The times., 1898-08-19
ESTRADA PALMA SPEAKS
President of the Junta Outlines
the Cuban Policy.
SUMMONED BIZ Mr.. MCKINLEY
Leaders of the RevoIutionists Are
Holding an Important Conference
in the Capital, Preliminary to the
Work of N mmissiOn-How the
Island shall BE Governed.

The leaders of the Cuban Republic are
IN conference in Washington The result
of their deliberations may mean much TO
the Administration, since the Cuban prob
lem is perhaps the most perplexing Of all
the weighty questions resulting from the
war just ended.
II has been learned that Thomas Estra-
da Palma, President of the Cuban Junta,
came to the capital in response to sum
mons from President Mckinley. full
realization of the misunderstanding, dis
satisfaction and threatening attitude OF
the Cuban revoIutionists has doubtless in
fiuenced the President to seek aid from
the Cuban leaders. who understand their
people in measure and control them.
conferred with President Mckinley.
President Palma spent yesterday in con-
ference with Senor Gonzalo de Quesada,
the Cuban charge d'affaires and several
other Cubans of prominence.
It has been rumored at the Raleigh that
these Cuban leaders were chafing under
present conditions in the island and were
going to demand radical change in the
temporary American administration pend
ing the establishment of stable govern
meRt.
President Palma was very reticent
when questioned about this phase OF the
matter by q Times reporter last night
Y am not AZ liberty to say one word
as to this he said. '-The rumor VII
develop the truth within few days. and
,-fn a+
must remain Silent
Reported Dissatisfaction
When questioned concerning the re-
ported Dissatisfaction among the Cubans.
President Palma said:
"a portion OF the stores may be true.
and. ] realize that there is some dissat-
ssfaction among our people, bue it is
mainly due 10 a misunderstanding of the
existing situation.
lone thing / will deny. and that is the
report that the Cuban troops at Santiago
are inclined to an outbreak i have pri-
vate information that this is not true.
The troops are happy. contented. and or
derly. and are overjOyed al the return of
peace with liberty. 50 that they may re-
turn 10 their homes.
MANY of you Americans ask strange
questions about the proposed form Of
our future government and how We in
tend to establish a stable administration
over the island. In the first place, We
already have a government, and stable
one. 1t was established by popular vote
nearly two years ago. when President
Masso became head of the provisional
government Under our constitution
elections are held every two years. there
fore we win vote aga in December.
A Seat of Governments.
Yes, we have a capital, Gihara, and
have had il since July 25. Gihara is at
present under the protectOrate of Gen.
Gomez and Gen. Garcia. The city has
an already municipal government and ev-
erything is running in proper shape.
'.At the coming elections We VIII provide
a president, vice president. and cabinet,
with other officials, much after the pat
tern of the United States Government.
II is likely that President Masso will be
reelected. as he is a very able man and
exceedingly popular.
"Our constitution is very simple, and
uphoIds the superiority of democratic
principles. the defence Of the republic of
Cuba and the equality of all citizens OF
Cuba, without regard TO creed, color or
previous condition.
i would like TO say that We are entire
ly in harmony with the American Gov
ernmeat We appreciate the efforts be-
ing made in our behalf by the American
Government and in the name Of the whole
of free Cuba / thank The people of the
United States for their noble work and
interest.
All VIII Ge Well.
81 am satisfied that all viii come cut
smoothIy. am here endeavoring 10 pave
the way for the Cuban commission, so
that ali may be we'll when it begins its
work. No Cuban viii do aught TO hinder
American progress. Rather win they en-
deavor, and are endeavoring, to aid the
United States in establishing our gov
ernment and in restoring peace and pros
pedty."
WIFI. NOT pay THE CUBANS.