New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-12-06
SENTIMENT FOR ANNEXATION.
TONE OF TIL SPEC, HES AT COMMISSIONED
PORTER's DINNER ~ SANTIAGO.


PORTER's DINNER ~ SANTIAGO.
Santiago H. cuba Dec 5-Robert p Porter. the
Special Commissioner OF the United States to Cuba
and Porto Rico returned here Saturday from his
inspection % the mines. He gave farewell
luncheon al the Venus CAFE yesterday At when
twenty-five guests were present II included repre-
s.n,atives o. the Army and Navy the commercial
and mining industries. etc. Among those who par
took OF Mr. Porter's hospitality were General Ezra
T. Ey,rs the British and French Corsus. the Col
l.ctor OF Customs the captain OF the port the son
OF General Garcia and the general managers OF the
Iron companies. The arair vas not intended to be
anything more than a social gathering but all the
party made speeches. and although none OF the
speaker absolutely declared In favor OF annexation
Il was unquest lonably apparent tina, twenty-on OF
the guests were in favor OF the island being an
nexed 10 the United States
Major Bent representing the iron industries. mais
an eloquent speech regarding the future OF this part
OF the island and depicting the hardships that the
iron trade well all other branches Of business
had suffered during the last few years
Colonel Garcia thanked the United States for all
that had been done ,or Cuba since April and said
ne believed tina, Cuba would always show herself
grateful
Captain Mendoza responding on behalf Of the
Santiago Bar Association. declared that Cuba. free
annexed would never forget the duty she owed
to the United States.
Robert Mason. the British Consul who represent
ed large business Interests spoke In favor Of tho
continuance OF the present good government OF the
island hy the American officials
Mr. Porter refused to be drawn into any direct
statement on the subject Of annexation under dis
cussion but the enthusiasm with which every In
direct allusion 10 or the mention Of The word an
nexation greeted plainly showed the senti-
ment Of the party which practically represented
the feeling OF majority OF the public in regard 10
Pr .sidcnt M,Kiney and Queen Victoria
toasted and every alluson 10 the good feeling ex-
isung between the TWO countries evoked much en-
General Wood arrived at Guantanamo Saturday
evening on boar I'd the Hist. He mad long interview
mune Regiment He also had talk with General
perez v no on tho occasion Of General Woods last
v.si, had been appointed Mayor. General Perez
said that he fast disarming the cuban sol
gradually resuming it's normal condition. General
Wood gave instructions 20 Colonel RAY regarding
the work OF preparing two companies Of mounted
soldiers and ~ putting the men through course
~ cavalry drill prior 10 the arrival % horses and
accoutroments General Wood left here the
Hist fcr Caimanera. whence ne proceeded for
Gbara at midnight
nose OF interviewing the soldier Of the 9th Rest-
inent who. II is asserted is concerned I'm the san
Iuis outrage on close investigation. however.
there seemed be little evidence against the prs.
tner and unless more evidence Is forthcoming the
accused man will he released possibly will be
held until the result Of General Woods investiga-
ton is made known.
Mr. Porter received several impressions while
here which caused him 10 cable 10 Washington q
request that action be taken for the present
10 proposed changes and to-day answer
ceived that the matter would be held in abeyancs.
Antonio Celast to-day presented 70 the frst City
Council oil paintings Of Generals Gomez Maceo
and Garcia which were hung In prominent places
In the Council Chamber Mayor Bsccardi returned
thanks for the gift behalf ~ the Council.