The Mena star., 1898-08-24
CONSIDER CUBAN PLANS.
The Government Trying to Work
Out Satisfactorily the Problem
in Regard to Cuba.
THE CUBAN MILITARY COMMISSION,
Admiral Sampson aud Gen. Butler Confer
with Assistant Secretary More as &c
Their Work-Bids Opened for War Yes
sels-The Peace Commission-Hawaiia
Postal System-OId Glory Raised.


Washin gton, Aug. 23.-The confer
ences between the Cuban representa-
tives in this country and the officials
of the United States government,
which have been in progress for the
past few days, are having valuable
effect, it is said, upon clearing away
the clouds of uncertainty which have
been hanging over the Cuban
problem. The meetings have re-
suited in acquainting both sides
with the views of the other, and
paving the way to a mutual concilia-
ton of differences. There is under
stood to be very strong sentiment
entertained by the United States au-
thorities in favor of making the renun-
citation of allegiance to Spain first
requisite to citizenship in Cuba, so far
as having any voice or share either in
the temporary administration of the
islands affairs which will follow the
evacuation by the Spanish troops
or the government which will fol-
low. The internal affairs under the
expected protectorate WILL it is
believed, be managed by the Gu
bans themselves so far as the
municipal affairs of towns and cities
are concerned. One programme said
to be under serious consideration
in the latter connection embraces the
calling of assemblies of citizens after
the oath of Remuneration of allegiance
to Spain is taken in the various towns
and cities at which the MAYORS aad
councils win be selected, the general
direction of the government of the
island being placed in the hands of
central power representing the United
States, either in the person of gov
ernor or in the shape of a commission
The Cuban Military Commission.
Washington, Aug, 23.-Admiral
Sampson and Maj. Gen. Butler two of
the members of the Cuban military
commission, held an extended confer
ence to-day with Assistant Secretary
of State Moore, Gen. Wade the other
member of the commission, has not
yet arrived. The purpose of the con-
ference was to talk over the general
features of the forthcoming work of
the commission. The final instruc-
tions will be completed in about two
days and will be given to the commits
sion in strict confidence for their per-
sonal guidance. The Cuban commits
sion will sail on September 5, accord
ing to present calculations, on
the New York, Admiral Samp-
sons flagship, If she can be made
ready in time. Gen. Butler
will ha aoo,,,,, ,0ar;aJ ~ +xr,o o;1e on4
it is probable that Gen. Wade. chair
man of the commission, will have
three. Admiral Sampson says that
the mines will be removed from
Havana harbor before the commission
enters 1t is not known whether the
United States will insist also that
MORO castle be put under its control,
but at all events the New York will
not be subjected to any disaster SINH
lar TO that of the Maine.
Bids Opened for War Vessels
Washington, Aug 29.-The navy de-
partment opened bids at noon to-day
for 16 torpedo boat destroyers and 10
torpedo boats to cost in the aggregate
not to exceed SIG, 900, 900, as provided
in the last naval appropriation act
These oS destroyers and torpedo boats
constitute the largest single addition
ever made to the navy. The destroy
ers are to be completed within Is
months and the torpedo boats within
II months. According to the require
ments of the department the Destroy
ers are to have a guaranteed speed of
2S knots and the torpedo boats 26
knots. The destroyers are to be about
400 tons and are to cost not more than
$295, 900 each, viii le the torpedo boats
are to be about $50 tons and to cost not
more than $4,000 each These de-
strovers will be the first vessels of that
type added to our navy, except those
improvised from yachts during the re-
cent war emergency.
The Personnel of the Peace Commission.
Washington, Aug. 23.-It is under
stood that the president will be ready
to announce the personnel of the peace
commission before the close of the
present week and possibly within a
day or two. The members definitely
decided upon are believed to be Sec
rotary Day, Senator Davis. of Mime
sofa; Senator Frye, of Maine, and
probably Mr. Justice White, of the
United States supreme court
Hawaiian Postal system.
Washington, Aug. %. The postal
system now in operation in the Ha-
waiian islands will be retained pend
ing the recommendations of the Ha-
waiian commission, which has just
begun its labors there. This announce
ment was made to-day by Postmaster