New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-24
TAFT OFF FOR PANAMA.
also to Visit Cuba and Porto Rico
His important Mission.

Washington. March 23.-Secretary Taft and
his party left washington to-day for Charleston,
s. G.. where they will board the yacht Mayfower
and proceed 10 the Isthmus of Panama, Cuba
and Porto Rico and return to Washington in
about a month The Secretary of War has an
important mission to each of the points TO De
visited. chief of which is an investigation and
inspection Of canal affairs but of no less puohc
interest are subjects pertaining to the political
future Of Cuba and Porto Rico which will receive
his attention.
In addition to Secretary Taft the party con-
sists OF Frederick P Stearns. Of Boston, Alfred
Noble of New York. and John Ripley Freeman
of Providence all civil engineers; Senator Kilt
redge of South Dakota: Representatives Bur
ton % Ohio, and De Almond of Missouri; Rlcr
ard Reid Rogers. general counsel OF the lsthmlan
Canal Commission. and Winden W. Mischief.
confidential clerk 10 Secretary Taft. Mr.. rogers
will leave the party at the Isthmus. remaining
there TO attend to affairs in connection WIN 'i0
legal department of the commission
The three engineers were invited by Secretary
Taft to make a thorough inspection of the pits
dug for the foundations of the Gatun DAM
which is conceded to be the key TO the lock canal
project In view Of the controversy which mas
arisen over the safety of the site selected Tor
the dam Secretary Taft determined to have II
inspected by eminent engineers If the engi-
neers accompanying him hold the same view as
that expressed by Chief Engineer Stevens in
regard 10 the feasibility of the site it will result
in a decision for all time in favor Of the lock
type OF canal in accordance with plans hereto
fore accepted. II IS a curious thing that of the
Secretary's guests Senator Kittredge was the
chief opponent Of the lock type Of canal. and
Representative Burton made a strong speech in
the House for the lock type.
In Cuba Secretary Taft has vexatous prob
lem before him. Reports which have reached
Washington indicate that there is great dssatis-
faction with the failure Of Americans 70 depart
from the island, or at least announce some def
mite programme in regard 10 their future inten-
tons
The Secretary will consult Americans who
have investigated the sentiment throughout the
insland at the request OF Governor Magoon, and
ii is believed that II is the purpose of Mr. Taft.
probably after he returns this country. TO
arrive at some definite understanding 10 the
time when II will be possible for the American
officers to withdraw.
The situation in Porto Rico is nearly com"
plicated as that in Cuba. The people have set
up cry for home rule through government
such as is enjoyed by the territories Of the
mainland, with ultimate hope of statehood.
They also want an outlet for their products.
principally coffee. and argue In favor of such
relief that their markets were destroyed when
the island coded to the United States
The party viii arrive al Charleston tomorrow
morning and be entertained at breakfast by
the Mayor. after which there will be a visit 10
Magnolia Gardens. The Mayfower VIII be
boarded at noon. and the party VIII sail i'm
mediately. The arrival at Colon IS scheduled
for March 80, and the departure for Havana
on April 3. Havana will be reached April Z.
and three days will be spent in Cuba On April
IA the party will arrive in Porto Rico whera
four days VIII be spent. It is expected that
the party will be back in Washington on
April %.