The Somerset reporter., 1902-07-31
At Washington.

The Japanese government has served
formal notice on the State department
that it claims possession of Marcos is.
land toward which is now heading an
American expedition under Captain
Rosehill, with purpose of exploiting
it's guano deposits Regarding it as ex-
tremely desirable that no collision occur
the State department has taken meas
ures to advise Captain Rosehill that be
must offer no resistance if he should fall
in with Japanese warsLip which also
is speeding for the place. Captain Rose
hill discovered the island some Is years
ago and raised the American flag there
on. Later some Japanese found it de-
serted and began TO take the guano
They insist their claim is good.
After two hours conference with
four of his bureau chiefs, Secretary
Moody has put under way an experiment
which may affect the whole future of the
navy. He will direct that the inspection
of ordinance and equipment for three
vessels now building at the Bath Iron
Works be placed entirely under the jur
isdiction of the bureau of construction
and repair. No incident has caused SO
much comment recently as the confer
ence in the Office of the secretary of the
navy. The discussion was red hot and
| served to bring out prominently before
the secretary the differences and friction
which exist between the different bu
| reaus of the navy department. The whole
matter had its rise in Secretary Moody's
recent crusade against the shore duty
sinecure.
The treasury department will soon
settle all the accounts resulting from the
| illness, death and interment of President
Mckinley. No detailed account of the
expenditures will be made public; when
all the claims have been settled an an
nouncement will be made merely as to
| the total. It is stated that there has
been no shaving of claims and no dissat
| isfaction with the settlement in any way.
Secretary Cortelyou has really con-
Quoted the whole matter There will
| not be on file at the treasury department
any record of claims except those that
are paid. There will be no opportunity
| for auditors or others to dispute this or
| that claim on the ground that it was ex-
| cessive, as was the case in settling the
expenses connected with the death of
President Garfield. If any of the physi-
clans is not satisfied with the amount
awarded him, the fact will probably new
er be known.
Attorney General Knox has never
made political speech, but at the per.
sonal request of the President he is to
break his record. He will select some
appropriate occasion for his debut, and
talk about the trusts. His speech will
undoubtedly be one of the most impor-
tant utterances of the campaign. Secre-
tary Root will make some speeches upon
his return from Europe in the fall and
Secretary Moody will probably be heard
from in connection with the Presidents
proposed visit to New England next
month. Mr.. Moody is an experienced
public speaker, and in this respect is a
valued addition to the cabinet
Tumultuous conditions continue in
Hayti, according to advices received,
Saturday at the state department at
Washington from Minister Powell who
is at Port au Prince. He cables that
civil war has been declared throughout
the country, and that Gen. Firmin, an
aspirant for the Presidency, is marching
on Port au Prince. The provisional
government has been dissolved The
acting President has sent a commnnica-
ton to the diplomatic corps declaring
tnat AUmlral hllilCK IL pirate anu ASK
ing that the naval vessels of foreign
countries capture him, wherever found.
Minister WI has informed DR.. Hill,
acting secretary of state, that Prince
Chen, with the special embassy to the
coronation, who was due here on August
1st has postponed his visit
The following cablegram was received
at the Navy Department Tuesday, from
Commander McCrea of the Machlas,
which arrived at Cape Haytien, Mon
day. affairs are very much disturbed
at Cape Haytien. Unorganized mob in
the city. Foreign consuls have been
threatened. will give protection on
board. l will prevent bombardment
without due notice"
The War Department is advised of
the sailing of the transport Bilford from
Manila with 462 enlisted men of the Sth
infantry, 10 men of the 18th infantry,
104 men Goth infantry, 81 sick, 3 insane,
VI discharged soldiers.