The San Francisco call., 1899-06-23
NEW CABINET
OFFICER FOR
THE COLONIES
Continued From First Page.

imperialism. and it is probable some
other title will be adopted. The mean
ing however, will be the same.
Preliminary to recommendations TO
Congress on this subject data is now
being complied concerning the control
Of colonies by foreign powers and the
extension of our commerce into foreign
fields and members Of the Cabinet and
subordinate officials OF the administra-
ton are giving much thought and time
TO the details of the proposed new de-
partment. American consuls on duty
in colonies belonging TO foreign powers,
especially those OF Great Britain. are
TO be called upon for full reports upon
a list Of questions now preparing for
submission to them.
Robert P. Porter who is looked upon
as the probable head Of the proposed
new cabinet office when it is created,
will. 1 am told, be consulted in regard
to plans for extending foreign COM
merce. which is TO become a feature of
the new department.
President McKinley's policy in regard
TO the future form OF government for
the Philippines and Cuba is still un-
defined, but regardless of what future
developments may bring forth as to
our attitude toward those islands. he
and the members of the Cabinet fully
appreciate that military governments
in all our dependencies must give way
TO civil government as speedily pos
sible. Preliminary TO the esta blishment
of civil government, the Cabinet has
concluded that there should be a new
civil department, with Cabinet Off
Ger at its head. TO inaugurate and have
control of the new governments which.
sooner or later, must be formed.
A Cabinet officer thus explained to
me to-day the necessity for such de-
partment. At the present time there
is no central head for the consideration
of the multifarious questions constant
ly arising in connection with Cuba,
Porto Rico, Hawaii and the Philip
pines. The War Department has con-
troll of these matters now. but there are
many questions. financial administra-
tive. judicial, commercial and diplo-
matte. which our army officers are not
competent TO deal with and ought not
be required TO pass upon. AS matters
go now, there is a disposition to shift
from one bureau to another TO escape
responsibility for settling intricate and
embarrassing questions.
"A territorial form Of government for
Porto Rico and Hawaii has already
been agreed upon, and there is little
doubt that the next Congress will pass
measures in this direction. The Presi-
dent told friend the other day that
he favored government for Porto Rico
similar TO that of Arizona. and that if
it were in his power he would appoint a
civil governor for Porto Rico at. once
without waiting for legislation by Con-
gress.
Though the War Department will in
all probability remain in nominal con-
troll of Cuba for some time to come,
there will be many questions arising
that ought to be passed upon by the
proposed new colonial department. The
same may be said of the Philippines.
The collection and distribution of the
revenue of those islands, aggregating
already $4,000, 900 a month in two places,
ought to go into the hands OF experts
with proper system of accounting and
under a single civilian head"