New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-29
.SHA " SEES ELLIS ISLAND.
WONT TALK ABOUT COMING CHANGES
N IMMIGRATION BUREAU

Following his custom Of closely studying prob
lens with which he has TO deal. Secretary Shaw
visited Ellis Island yesterday. and spent between
three and four hours watching the procedure of
ushertng an immigrant into this country In view
Of the situation on Ellis Island since il has been
known that President Roosevelt would remove
COMMISSIONS Fitchie. and might remove Assistant
COMMISSIONS McSweeney. 1t was felt by some of
the immigration officials the visit at this time
had a bearing upon Mr.. McSweeney's case at least
II So Secretary Shaw did indicate II in his
talks with Mr. FItCho Mr.. insolvency. He con-
fined himself entirely 20 asking questions which
would explain clearly TO him the workings OF the
system employed in handling immigrants TO watch
ing ii in operation and To inspecting the various
departments-the detention pens. the dormitories.
the restaurant. etc.
When asked IS to the OBJECT of his visit Score
tary Shaw said:
4 simply going over 10 Ellis Island to see
what the work OF handling immigrants there IS
like. ! have been through old Castle Garden
when the immigrants were handled there. but I've
never been on Ellis Island. My visit is in way
one of investigation. / TO all that there
is 20 See. but Of course. everything viii be all
right to-day, for the commissioners know I'm
coming Ny visit VIII not have any bearing
the proposed changes in the administration of the
bureau That is a subject ] cannot talk about
The matter is entirely in the Presidents hands
and the names Of the chosen succeed the
present Commissioner and Assistant Commission
CT viii not be made public until the appoint
ments made"
Secretary Shaw. accompanied by Mrs Shaw and
Thomas F Lawlor. assistant custodian of the
New-Aork Sub-Treasury, reached the Battery
about II 80 a. just before boarding the boat for
the island Secretary Shaw noticed consignment
OF bread, destined for the restaurant on the isl
and. which being loaded a truck. He ex-
smine3 several Of the loaves, carefully testing its
weight and smelling it to see if ii was sweet.
That seems to be pretty. good breadstuf." he
always served with good quality, they can't
on the arrival Ct the boat at the island Com
missioner Fitchie net Mr.. Shaw the wharf, and
missioner McSWeency was introduced and the
three talked the affairs of the bureau for
half an hour or more. Mr.. McSweeney was asked
later Il he mai SAID anything TO the Secretary on
IN prospect lie said that the subject was not
me building ana every department was explained
The Secretary. who is noted for his fondness for
The following menu being served. Clam chovt5er
naise potatoes. apple, rhubarb, cocoanut and
Last night Secretary Shaw dined at the Metro
polltan CUB on MS return to the Fifth Avenue he
he had been asked by the President investigate
said that Mir Taylor gave interviews 10 several
neWspapers, in which he opposed certain provisions
I Know nothing about O III "T Mr. shaw said u
have been asked 10 make no investigation Some
think S''''-'
When asked II there would be any radical changes
Of AeW-lor he said, No, there VIII be nothing
pay 10 upset systems unless you are sure you are
sSa Of to tb make them better and you can never be
What details win be ehanged?" he was asked.
pay discuss details II they are changed for the
better then one doesn't need TO talk. II for the
shouldn't talk AT all before hand;
that he used 10 deal with when in business in Iowa
for old times sake H says that he came to New
here often in the future