Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1909-02-12
HEARTILY APPROVES CANAL WORK
Was Somewhat DISTURBED by New
Question Of knox's Eligibility to
Cabinet-has Made DRAFT Of lnau-
oural Address-Hitcheock Meets
His Chief,
(By Associated Press.)

NEW ORLEANS. LA. Feb. II. -
President elect w. H. Tuft landed
here shortly before 3 o'clock this
afternoon from Panama and was
most enthusiastically received by the
city. whose guest he is to be until
Saturday morning.
afternoon In which he heartily ap-
proved the present lock type Of canal
across the lsthmus OF Panama.
He reviewed d parade Of euthusi-
astic citizens miles in length, and to-
night attended one of the carnival
season balls. that of the Elves OF
Oberon.
Mr.. Taft will tomorrow address
the negro y. NJ. G. A.. spend several
hours in automobiling and at nigh;
be the guest OF honor at an elaborate
banquet at which nearly 500 promi-
nent citizens will pay $25 = plate
to participate. .
Saturday morning the president.
elect will go to Cincinnati, where a1
Monday he viii leave for Washing
ton. returning 30 cincinnati wednes-
day.
Hears About Knox.
Mr.. Taft received the first news OF
the constitutional question which
has been raised against the appoint.
ment of Mr.. Knox to cabinet posi-
tion by wireless yesterday when he
was appraised not only by press mes
sages but by q despatch giving The
views OF Senator Knox.
That he was somewhat disturbed
over the situation last night, wss ac-
mitted. but early today he received
the news OF the disposition Of Con-
gress to amend the cabinet salary
law by making the pay Of the secre-
tary OF state what It was befor., the
recent increase, and he was Inclined
to take this as a happy solution OF
the didiculty.
Preceding a conference on the mat
ter which will take place between Mr..
Taft and Mr.. Knox next wSeS. -he
President-elect considers II imp';itte
TO discuss the matter for publication.
Cabinet Speculation Again. -.
With the return Of Mr.. TAFT 10
the United States. cabinet specula-
ton became attractive.
No information is to be given to
the public, however. from IN au-
lucrative source.
Mr.. Taft said he would adhere to
his previously announced plan. OF.
keeping silent and also keeping cabi-
net appointments open until the very
last moment. TO guard against possi-
BILE contingencies.
II Is regarded As highly probabic
that offers Of cabinet positions are
T. be made without great delay.
Mr.. Taft said he expected to be
placed in possession OF information
he desired and had asked to be Sb-
tanned for him during his absence.
Hitchcock Has Arrived
The arrival here this afternoon OF
Frank II. Hitchcock. who vas giant
ed an immediate conference and the
presence here OF J. c. Sha6er. owner
OF the Chicago Evening Post. On
whose judgment Mr.. Taft said he
should place weight regarding cabi-
net aspirants from the vicinity Of
Chicago made It apparent that cabi-
net activities have begun.
From what Mr.. TAN said today u
is a fair Inference that he has % yet
decided on no one for the treasury
portfolio bu; tina; rs TO the other
places his ideas are decidedly more
definite.
On the trip from Panama NJ.
Taft made the FIRST draft Of bis
inaugural address. This he intends
10 submit to friends In Washingfoa
on his forthcoming visit there nett
week
engineers' Recon- Incomplete.
The inability OF the board OF civil
engineers to complete their report
OF the resolutions regarding whsf
their advice has been regarding ths
(Coutsnued on Thire Page.)