Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-24
SECRETARY TAFT'S TRIP
Left Washington Yesterday
Afternoon.
TAKE MAYFLOWER TODAY
And Go to Isthmus of Panama, Cuba
and Porto Rico.
MANY PROBLEMS TO SOLVE
Chief is the Pits for Foundation Of
the Locks Of the Proposed
oatun Dam. ...
MANY PROBLEMS TO SOLVE

Tor Charleston, s. c., where they will
board the Presidents yacht, the Mayfiower
and proceed to the Isthmus of Panama,
Cuba and Porto Rico, and return to Wash
ington In about one month. The Secretary
OF War has an important mission to each
OF the points to be visited chief Of which
Is an investigation and inspection of canal
affairs. but of no less public interest are
matters pertaining to the political futures
of Cuba and Porto Rico, which will receive
his attention
In addition to Secretary Taft the party
consists Of Frederick P. Stearns Of Boston,
Alfred Noble of New York and John Rip
ley Freeman of Providence, r. L. civil
engineers of high standing; Senator kitt-
redge Of South Dakota, Representatives
Burton Of Ohio and De Almond Of Mis-
souri,: Richard Reed Rogers, general coun-
sci Of the isthmian canal commission; W Ell
dell w. Mischief. confidential clerk to Sec
rotary Taft. and william Pannell, mes
senger. Mr.. Rogers will leave the party
at the isthmus. remaining there to attend
to matters IN connection with the legal de-
partment Of the commission.
Task Of the Engineers.
The three engineers were invited by Sec
rotary Taft to make thorough inspection
Of the deep pits dug for the foundations of
the locks of the proposed Gatun dam,
which Is conceded to be the key to the lock
canal project. In view of the controversy
that has arisen over the safety of the site
selected for the locks Secretary Taft deter
mined to have it inspected by the best en-
gineers he could secure. The site is on
ground that rests on an indurated clay
bed which Chief Engineer Stevens has pro-
nounced to be ample, and has further in
vi hot hoH haei
tate to use If he were paying for the canal
himself If the engineers accompanying
Secretary Taft hold the same view in re-
5drd to the feasibility of the site, it will
result In decision for all time in favor of
the lock type of canal in accordance with
plans heretofore accepted. 1t Is curious
thing that of the Secretary's guests Sen
ator kittredge was the chief opponent of
the lock type OF canal. and Representative
Burton made the speech which undoubtedly
was responsible for the vote in the House
for the lock type.
Problem in Cuba.
In Cuba Secretary Taft has veXatious
problem before him. Reports that have
reached Washington indicate that there is
great dissatisfaction found with the failure
of United States troops to depart from the
island. or at least announce some definite
program In regard to the Intentions OF this
country. The Secretary will consult with
Americans who have investigated the sentf-
ment throughout the Island at the request
of Gov. Magoon, and 1t Is believed here
that 1t Is the purpose of MI. Taft to ar
rive, at soi.e definite understanding as to
the time when 1t will be possible for the
United States army to withdraw. There Is
no doubt that many army officers have
come to the conclusion that peace will not
continue for long after the withdrawal of
the troops, but at the same time 1t seems
certain that unless the promise of this gov
eminent to permit elections Is soon re-
deemed there will be a serious uprising.
1t appears to be only fair to give the
Cubans another trial at self-goyernment,
but several army officers who have served
| in Cuba recently assert that it would not
| be long before revolution would be resorted
to again as q means, of deciding political
supremacy. 1t is said that Secretary Taft's
policy will be to listen and digest what he
hears after his return to the United States.
Situation In Porto Rico.
l. The situation In Porto Rico Is nearly as
complicated as in Cuba. The people of
that insular possession have set up cry
for home rule, through immediate territorial
government, such as is enjoyed by the ter
ritories of the mainland, with ultimate
| hope of full statehood. They also want an
outlet for their products, principally cof-
fee, and have set up as an argument in
favor of such relief that their markets
were destroyed when the island became
| part of the United States. European mar
ketS nave placed d Uuly pIOuuCtS VI tIic
| island on the ground that they were United
States goods. That has proved great
hardship, as it has been demonstrated that
Porto Rico has difficulty in sending Its
products to the United States in compet-
| ton with American and Mexican products.
Protest has been made against the APP
pointments of nonresidents to the principal
| offices in the island, that having been a
particularly sore point with the people.
In Charleston Today.
| The Taft party will arrive in Charleston.
| s. c. this morning. and will be entertained
at breakfast by the mayor, after which
there will be visit to Magnolia Gardens.
| The Mayfower will be boarded at noon,
and the party will sail Immediately. The
arrival at Colon is scheduled for March
| 3d. and departure for Havana April 3. Tha
arrival at Havana is scheduled for April
Z, and three days will be spent in Cuba.
On April IA the party will reach Porto
Rico, where stay Of four days will be
made. 1t is expected the party will be
| back in Washington April %.