New-York tribune., 1903-02-15
NEW CABINET OFFICE.
CORTELYOU TO FILL IT.
Department of Commerce and LABOR
Bill Signed by President.

Washington, Feb. 14.-President Roosevelt
this afternoon signed the bill providing for
Department of Commerce and Labor, thus con-
Guiding its enactment into law.
The bill received 1t the White House
last evening. This morning, in accordance with
the usual FORM it was sent to the Department
of Justice for examination by the Attorney Gen
eraL It returned to the President this
afternoon with Attorney General Knoxs
recommendation that it be signed. Soon after
ward President Roosevelt affixed his signature,
in the presence of Secretary Root and Secretary
Cortelyou The signing of the measure creating
what promises to be of the most important
departments of the government was attended
by ceremony. In due time the formal an
nouncement will be sent to Congress that the
President has signed the bill.
1t is well understood that George B. Cortelyou.
secretary to the President. will be appointed
Secretary of the new department. His appoint
ment will be sent to the Senate by the Presi-
dent early next week, perhaps on Monday, and
it is likely there will be no delay in its con-
frmat ton. 1t is not improbable that, in antici-
patton OF the enactment of the necessary sup
Elementary legislation, the President may soon
send to the Senate the appointments of some OF
the important officials of the new department.
1t is regarded as particularly desirable that
the preliminary work of organizing the depart
portant details will have to be worked out be-
fore the bureaus already in operation In other
departments are transferred to the new de-
partment. The transfer of the existing bureaus
will not take place formally until the close OF
the present fiscal year. June 80.
Coincident with the qualification Of Mr. Cor
telyou as the secretary of the Department Of
Commerce and Labor, William Loeb, jr.. as
sumed the duties of secretary to the President.
Mr.. Loeb is at present first assistant secretary
to the President. For several years he has been
private secretary 10 Mr.. Roosevelt, serving him
in that capacity while he was Governor Of New
York and Vice President It is understood that
few changes will be made in the White House
force other than those indicated 3. F. Barnes.
now assistant secretary to the President, will
take up the duties performed by Mr.. Loeb.
and the President will designate some one not
vet selected TO take Nr Barnes's place.
As soon as Secretary Cortelyou begins the
work of organizing the new department he Will
take up with the Appropria tons Committees OF
the House and the Senate the details OF the
legislation necessary for the maintenance OF the
department. This will add another TO the long
list of big supply bills to be enacted yearly py
Congress
George Bruce Cortelyou born in New
York on July 26, 1862 He graduated from
the Henpstead Long Island, Institute in 1873.
and from the State Normal School at Westheld,
Mass in 1882. He received the degree of Ii. B.
from Georgetown University in 1890, and that
of LII. NJ from Columbian University in 1886.
He married in 1888 the daughter of DR.. F1inds,
president of Hampstead Institute. Mr.. Cor
telvou was general law and verbatim reporter
in New-York 1SS3-'S5 and principal of prepara-