Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1899-04-20

Washington, April 15.-Secretary Al
ger last night put quietus on the per-
Sistent reports that he contemplated
retirement from the cabinet, by posi-
tive statement that the reports were
absolutely without foundation and that
unless some unforeseen contingency
arises he proposes to remain secretary
of war throughout this administration.
Secretary Alger had his attention called
TO recent rumorS that he would resign
after the investigation into the con-
duct of the war and incident matters
cease and that his successor already
dad been determined upon.
He said all statements of that char
acter were false; that he has not en-
tertained any such intention and that
they were instigated with the evident
purpose of attempting to force him to
leave the cabinet. He authorized the
press to make an absolute denial Of the
reports of his contemplated resignation
and to announce once for all, in the
strongest terms possible, that he would
remain in his present Office throughout
his regular term of office.
Mr.. Alger returned last night from
his trip to Cuba and Porto Rico. where
he spent the last three weeks making
a personal investigation of conditions
in those islands. During his trip he
conferred with the commanding Off
GERS of the Cuban provinces, visiting
four provinces. Secretary Alger said:
II had no adequate idea of the wonder
full possibilities of Cuba and Porto
Rico before my investigation. All that
| ever imagined has been more than
realized Under no circumstances
would I now consent to the surrender
of Porto Rico, which is now our terri
tory, nor would I place the slightest
check upon the great work which is
being done for Cuba.
"The problems are meeting satisfac-
tory solution and | see no reason to
fear the future. None of the serious
questions which have already arisen or
will arise are insurmountable. Havana
is beginning to feel the benefits of
American control and the advance will
be enormous. People of the United
States must realize what cleanliness
in Havana and other Cuban cities
menas to this country, and that with
IIt IttIcNdl VI thsblIllilN tplltIIl lolIo
the scourge of fever will not continue
to menace our southern states, though
there will be sporadic cases. of course.
81 never saw a finer body of men
.han the American soldiers now in
Cuba They are like princes, athletic
in build and bronzed and hearty in ap-
pearance. They seemed contented and
the United States has every reason to
feel proud Of them. They are having
no friction with the people. I found
harmony everywhere. There are few
troops now in Cuba except regulars
and the number of the latter may be
reduced. The people respect the au-
thority of the United States and are,
as a whole, law-abiding and peaceful.
All the American troops are being
quartered in excellent permanent bar
racks and the hospitals are of the best.
'I believe it is a mistake to believe
that fortunes can be made quickly in
Cuba. though there is a great deal of
American money invested there. It
will take years to raise people unac-
customed to what we consider even
the necessaries of life. to degree
where they will require great amount
of manufactured goods, this being true
mainly of the rural population. The
cities. however. are full of business.
Educatio among the poorer classes
is what is most needed in the island.
"The poorer class of Porto Ricans
live under conditions that an Ameri-
can would not accept. Their houses
are extremely poor and they live from
hand to mouth. American ownership
of the island would mean a great adj
vance in their condition and they APP
preciate this fact