Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-09-14
FRICTION ARISES.
Cubans Already Oppose an
American Protectorate.
Commissioner Potter's Financial En-
quiries Also Arouse Storm.
Wrath Increases ii Thoughts Of American
Troops Occupying island.

Mr.. Robert p. Porter. who Is In Ha-
vana on special commission from the
United States government to study the
financial and economic aspects OF the
situation, is regarded with suspicion
by the party Of Free Cuba, as indica-
ting the establishment Of an American
policy of guardianship.
Mr.. Porter is preparing revision OF
the Cuban tariff. which will probably
by protective OF Cuban industries and
is acquainting himself with every de-
tail of local taxation. In this work he
is assisted by a capable staff. For the
present his efforts are only preliminary
as. until after the definite settlement OF
peace it will be impossible to establish
the new regime.
together with the announcement that
American troops will be later sent to
occupy the island. which has hitherto
been doubted by many. have had the
effect of provoking protests from the
more rabid Cubans. who are holding
meetings and adopting resolutions
against encroachment upon our rights
as citizens of the free and independent
republic of Cuba by the establishment
of an American protectorate.
Commenting editorially. today. upon
these developments, La Lucia says:
1T is easy to foresee clash between
the two tendencies, the two forces on
the political horizon of Cuba, the senti-
mental independent party and the
party Of practical annexatiOnists.
ION one hand stands the Cuban senti-'
ment which has struggled for freedom for
three years: on the other is arrayed every
material interest in the island. which
looks first and foremost for the greatest
and strongest guarantee. not only that
order will be preserved. but that there
will be future development and increase
in these very interests.
"It is too early yet to predict with
which party the victory will lie. but the
leaders of the national Cuban party
should not allow themselves to be carried
away by the natural exaltation and fiery
temperament of their race. They should
proceed with tact and discretion at this
juncture, for otherwise annexation may
become an accomplished fact far sooner
than is expected.
1.-The leaders should act with prudence
and furnish an example Of strength and
s..n hilifC Shrrh i'm hon mn ra-i
suit in time in adding to the ranks of the
Cuban National party a large proportion
of those who now advocate annexation
and in carrying with them the great land
ed and Industrial interests of the island"
These two problems. independence and
annexation. are the chief topics discussed.
and the idea of an American protectorate.
with military occupation, is nowhere
favorably considered. Everywhere it is
recognized that the choice is between in
dependence and annexation.
Next month. at the headquarters of the
so-called Cuban Republican government
at Cubitas. province of Puerto Principe,
representatives Of the different corps of
the Cu'oan army will proceed to Parlia-
ment election and a definite constitution
of the government.
Each army corps will send eight dele
gates. making total of As electors. There
are two separate and distinct tendencies
in the Cuban army, one strongly support
ing the present government and the other
favorfng Gen. Maxine Gomez
Already four Presidential nomina ton
tickets are in the field. On the first are
the names of Bartolome Masso for presi-
dent and Mendez Capote for vice presi-