did not mention tho naval engagement it was decided that the united states should preserve absolu to neutrality between the combatants but it s scarcely likely that a proclamation formally announcing that decision will ho mailo until official advises advices of the actual beginning of hostilities have been received admiral L evans cruiser squadron will observe the naval operations of the war the cabinet also discussed briefly the panama canal situation but no information concerning tho details of the discussion were disclosed sec rotary hay who attended meeting is much improved in health and took an active part in the deliberations |