The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-09-14
THEY ARE SUSPICIOUS
Rabid Cubans Object to Ameri-
can Guardianship.
PREPARING A NEW TARIFF
La Lucha Forsees a Clash Between the
New Republic and the United
States-Independerce or
Annexation.

Havana, Sept. 13.-The presence of
Robert p. Porter. who is in Havana
on a special commission from the
United States government TO study the
economy and financial aspects of the
situation, is regarded with suspicion by
the party of free Cuba as indicating
the establishment OF an American poll
icy of guardianship. Mr.. Porter is pre-
pairing revision of the Cuban tariff,
which will probably be protective of
CUBAN industries, and is acquainting
himself with every detail of local tax
alton. In this work he is assisted by
capable staff. For the present his eff
forts are only preliminary. as until
after the definite settlement of peace
1t viii be impossible to establish the
new regime.
But his efforts and inquiries, taken
together with the announcement that
The American troops will be sent later
to occupy the island-whoch had
hitherto been doubted by many-have
had the effect of provoking protests
from the more rabid Cubans who are
holding meetings and adopting resolu-
tons against "enCroachments upon our
rights as citizens of n free and inde-
pendent republic of Cuba by the es-
tablishment of an American protec-
torate"
Commenting editorially to-day upon
these developments. La Lucha says:
1t is easy to foresee a clash between
the two forces on the political horizon
of Cuba-the sentimental independent
party and the party of practical an
neNationists. on one hand stands the
cuban sentiment, 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 strong
est guarantee, not only that order will
be preserved, but that there will be a
future development and increase in
those very interests. 1tis too early yet
to predict, with accuracy, with whom
the victory lies, but the leaders of the
Cuban party should not allow them
selves to be carried away by the ma
tional exaltation and fiery tempera-
mont of their race. They should pro-
ceed to act with discretion at this juno
ture, for otherwise annexation may
become an accomplished fact far soon
er than is expected.
The leader should act with prudence
and furnish an example of strength and
stability. Such conduct in them may
result 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
AiAi bitdA ldlldth lAuuSllldl llAtItElS Oh
the island"
These two problems, independence
and annexation, are the chief topics
discussed, and the idea of an American
protectorate with military occupation
is now favorably considered. Every
where 1t is recognized that the choice
Is between independence and annexa-
tion. Next month, at the headquarters
Of the so-called Cuban republican gov
gInnpnt ('nhifag nrnN-ippa ~ n
Principe, representatives of the differ
ent corps of the Cuban army will pro-
ceed TO a presidential election and
definite constitution of the government
Each army corps will send eight dele
gates making a total of As electors
There are two separate and distinct
tendencies in the Cuban army, one
strongly supporting the government
and the other favoring General Maxine
Gomez. Already four presidential NOM
ination tickets are in the field. on the
first are the names of Bartolome Masso
for president and Mendez Capote for
vice president; on the second the names
Of Mendez Capote for the first place
and Jose Miguel Gomez and Pedro Be-
tancourt, and on the fourth Calixto
Garcia and Jose Miguel Gomez.
At the camp of Jose Miguel Gomez
a newspaper called La Naccional has
been published for some time. 1t is
described as strong advocate of
peace and harmony" and carries with
II the moral endorsement Of Gen. Max
imo Gomez. who is known to favor the
early disbanding of the Cuban troops
and a return to the arts of peace. Cen
eral Gomez is still encamped on the
Narcissa estate at Yaguajay, Santa
Clara province.
This afternoon the American and
Spanish evacuation commissioners de-
cided that for the present they would
discuss the more important points TO
come under their consideration by let
ter, and only meet in joint session later
to discuss details. Therefore no Joint
session will be held for some time.