The daily morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1883-1899, 1899-06-24
To Attend 10 the Needs and In
terests of Our New Pos
sessions.
TWO NEW TERRITORIES
Hawaii and Porto Rico VIII Likely
Be Made Terri
toIles.

NEW YORK, June IA special 70
the Herald from Washington says:
A new executive branch OF the govern
ment with the title Department Of Col
onial Affairs and Foreign Commerce"
Or some, hing similar to it, is deemed
by the administration absolutely neces-
sary TO meet new conditions which con.
front the United States as a result OF
tn war with Spain.
The word Colonial" 10 repugnant for
political reasons to some Of the members
Of the cabinet because it smacks Of i'm
peariallsm and It Is probable that some
other title will be adopted. The mean.
Ing, however. will be the same.
Preliminary to recommendation to
congress on this subject data is now
being compiled concerning the control OF
the colonies by foreign powers and the
extension Of our commerce into foreign
fields, and members OF the cabine, and
subordinate officials Of the administers
ton are giving much thought and time
to uhe details CT the proposed new de-
partmen..
American consuls on duty in colonies
belonging to foreign powers. especially
those OF Great Britain are 10 be called
upon for full reports upon list Of
questions now preparing for submission
10 them. Robert p. Porter. who is look.
ed upon as the probable head Of the pro-
posed cabinet Office when created. will
be consulted in regard to the plans for
extending foreign commerce, which is TO
became feature OF the new department
President MoKinley's policy in regard
to the future form of government Tor
the Philippines and Cuba is still unde-
fined, regardless OF what future develop
ments may bring forth as to our attitude
toward those islands he and the members
, the cabinet fully appreciate that the
governments in all of our de-
pendencies must give way to civil gov
eminent as speedily as possible. Prellm-
mary to the establishment of clvu gov.
ernment, the cabinet has concluded that
there should be new civil department,
with cabinet officers at It's head, inaugur-
ated and have control of the new govern.
nents which sooner or later will be
formed. A cabinet officer ohus explains
the necessity for such a department
AT the present there is no central
head for the consideration OF the many
questions constantly arising in connec.
lion with Cuba, Porto Rico. Hawaii and
-he Philippines. The war department has
control of these matters now but there |
''N H'"S iuVSNiVAS MHiNu OuE army VI !
icers are not competent to deal with |
md ought not be required to pass upon.
As matters go now, there is disposition |
o shift from one deparement to another
Ind from one bureau to another to escape
responsibility for settling intricate and |
questions.
"A territorial form of government for |
Porto Rico and Hawaii has already been !
agreed upon and there is little doubt !
nat the next congress will pass measures
n this direction
'As to Cuba, il will be impossible TO |
lave any other form of government than !
he present military one until the people
II the island have taken steps for the
ormation of civil government which
he United States can recognize.
THE island is now ripe for civil gov.
But how is this to be applied?
rhe presidents hands are tied. Under
he act of congress he is required, after