Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-09-24
At THE WHITE HOUSE
Announcement Of Appointments
Made by the President.
DISCUSSING PORTO RICAN MONEY
The Proposed Increase of the
Cabinet.
SECRETARY FOR COLONIES

The President today made the following
appointments:
Roswell X CoIcord of Nevada, superin-
tendenr Of the United States mint at Car
son. New.
To be collectors of customs-Eiiery II.
Wilson Of Rhode Island. at Providence. r.
l.; Daniel II. Moody of Maine, at Wiscas-
set. Me
Commander Charles H. Davis. L. S. N,
to be a captain in the navy.
Valuation of Currency in Porto Rico.
Secretary Gage and Acting Secretary
Meiklejohn Of the War Department con-
ferred with the President today about fix
ing the value of the Porto Rican peso. so
far as the payment of customs duties at
Porto Rican ports is concerned. 1t was de-
-ided that the peso shall be accepted at
~ cents in the payment of duties. Two
pesos will be received as equivalent to one
silver dollar.
The value Of the peso has ranged very
much IN recent years. Commercially it has
huctuated from 30 TO - cents. Its bullion
value is about II cents. The value now
fixed applies only to dues TO the United
States government. The permanent value
Of the coin will have to be determined by
Congress. we'll the entire question of
The finances of the island. The peso is
worth = pesetas.
New Executive Department..
The many tariff and customs questions
coming up from the new acquisitions of the
United States indicate clearly, it is said by
Treasury officials, that either q new cab
met department will have to be formed or
a new and large bureau will have to be
added to some of the departments now in
existence.
Treasury officials especially find that the
result of acquiring all this new territory
Il to burden them with new work and re
sponsihtlitieS. Assistant Secretary Howell
for instance. had few spare moments under
the old state of affairs. He is in charge of
Customs matters, and works frequently uG-
til into the night. All the officials under
HIM have had their FORK increased. The
work will grow as full possession of the
new territories is obtained. and Congress
will have to tax early action to afford re-
lief
\ Colonial Secretary.
Suggestion has been made that depart
ment of colo lies be established. with a new
cabinet off, in charge. The statement
has also been made that the President is
considering the matter but this is not cor
rect He has given no consideration to the
subject. It is realized, however by ali Of
hCialS that either this will have to he done
o" there VIII have to be established a large
bureau for the handling of all questions
arising in connection with the colonies.
Hawaii. Porto Rico and even a part of the
Philippines will furnish a great deal of
: IN IOI lhe government. The work for a
long time will be complicated and respon-
sioie. The mana cement Of customs mat
.eTs will alone furnish work for large
force.
The Presidents Departure.
Announcement is made from the White
House that President Mckinley will not be
able to attend the conclave of Knights
Temp!ar in PIttsburg on the 18th of Octo-
her. The President desired very much to
20 To PiJtsbuTg. but ne will be unable TO
90 So. He Will leave Washington about the
time named for Omaha.
In Behaif of Gen. Dyrenforth
petition was presented at the White
House today urging the appointment OF
Cen Robert G. Dyrenforth, commander-in-
chief Of the Union Veteran Legion. as a
member of war Investigating commission.
The petition. which was presented vii hout
the knowledge of Gen. Dyrenforth SAYS
that he Is q man of scientific. military and
classical education and an experienced ofii-
GER
Inc following were the signers: John F
Meacham. colonel John D. Logan Com
mand, No 2; John Middleton. colonel Han
cock Command; A. H. Feathers, colonel
David b. Porter Command; Levi Marsh,
chief of staff National Command. L. Y. 4:
5. ;. TodeT, ex-commander-in-chief. J.V.C.