The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1901-11-08

YWYASHINGTON, ID. c., Oct. 26.-
wv Secretary Henry E. Cooper left
here today and expects to sail
by the steamship Alameda for Homo
luru. His original intention to leave
Washington October "A was changed
by the later day fixed for him to re-
ceive the thirty-third degree in Mason
ry- That honor was conferred upon him
last evening Friday) and, as he had his
department work well completed. ne
hastened westward
Mr. Cooper has attended the various
events connected with the Scottich Rite
this week. There were two elegant ban
auets held at the new Willards Hotel.
which is the finest hotel now South Of
New York and which has just been
opened to the public. A large company
OF distinguished men, who have assem-
bIed from all over the country, were
present. Mr.. Cooper felt gratified that
he succeeded in getting three high Ma
sons from Hawaii advanced to the de-
gre. OF Knight Commander. This is m
honorary degree and is the stepping
stone to the thirty-third and last de-
gree in Scottish Rite Masonry. The
Masons thus honored are all from Ho-
noIuIu, Mr.. J. d. Tucker. Mr.. Frederick
whitney, and MT. William ]. Pratt.
The case Of Lieut.. Howells. u. S. A,
wLo married in Honolulu and who was
court-martialed and sentenced to dis
rnissaI from the army on a charge Of
drunkenness. is now before the War
Department for review. Mr.. Cooper is
mach interested in the case and called
upon Acting Secretary OF War Sanger
and other officials to ascertain whether
anything could be done towards aIlevi-
ating the punishment decreed. He is
said TO have gained no definite informa-
ton as to whether anything could be
done to save Lieut.. HoweIls from dis
missaI- The case is the first OF it's
kind TO come up during President
ROosevelt's administration and that is
regarded as rather unfortunate for
Lieut. Howells, as the final disposal
may be regarded as a precedent, so far
The records OF the case are said to
show a pretty harsh condition Of things.
1t is understood that the lieutenant is
accused of taking n battery out on
parade, while under the influence of
liquor, and the guns were pretty rough
" used.
The manner of deciding property in
the territory has been discussed this
week between Secretary Cooper and Of
fcfaIs at the Interior Department with
the understanding that Mr.. Cooper shall
submit a brief in behalf OF his con-
tention after he has returned to Ha-
vail. Mr.. COoper's contention is that
IN the question of exchange, between
the territory and individuals, Of land
required for public improvements, such
as the opening of roads, sites for pub
lie buildings, and the like. and where
the exchanges are made for the purpose
OF perfecting titles in the nature Of
partition between the territory and in
dividuaIs. the title should be taken in
the name Of the territory. Mr.. Cooper
holds that 10 take the title in the name
OF The Federal government would be
creating another class of lands, other
than exists at the present time and that
this new class OF lands. so created.
would be subject TO no existing law.
II would probably require a special act
of Congress
wednesday, Oct. "a, Mr.. Cooper took
his first vacation since he returned from
Boston-a short trip mp TO Frederick.
Md. which is some fifty miles out Of
Washington City. He has been working
-tead.'y since the last letter was writ
ten to the Advertiser in the Treasury.
War and Interior Departments. consult
ing with the officials about details %
the territorial government. The last
two chapters OF his annual report have
nee, pus in type and he and Secretary
TIitrn-uck went over al the proofs be-
for. he started for Honolulu. Secretary