ten o'clock
The presence of helium makes this latter hypothesis not altogether improbable , while the atmospheric wave of pressure would result at once from the disruption of the air by the passage of the meteor stream through it . Exploration of the region in which it seems probable that the disturbance took place will undoubtedly furnish the data necessary for the complete solution of the problem . '' -LSB- Pp. 17-19 . -RSB- At ten o'clock one evening , shortly after the occurrences heretofore described , an extraordinary conference occurred at the White House , probably the most remarkable ever held there or elsewhere . At the long table at which the cabinet meetings took place sat six gentlemen in evening dress , each trying to appear unconcerned , if not amused . At the head of the table was the President of the United States ; next to him Count von Koenitz , the German Ambassador , representing the Imperial -LSB- 1 -RSB- German Commissioners , who had taken over the reins of the German Government after the abdication of the Kaiser ; and , on the opposite side , Monsieur Emil Liban , Prince Rostoloff , and Sir John Smith , the respective ambassadors of France , Russia , and Great Britain . The sixth person was Thornton , the astronomer .