The Greenville times. [volume] (Greenville, Miss.) 1868-1917, 1903-05-30
WASHINGTON LETTER.
Continued from first page. }

and some interesting events are sched-
uled TO occur at that time. Two
assistant secretaryships are vacant and
will probably be filled as soon as Mr..
Roosevelt returns These are the places
made vacant by Assistant Secretary Of
the Navy Allies, and the new position
of assistant secretary of commerce and
labor. There is also vacancy in
the civil service commission, Mr.. Hen
eelmuller, to whom the president offer
ed the position, having declined it. A
commission which will have in
charge the sale of land estimated as
worth $25, 600, 900 is also to be ap-
pointed. These are mineral lands in
Indian Territory which have been ag-
gregated by the Dawes commission in
its allotment in several of the Indian
lands, and which the law provides
must be sold to the highest bidder in
blocks not exceeding 100 acres. 1t is
also anticipated that soma drastic ac-
ton regarding the postoffice situation
will be taken by the president
The state department has received
advices from Ambassador Mccormack
at St. Petersburg which are calculated
to set at rest all uneasiness regarding
Russia's policy in Manchuria. Mr..
Mccormack says that the Russian
government is at one with the United
States in its desire to preserve the
"open door" to China. He says that
the success of the Siberian railway
depends largely on the Manchurian
trade, which cannot be supplied by
Russia alone and it is, therefore, to
Russias interest to preserve the pres
ent policy of freedom of trade in Man
churia and other parts of the Celestial
kingdom.
Cuba has very nearly celebrated
the first year of her independence by
signing the treaty in which is con-
tanned the provisions of the Platt
amendment, including that for coaling
stations for the United States. The
signing occurred only two days after
the anniversary of the first Cuban In
dependence Day. The greatest plaes-
ure is expressed by Secretary Root,
who feels himself something Of STEP
father to Cuba, at the progress made
by the new republic during this first
year Beginning its caree with cash
balance Of $40, 600 the Palma admins
tration, by economy and juicious ad-
ministration, closes its first year with
a surplus of 81, 699, 900. The death
rate has been reduced from mini
mum under Spanish Rule of 20. $50 to
an average for last year of 2l.19. But,
more than all, the people of Cuba
have demonstrated capacity for self
government beyond the expectations
of the world
The bureau of ordinance of the war
department has finally decided on the !
24-inch rife as being the most desir-
able weapon or the service. Exhaus-
tive tests have been made of this arm
and it has been demonstrated that in
accuracy, range and penetration it /
equals the S0-inch rife now in use !
It is regarded as handler when used
at close quarters, as club, and as at
tended with less danger of accidental
explosion when used in brush or un-
dergrowth. 1t is lighter and presents
the signal advantage Of being appro-
pirate or use in every branch of the
service so that it will be served to in
'antry, cavalry, artillery and marines.
The great Springfield armory'issto' be
ct to work Immediately manufactur-
ne quantities Of the new weapon and
/ is hoped that by next winter the