Eagle River review. [volume] (Eagle River, Wis.) 1890-1927, 1898-10-06

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The freedom with which the Spanish
minister for foreign affairs, the Duke Al
modovar del Rio, has given publicity to
the instructions to the Spanish peace COM
missioners as to the disposition of the
Philippines has given rise to the suspicion
among the officials at Washington that
there is behind it Il deliberate purpose to
draw out in advance the position of the
American commissioners on this most inn
portant point. 1t is stated now that here
tofore the Spanish Government has wait
ed upon the United States Government to
make each of the steps towards final
peace before making move on their side,
so that this sudden change in policy is
accounted for only on the ground stated.
There is beside this apparent purpose
yelled threat in the last instruction, not
under any circumstances to allow the
United States to interfere with any dispo-
sition of the islands outside of those re-
tanned by the United States, such as Luz
zoh, that Spain may see fit to make. This
is believed to be an invitation to some of
the continental powers to step forward IN
support Of Spain in this extremity in the
hope of receiving as a quid pro quo some
Of the Philippines as coaling or naval
station.
President Mckinley will probably rec
ommend in his message to Congress the
creation of new cabinet Office, the incum-
bent to be known as the Secretary of the
Colonies. The enlarged foreign policy of
the United States will, it is believed, make
this new Office necessary for the purpose
of giving unity and conference to the pol
icy adopted in the colonies. The Presi-
dent will not formulate the organization
of the new department until the peace
commission has determined the final dis
position of the Philippines. The colonial
Office would have charge of the civil gov
eminent, the judiciary and the financial
administration of Porto Rico, the Ha
waiian Islands, Cuba, the Philippines and
of the island of Guam in the Ladrones.
Secretary of the Navy Long has receiv-
ed complete estimates from his subordi-
mates regarding the amounts they deem
necessary for the operation Of their re-
spective departments during the coming
fiscal year Their figures foot up to $47,
0OO 1000, the largest peace estimate which
has ever been submitted. Secretary Long
proposes to recommend to Congress an inn
portant ship building program, which will
necesstate the expenditure of considerable
money during the next four years.
The Nicara guam Canal project is forging
to the front in a manner that foreshadows
an aggressive campaign during the short
session of Congress next winter. The
necessity Of waterway across the 18TH
mus is now recognized in every quarter
Nevertheless the opposition, which has
heretofore been able to defeat congress
sional aid in the construction of the canal,
will reappear prepared to continue the
fight hard as ever.
Col. John Hay was sworn in as Secre-
tary of State at the White House shortly
after II o'clock Friday morning. Justice
Harlan of the United States Supreme
Court administered the oath. The cere-
mony was performed in the presence of
President Mckinley, Secretaries Smith
and Wilson and Attorney General Griggs.
1t has been decided by the Navy De-
pa rtment to establish naval station on
the Island of Cuebra which is located
east of Porto Rico and guards the virgin
Passage This island furnishes a mag
nificent natural harbor with a depth of
fifty-four feet, in which the largest ships
in the navy can enter without difficulty.
Both classes of the Cuban population
are represented continually in Washing
ton. They are industrious in many ways.
They are ingenious in schemes to influence
public opinion for an independent govern
ment and for annexation, as their inter
ests lie.
Secretary Alger has returned to Wash
ington. The Secretary looked much inn
proved by his trip He made a verbal re-
port to the President on the inspection Of
the army camps which he had concluded.
Admiral Schley will be restored to his
old position as chairman of the lighthouse
board after enjoying a leave Of absence.
He is said to prefer this to sea duty.
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