The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-05-08
POLITICAL CAPITAL SCHEME.
Secretary Foster, According 10 Promise,
Working Hard for Harrison.
he LOCKS HORNS WITH MR.. BLAINE.
To Restrict Immigration the Latest Move to
Gain Favor With the PeopIe-Steam-
ship ItaIa-CapltaI Notes.

WASHINGTON, ID. g., May Especial +
Secretary Foster was placed at the head of the
Treasury By President Harrison because the
latter believed he had superior political saga
city and shrewdness. Mr. Foster understood
the reasons which impelled his appointment,
and he is driving ahead with great velocity to
make political capital for his chief. He IS
scheming TO counteract the influence Of Sec
retary Blaine, and Fosters fidelity to the
President explains the delay in arriving at a
conclusion as to instructions 10 the command
ers of revenue cutters which are TO patrol
Behring sea during the coming sealing season.
Secretary Foster entered the Cabinet under
a distinct promise 10 exert himself 70 the ut
most 10 bring about Harrison's denomination,
and 1t is only fair TO say that he has been
faithful 10 his pledge. His first encounter
with Secretary Blaine was in regard 10 franz
ing instructions 10 the Behring sea revenue
cutters. Foster endeavOred 20 hurry Blame
with the purpose of bringing him into conflict
with the President. But the premier was too
shrewd 10 be caught in the trap OF Calico
Charley"
ANOTHER EFFORT FOR HARRISON.
Now Secretary Foster in connection with
notwithstanding Nettleton, is busily en-
gagged III preparing instructions TO enforce the
recent enactments of Congress III regard to
immigration. Secretary Foster believes that
this subject of immigration offers fine op-
portuINy to make political capital for the
President and the administration. He believes
that great majority Of the people of this coun-
try favor restriction of immigration, and with
the idea of complying with his notion Of pub
lie sentiment he IS interpreting the enact
ments of the last Congress concerning immlz
grafton in a rigid manner. He is encouraged
thereto by a decision of the AttOrney-General
rendered to-day The last Congress authorized
theappOintmentOfaC Commissioner of lmmlgra-
ton, to have general supervision of the whole
subject and receive a salary OF $4,000 per
year. But by some oversight or blunder
such as the Reed Congress was frequently
guilty Of Congress neglected to make appro-
priation for the salary The AttOrney-Gen-
eral holds that despite this omission the act
is in full force and effect and that the Presi-
dent has power to appoint Commissioner OF
immigration.
THE APPOINTMENT.
Secretary Foster thinks that the President
will make the appointment soon after his re-
turn. The act further authorizes the COM
missioner 70 appoint such assistants 10 serve
at different points as the commissioner may
deem necessary. 1t is designed to protect the
country from the inflow of worthless and
criminal classes by a vigilant watch OF the
Canadian border as well as of ocean steamers.
This act will give the President authority to
appoint a number of officials who will
be useful in aiding his reorganization, and 1t IS
not unlikely that this consideration Influenced
Attorney General Mller's determination. But
the act of the last Congress with all the rlgid
Interpretation Mr. FOgter can lmpart 20 1t
does not 90 far enough for the Secretary OF
the Treasury. He says that IN his report 10
the next Congress he will recommend that
the educational question so frequently dis
cussed in connection with this subject be
adopted.
REQUIRED TO READ AND WRITE.
That is. that every immigrant in order 20
obtain the privilege of landing and living IN
the United States be required 10 read and
write in his or her language Asslstant-Sec>
retary NettletOn estimates that the enforce
ment Of this qualification would exclude from
70 TO 80 per cent. of the Italians, Poles and
Hungarans-the immigrants most hurtful 70
our country; that It would exclude about 3
per cent of Irish, per cent of English and
i per cent. of the German immigration.
Secretary Foster IS evidently IN earnest IN
the conviction that he can make the restric-
ton of immigration a trump-card for the re-
nomination of Harrilon
STEAMSHIP ITALIA MATTER.
The matter of the steamship ltala has
passed out Of the hands of Secretary Tracy,
who has instructed Rear-Admiral Brown,
commanding the Pacific station, to seize the
Itala wherever found; and general instruc-
tions 10 this effect will be sent to the officers
commanding United States men-of-war on the
Pacific station. The takes the posi-
ton that the italia in leaving the United States
while in the custody of the United States
marshal subjects herself to seizure at any time
or place. Attorney General Miller was in
formed this afternoon that the United
States deputy marshal who was on board the
italia at the time she went 10 sea was put
ashore eight miles down the coast, the italia
proceeding on her way.
CAPITAL MOTIFS.
The name Of postoffce at Bonas Mills, Wise
county Va. has been changed TO Hobbs.
A postoffice has been established at Unity,
Mecklenburg county, n. c., with Elmer