New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-02-18
r. A. HITCHCOCK ARRIVES.
HE WILL GO TO WASHINGTON IN FEW
DAYS AND BECOME SECRETARY
or THE INTERIOR
OF THE INTERIOR.

Ethan Allen Hitchcock, retiring Ambassador 70
Russia. who comes back 10 accept the portfolio OF
the Interior reached this country yesterday on the
White Star Line steamship Teutonic. MI Hitch
cock went 10 the Fifth Avenue Hotel lie expects
TO remain here for "a day two. and then he Will
60 to Washington and see President Mckinley. Mr.
Hitchcock had nothing to say last night, bat he
did talk briefly after he landed in the morning.
The new Secretary. who travelled alone. is in the
best Of health and upon reaching Washington VIII
assume the duties laid aside by Secretary Bliss.
Ny appointment was much surprise 10 me
as IT could nave been TO the public" he said. but
I will endeavor TO do my best and viii learn all
about the Office when I reach Washington. ! have
left my family behind but they Will return In the
spring. Until then I viii make the Hotel Airing
ton my home"
Asked for some Information about Russia. Nh
Hitchcock said:
There is little can add TO the interview which
I gave 70 the Associated Press just before my de-
parture from England. which published in the
New-York papers on February T. I stated then that
Russia had always been most friendly toward the
United States and that there was not the slightest
foundation FOR the story IN circulation here during
the war that Russia a member Of coalition
Of Continental Powers which would have inter-
vened in tho dispute II England had not refused
70 join them France has also always been friend
ly. and ! don't think there could have been any
such proposition preached anywhere"
How about Germany" asked.
Everybody knows Germany's position toward
this country" was the brief answer.
What your views concerning the Cars
peace proposition"
He IS perfectly sincere and in the calling Of the
conference has taken the first step toward the
adjustment Of militar;sm. He Of course. does not
make any requests for disarmament az present.
But when the conference meets It f. the most likely
thing in the world that the who called the
meeting will be asked what he proposes 10 do.
Then suggestions Will be in order, and, Of course,
the plan will be thoroughly discussed and perhaps
counter-suggestons will be made In this way a
scheme Will be devised and J have confidence that
much good IN the direction Of a permanent peace
between tho nations viii he reached The calling OF
the conference Is the first move in that direction.
Are any Of the older nations jealous Of our be-
coming power and because Of our holding the
Philippnes@' was asked.
Il don't think So" answered Mr.. Hitchcock.
rs Russia prOsperous?
Remarkably So Within two years the Trans
Siberian Railroad Will be completed TO its end,
which will be at Talen-Wan. in Manchur.a. The
road Is running far lrkOOtsk. The inten-
ton 10 run but two trains a day on branches Of
great business and now there from six 20
rates Of transportation the Russian railroads
are much cheaper than anywhere else In the world.
and all the systems are admirably conducted"
Speaking Of President Faures sudden death Mr..
Hitchcock remarked: 1t viii bring more trouble 10
poor France