Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1905-07-15
VISITORS AT OYSTER BAY
President Receives Japanese Minister
and Canal OmciaIs Mt His
Summer Home.

OYSTER BAY, L. l., July 14-President
Roosevelt has as visitors Kogora Takahira,
the japanese minister. and Theodore p
Shonts and John f. Stevens, respectively
the chairman and chief engineer OF the
isthmian canal commission. Mr.. Takahira
made an engagement several days ago to
see the president today. 1t was his desire
to discuss with Mr.. Roosevelt not only the
arrangements for the reception Of the peace
plenipotentiaries at Sagamore Hill, but also
TO consider some details OF the peace con-
ference at Portsmouth. N. H.
Chairman shonts and Chief Engineer
Stevens are here to consult the president
gennSlly in relation to canal matters. The
pre- esident had not met Mr.. Stevens since
his appointment to succeed Mr.. Wallace as
chief engineer
Minister Takahira said the object of his
visit. the first he has made to the presi-
dent at his summer home, was TO consider
some details Of the peace conference. He
said he had no new or important advices
from his government to convey TO the
president. He expressed qualification at
the appointment of NJ. witte the prin-
cipal peace envoy OF Russia, adding that
NJ witte was most able man and would
lend confidence and weight 10 the con-
clusions of the conference. He said he
thought Baron Komura would reach New
York on the 29th or SOth inst, in which
event his reception by the president would
be held on August l.
Chairman Shonts and Chief Engineer
Stevens conferred with the president some
time after the departure of NJ. Takahira-
This was the first opportunity the presi-
dent had to discuss canal matters with Mr..
Stevens and they went over the subject
pretty thoroughly. AS both Mr. Shonts
and Mr.. Stevens expect to sail for Panama
on the 20th instant. the president desired
to consult with them before their departure
1t is not likely that Mr.. Stevens will be
made, in the near future, a member of the
executive committee of the Panama Canal
commission, a position occupied by his pre-
decessor, Mr.. Wallace. It can be said that
Mr.. Stevens has been given practically q
free hand 20 do construction work. He
has his own ideas about the methods to be
pursued and will not be interfered with in
the work Of his department. His desire is
to dig the canal and to that great under
taking he will devote all his energy and
ability leaving the executive and ad-
ministrative details to be worked out by
Chairman Shonts, Governor Magoon and
the commission.
Chairman Shonts was asked whether he
could say anything regarding the proposed
transfer Of the isthmian canal commission
and its affairs from the War department to
the State department.
Il think" he replied. you would better
get that information from the president
can say, however. that no definite con-
clusion yet has been reached. So far as
I personally am concerned, It would make
no difference whether the canal affairs
were directed by Secretary Taft or by Sec
retary Root. Both are equipped admirably
for the work. The transfer is all admin
istrative matter with which l have moth
ing to do"
Auditor Hynes. who is on leave visiting
his home in Brooklyn, talked with the pres
ident briefly about the conditions in Porto
Rico. He is a warm personal friend of
the president and undertook the work in
Porto Rico at the solicitation of Mr.. Roose-
welt, because OF the presidents confidence
in him. He win return shortly to San
Juan.