The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-16
THE CABINET MEETING.
The Philippine Hemp Ports Among
the Matters Discussed.


One OF the principal subjects considered
today at the Cabinet meeting was the
progress that has been made in opening
the hemp ports in the Philippines. Both
Secretary Root and Secretary Long read
dispatches bearing on the subject The
latter is particularly interested in the
matter, and is using every means in the
power Of the Navy to start the exporta-
tion Of hemp and to break the alleged
corner on that commodity in this country.
Secretary Root showed through his des-
patches from General Otis that consider
able progress has been made, and the
President was informed that the ports
would be opened one after the other as
military movements in the islands would
allow.
Secretary Wilson stated that a much
better feeling prevails now that the farm
ers of the West have been informed that
the Administration is at work in earnest
10 afford them relief His correspondence
has changed from the complaining to the
congratulating from within the past ten
days.
Secretary Root also read despatches re-
lating 10 precautions that have been taken
Honolulu. Sanitation is being enforced.
arrangements have been made FOR the
isolation Of those afflicted, and local ply
sicians have been instructed to report ey-
cry case 20 the proper authorities es-
pecially those Of a mild form Of the dis
ease as these are regarded as more dan
gerous than more pro=S lnced cases.
II was announced that ;he Marine Hos
pital service is confident Of holding the
plague in check In the American posses
sions in the Pacific.
Incidentally the question OF sanitation In
Cuba was mentioned. and Il was reported
that the ravages from yellow fever during
the coming summer are expected 10 be
much less than formerly under the better
conditions which now prevail
Secretary Wilson reported that he had
been in consultation with General Wilson.
and hid learned from HIM much concern
ing the agricultural possibilities OF Porto
Rico.
The island, he said. appears TO be one Of
great fertility, and might be raised 20 a
high standard Of productivity. Conditions
amt crops there are very different from
thO3e which exist anywhere IN the United
States. Secretary Wilson spoke Of the ad-
visa bility Of sending representatives from
his department to Porto Rico with a view
to the establishment OF an experiment
st alton in the island. and 10 the study OF
agriculture IN Porto Rico from a scientific
standpoint.
It was also announced at the Cabinet
meeting that a party Of merchants auT
planters Is coming 20 this city within
few days 20 consul, nth the Administra-
tion on the needs OF the island. politically
and numerically.
Other members of the Cabine; reported
routine matters from their departments.
Secretary Root announced that the agent
OF the Danish Government is on his way
10 this city 10 consult with the President
regarding the sale OF the islands St
Thomas. ST. Croix. and St John This
question was before the State Department
several months ago. but could not be
edectually considered al that time because
the title TO one Of the islands was disputed
by Germany. Since then the question OF
title has been cleared up. and the agent
now comes here empoW cred by his govern
ment TO negotiate a sale Of the islands. II
the United States is q -i Gus Of buying
them
The three islands in Question would re
a valuable addition 20 the United States
territory in the West Indies. and Il IS IN
derstOod the President looks fsvorably
upon the question OF purchasing them II
Congress is inclined to ratify the bargain
The question Of sending information 10
the House and Senate was brought up
again by Secretary Root. Mr. Pettig-ews
criticism In the Senate yesterday had the
effect OF stirring up some degree OF indIg-
nation among the Secretaries. and they
were disposed TO favor measures Of re
taliation by holding back Information.
But IL is understood the President Coun-
seled patience and expressed his wish that
the call for Information from the depart
ments should be humored as much as
would be consistent with the proper ad-
ministratiOn OF public business II was
thought that a favorable impression might
be created by showing that the Admins
trauon is not afraid Of investigation OF
criticism.