The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1900-05-04
Washington Letter.
From our regular Correspondent
Washington d. c., April, 80 1900

adopted by the Senate, asking Tor IN
formation rs TO extra compensation
for army officers serving in Cuba, will
be fully answered by Secretary Root
at once. 1t was based on the charge
that army officers in Cuba we're draw
ing two salaries, one from this govern
ment and one from the Cuban revenues
and were expending money extrava-
gantly for expenses. The charge was
entirely false No officer in Cuba has
ever drawn two salaries. Away back
when Secretary Alger was at the head
OF the War Department, under an
opinion from the Attorney General,
four officers-the Military Governor
of Havana, the Collector o. Havana,
and the Treasurer of Cuba-were al
lotted allowances TO meet expenses en-
tailed upon them by reason al their
filling those positions, aggrcgating
about $16,0 900 year, and those allot-
ments are still allowed, and except in
the case of the Military Governor of
Havana, a position that has been
abolished, will be continued as long as
We occupy and govern the island, and
cannot be reasonably objected to.
Senator Platt, OF Conn, one OF the last
men in public life who would counte-
nance anything approaching was:eful-
ness in public money either in Cuba
or at home, fully answered the charge
of extravaganza by Army Officers in
Cuba, when be said on the floor OF the
Senate "There has been no extrava-
gance | have been there. The public
building or palace asit is called there
was put in shape fit to live in. Nothing
more was done "Mr Plalt spoke from
personal observation, as he was in Cuba
only few weeks ago.
No reply has been received, from the
Sultan OF Turkey TO the demand made
by Secretary Hay, last week. 10y di-
reciion of President Mckinley, that he
keep his promises TO pay for American
Missionary property destroyed in Tur-
key; but favorable answer is expect
ed.
Representative Hepburn, OF Iowa,
Chairman of the Committee on Inter-
state and Foreign Commerce, has made
the positive announcement that his
bill for the construction of the Nicar-
aqua Canal will be taken up by the
House May /, and voted on the follow
ing day. The announcement was the
result OF an understanding which made
the reporting of special rule un-
necessary. The fact that $50 MEM
bers of the House requested that the
bill be considered, makes it certain
that it will be passed by an overwhelm.
ing vote.
Senator Gallinger said of his Ieso-
luton, asking the Secretary of the
Treasury for detailed statment OF the
sums derived from the war revenue
act, the receipts from each subject of
taxation to be stated separately, which
was adopted by the Senate: 81 don't
suppose that it will lead to immediate
legislation, but I am anxious to know
exactly how much money has been
received under the various stamp taxes,
The information will not be as inter
esting as it might be, because the same
character of stamps is used for various
purposes, SO that it is impossible to tell
how many stamps are placed upon
telegrams, how many upon express
receipts, how many upon mortgages,
etc. The beer stamp is distinct one
and the amount can be accurately told.
1t will also be possible to inform us
how many proprietary stamps of
especial design have been furnished.
The Treasury Department will be
ready to relieve the army officers of the
collection of Customs in Porto Rico,
on May /, the date upon which Gov
Allen will be inaugurated. and the new
law will take effect. The joint reso-
luton, allowing military officers TO
retain the civil offices they hold in
Porto Rico, until their civilian sue
cessors are appointed and qualified
which has been adopted by Congress,
is simply intended to give Gov. Allen
needed time TO make proper selections
of Porto Ricans to fill the places.
The resolution provide that all the
appointments shall be made before
August /, next. The democratic at
tempt to create an adverse sentiment,
by criticising the preparation by the
administration to make the innaugu-
garation of Gov. Allen an impressive
event, has fallen fiat. There are few
Americans, even among democrats,
who do not recognize the historical
importance of the Inauguration of the
FIRST civil American Governor of Porto
Rico, as well as the neces slty. vie we'd
merely as matter Of policy, OF maxi
ing the event memorable one to the
Porto Ricans.