Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1909-11-08
ORTO RICO viii soon have
another American governor,
Colonel George r.. Cotton. He
xvfll sucreed Covqrnor Regis

dlOlffT american BpNtiAlbif
Colonel George r. Cotton. He
win succeed Governor Regis
H. Post. recently resigned on account
Of the III health Of Mrs. Post. Nov.
Colonel Colton's appointment was
made by the president while the latter
was at Beverly. Mass. and is the presi-
dents first Porto Rican selection.
The appontee is OF New England
parentage. but he is credited TO the
District OF Columbia He was a busi-
ness man at the national capital when
he was selected by President Roose-
welt for the Office OF chief collector Of
Santo Domingo customs. In that ca
pacity he familiarized himself with
conditions, and this incidentally led
him 10 know something of conditions
In Porto Rico. He understands and
speaks Spanish and knows the char
acter of the people whose affairs he Is
shortly 10 administer one of the
things which specially commended
Colonel Cotton 20 the president was
his revision OF the cumbersome Span
ish regulations in regard 70 port af-
fairs at the time when Mr.. Tart was
governor Of the Philippines.
When matters in Santo Domingo were
properly adjusted and running smooth
IN Colonel Cotton was sent 20 tho Phil
ippines on the recommendation OF Sec
rotary Taft as insular collector. lie
gave general supervision 20 the fiscal
affairs of the islands and drafted the
Philippine tariff bin which was passed
by the senate and approved on tho
same day as the Payne bill. He Is also
responsible for the government in
spection and guaranteeing Of Filipino
cigars.
Colonel Cotton has had an interesting
as well as a busy life. After leaving
college he went TO Texas and remained
there for awhile. looking over the
state and taking a vacation az the
same time. He acquired fondness
for western life ana a part Of his va
cation money went for the purchase Of
"a cowboys outht and he Joined a
drive" Of cattle bound for New Mexi-
co and remained ln the southwest for
four years lie returned 10 his home
IN the cast, but hts stay was brief Ho
went out to Nebraska and engaged ga
banking Ito was manager Of the CON
Germ that DC organized and remained
with Il Tor a dozen years While thus
Engaged he Joined the First Nebraska
regiment composed of the most ener-
settle young mon 80 the state. While
Dewey Was waiting for troops % take
possession of Manila tho First Nc
oraska responded ana was the first 20
STRIVE on the scene. ln one of the att
sacks on the troops Colonel Cotton led
bis regiment I'm person. and, although
,ho enemy outnumbcrod the Nebras-
kans three 20 one. the spauiards were
h. driven back with loss OF 400
Colonel Cotton Is the grandson OF
Chaunccy > Cotton. builder of INC
chicago, burlington aud quincy rail-
road. The railroad builder was noted
Tor his hrmness and strong character
lsiics, ana the grandson resembles him
in these traits.
COLONEL Cotton was home from tht
Fhllppines on leave of absence whcr
no was rendered the appointment ol
softfhor ol Porto Rico by president
tart Tho president has great con,
ndenoe Ia Colonel Cotton ana ok
pressed the opinion that ho had al,
necessary qualifications for Fovernin,
the people and convincing thcm III a,
earnest desire for their welfare Whei
Colonel Cotton was IN Santo booming,
ne gained the confidence Of Prosiden
Morales and his cabinet.