Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-29
Alaskan Affairs Discussed in Detail
by the Cabinet.
The MILITARY FORCE TO Be INCREASED
President Mckinley Warmly in
Favor of Legislation.
OTHER TOPICS CONSIDERED

1t has been decided by President McKin-
ley and the cabinet to increase the number
OF American troops in Alaska, but in doing
this there will be no occasion for sensa-
tional rumorS that the increase is in antci-
patton of possible trouble with Canada.
The increase will be made solely on the
ground that the population of the territory
is daily increasing, and that the interests
OF law and order demand additional pro-
lection. The cabinet talked a long time
about this and other features relating to
Alaska.
Necessity for Legislation.
The President is growing more interested
each day in the growing Importance of
Alaskan affairs. and is earnestly desirous
that Congress shall do something without
delay toward giving the country laws which
will provide the fullest protection to the
hundreds of people and millions Of money
going there The matter has been talked
over at several cabinet meetings, but there
was more earnestness today in the dis
cussion than heretofore.
The President will not send a message to
Congress on the subject of legislation for
Alaska, but he will talk with members of
Congress and endeavor to arouse a proper
interest in that body. Reports reaching
different departments of the admnistra-
ton indicate that the rush to Alaska next
year Will De something immense. rams
portation has already been engaged to the
limit on every available vessel. Most of
this traffic will go to Cape Nome, the home
of the latest gold discoveries. This is in
American territory, and it is absolutely
necessary that protection be given to the
citizens who respect laws and desire peace
and order.
Increase in the Force.
There is a garrison of United States
troops at ST. Michael's but it consists of
Only one company. Detachments of this
company were sent to Cape Nome when
the rush took ace there this year, but
had rioting occurred the force would have
been unable to preserve the peace The
details of the proposed increase of mill
tary force have not been decided upon.
but it is thought the number of posts will
be increased. One post will be established
at Cape Nome, while the one at St. Mi
chaers will remain. 1t is probable that
many as 500 soldiers will be established in
Alaska They will remain there even after
new laws go into effect.
More Judges.
As before stated, there is only one Judi
cial district in Alaska. Congress will in
crease this to two, giving two judges and
two sets of court officials, including mar
shals and district attorneys. With this
and some legislation looking to proper mu-
nieipal government, affairs in the territory
would move along more smoothly.
Cuban Affairs Improve.
Cuban affairs came in for short discus
sion. Secretary Root reported that Gen.
Wood had already begun to improve condi-
uons in Cuban jails, and would be expected
to carry them as far as essential to proper
prison sanitation and laws.
Secretary Gage did not discuss financial
affairs. He did not refer to recent intima-
uons against him in New York papers, and
the matter was considered so unimportant
that none Of the cabinet members referred
to it.
Use of Names unauthorized.
Members of the cabinet said today that
they have no knowledge of or connection
with an organization named the National
Memorial Arch Association with an al
legged headquarters here and in New York
circular recently distributed in Boston
and cities in Rhode Island said that cab
met members were eX-officio vice presi-
dents and were much interested in securing
subscriptions for an arch to be built in this
city. 1t was claimed that Congress would
appropriate $1,000 and that $500, 600 would
be raised by subscription. Some money
was secured in Boston and elsewhere on the
representations made.