Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-09-14
PARTY OF FREE CUBA,
ills Protesting Against American
i" "EncrOachnlent" r"
INDEPENDENCE OR ANNEXATION.
Everywhere Il Is Recognized That
Choice Is Between These Two.
CUBAN PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION.
Ii is to BE Held Next Month and
Already There Are Four Tickets In
the FieId-R. II. Porter Studying
Cuban Finances.
Cuban Finances.

HABANA, September 13.-The presence
OF Robert p Porter who is in Habana
on a special commission from the United
States Government 70 study the financial
and economic aspects of the situation, is
regarded with suspicion by the party OF
Free Cuba, as indicating the establish
ment of an American policy Of guardian
shin
Mr.. Porter is preparing revision OF
the Cuban tariff. which will probably be
protective of Cuban industries, and Is
acauainting himself with every detail
of local taxation.
In this work he is assisted by capa-
BILE STAFF. For the present his efforts are
only preliminary, as, until after the de-
finite settlement of peace IL will be impos-
sible to establish the new regime. But
his efforts and inquiries, taken together
with the announcement that American
troops will be sent later TO occupy the
island-which had hitherto been doubted
by many-have had the effect of pro-
voking protests from the more rabid Gu
bans, who are holding meetings and
adopting resolutions against "encroach-
ment upon our rights as citizens of the
free and Independent republic Of Cuba
by the establishment Of an American
protectorate."
CLASH BETWEEN TENDENCIES.
Commenting editorially to-day upon
these developments, La Lucha says: 1t
Is easy to foresee a clash between the
two tendencies; the two forces on the
political horizon of Cuba-the sentimental
independent party, and the party of prac-
tical annexationists. On one hand stands
the Cuba sentiGlent, 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 an 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 tempera-
ment of their race. They should pro-
ceed with tact and discretion at this june
ture; for, otherwise annexation may be-
come an accomplished fact far sooner
than is expected. The leaders should act
with prudence, and furnish an example
of strength and stability. Such conduct
in them may result in time in adding 10
the ranks of the Cuban national party a
large proportion of those who now ad-
vocate annexation, and In carrying with
them the great landed and industrial in
terests of the island"
INDEPENDENCE OR ANNEXATION.
These two problems, independence and
annexation, are the chief topics discuss
ed and the idea of an American protec-
torate with military occupation, is now
here favorably considered. Everywhere
it is recognized that the choice is between
independence and annexation.
Next month, at the headquarters OF the
so-called Cuban Republican Government
at Cubtas, Province Of Puerto Principe
representatives of the different corps of
the Cuban army will proceed to presi-
dental election, and a definite constitu-
ton of the government Each army corps
will send eight delegates, making a total
Of forty-eight electors. There are two
separate and distinct tendencies in the
Cuban army-one strongly supporting the
present government, and the other favor
ing General Maxine Gomez. Already four
presidential nomination tickets are in the
field. On the first are the names Of Bar
tolome 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 for the Sc
cond: on the third are Jose Miguel Gomez
and Pedro Betancourt, and on the fourth
Calxto Garcia and Jose Miguel Gomez.
GOMEZ FOR HARMONY.
At the camp of Jose Miguel Gomez
newspaper called La Nacon has been
published for some time. It"is described
az a strong advocate OF peace and har-
mony." and carries with ii the moral en-
dorsement of General Maxine Gomez
who is known to favor the early dis
banding of the Cuban troops and a returG
TO the arts of peace.
General Gomez is still encamped at
Narcisa estate. at Yaguaja, Santa Clara
province.
This afternoon, the American ard Span
ish evacuation commissioners decided
that. for the present. they would discuss
the more important point to come under
their consideration by letter, and only
meet in Joint session later to discuss de-
tails Therefore, no joint sessions will be
held for some time.
CUBANS FOR INDEPENDENCE.
$40 p. M-Several weli-known Cubans
arrived here on Saturday. by the Mas
cotte ostensibly as delegates commits
stoned by the Cuban Junta to facilitate
the work Of disbanding the Cuban troops.
There is reliable authority, however. for
tho statement that they are really com
,nissioned 10 agitate the question of Gu
nan independence. On Sunday night they
were present at a meeting held at the
residence of one of the most arstocratic
families of Cuba. and the question of in
derendence was then discussed at length.
senior BENJAMIN Guerra. Treasurer OF
,he Cuban Junta. who arrived here on the
Yacht Alfredo on Sunday. but was not
allowed 10 land, was to-day permitted
60 90 ashore to see his mother.
INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
LAUNCHED.
FL Noticeire. an evening paper. says
thai last night. at a fashionable mansion
on Armargura street, there was an i'm
--.,a,t gathering 10 discuss the future