The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1898-11-26
THE future OF CUBl
MUST GET FREEDOM FIRST
An Interview with the Late vics Prssi-
dent OF ths cuban Rspubnc-causs
for Whieh cubans Fought Must
b Crowned With Success.

New York. Nov. 25.-A dispatch to
the Herald from Havana says: Do
mlngo Mendes capote. late vice presi-
TENT of the Cuban republic. and now
president Of the executive commission.
has expressed his belief that the flu
ture Of Cuba would inevitably be an
nexation to the United States.
This. he said. was the natural out
come OF recent events. b. he denied
that Cuban leaders have that aspira-
ton. The independence which so long
animated the Cuban people is to be
temporarily satisfied. They wish for a
short period at least to see their own
nag wave over free Cuba"
They recognise that annexation would
come. and that shortly and by the
unanimous voice Of the Cuban people
cause for which they had fought
crowned with the success 1t deserves.
The provisional government has
been dissolved" he said In reply to a
question. and the sole Cuban author
ity now existing IL the general assem-
bly, OF the army.
I'VE are now engaged in examining
records and Issuing formal commits
sions and certificates to the officers and
men. many of whom were without
these. inquiring into length of their
service and generally making the way
smooth for q speedy abandonment.
When the commission that has been
authorized to confer with the United
States returns. which I expect will be
in about 20 days time. the assembly
will again be called together for final
disposal of this matter.
THE object of this commission Is
two-fold. The first and most import
ant will be an endeavor to raise a yum
to pay of u wi troops either
wholly or in part. I may say the
United States government will be asked
to facilitate us In securing this de-
sired md. We will endeavor to obtain
sufficient to pay the army In full. II
that is impossible. we will distribute
the sun obtained pro rata and give a
note for the balance
: 1.-THE second object Of the commission
Is a political one about which the only
statement ! can make Is that IL Is to
obtain an explanation of the plans of
the United States government with a
view of hearty cooperation; ais to put
before the government the views Of Gu
ban leaders.
II may state emphatically the COM
mission has not been authorized to ac-
cede to I'M scheme Of annexation or
anything save our complete independ-
ence. The desire for independence has
never been stronger among the Cubans
thai at present. Our feelir~ In this re-
spect is mistaken and the country. 1
believe. Is with us. III a general Pile
biscite were taken to-day i believe IS
per cent of the people of Cuba would
vote for Independence.
AT the same time we recognize that
annexation to the United states Is In
evitable. We believe IL will come nat
urally. that II will be by the almost
unanimous wish OF the people n that
the time will not be long before this
wish is expressed. u we desire first
to see established hat for which we
have fought and for which so many of
our bravest and best have given their
lives-the republic OF Cuba.
1--WE believe the United States In go
ing to help us realize this wish. We
have faith that they are bona hde and
are willing to do everything In u
power TO carry out their views What
ever report to the contrary may be
circulated the b leaders are In
hearty accord with the United States
and are willing to do whatever may be
proposed by that government.
I'VE recognize our indebtedness to
the American people and are quite will
ing to leave u cause In their hands,
feeling sure that the course they will
adopt toward us will be that directed
by honor. justice N right"
Asked for his present view and told
of a rumor that he had stated at Glen
fuegos his opinion in favor of annexa-
ton. DIR. Capote said:
Nothing has occurred TO change my
sentiments in this matter. j have al
ways been and am now an advocate OF
complete independence. Any statement
to the opposite is an insult 10 my ca
reer with the Cuban revolution"
Great activity prevails at the Havana
arsenal. Eight llght-draught gunboats
used during the insurrection for pa
trolling the shores and the rivers. are
being drydocked. preparatory to send
ing them home or selling them. The Al
fonso Kill. the Nueva Espana and the
Diego Velasquez. now at different ports
of Cuba. will come to Havana TO await
here the coming of the auxiliary cruis-
ers Meteoro and Rapido. which will ar
rive Dec. 10.
the Rapido, and about Dec. Is the fleet
will proceed to Spain. Besides those
ships. the feet which will cross the At
antic at that time will comprise the
Condo de Venaditto. the Infanta Isabel,
the Marques de La Ensenada and these
torpedo boats: Marques de Molinas.
Martin Ysnez Pinxon, Alonzo Yanez
Pinzon and Filipinas.
The first stop will be made at Mar
Unique. where the ships will be coaled
and where honor will be paid by
the French to Columbus memory. The
same thing will be lone at the Cape
Verde Islands and the feet will then
proceed to Cadix as usual.
Probably Havana will be policed by
Cuban troops. collectively as an or
g~anixation OF the Cuban army or as
Individual members recruited into the
service OF the United States. Genera
Menocal has been approached in the
matter and asked whether on the de-
parture Of the Spaniards he would be
able to form . body Of men to preserve
order In the town. He has replied af-
irmatively and there the matter rests
At present.
In addition a scheme has been moot
ed to form a body Of mounted police
for service In the province. to be drawn
from he Cuban army. General Men