The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1898-09-14
A REPUBLIC OR ANNEXATION.
Question Upon Which Political Forces
Have Divided.

Havana. Sept. 13.-The presence of Rob-
ert r. 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 establish
ment of an American policy of guardian
! ship
Mr.. Porter is preparing a revision of the
Cuban tariff, which will probably be pro-
tective of Cuban industries, and is ac-
Quainting himself with every detail of
local taxation In this work he Is assist
ed by a capable staff. For the present
his efforts are only preliminary. as until
after the definite settlement of peace it
viii be impossible 10 establish the new
regime. But his efforts and inquiries,
taken together with the announcement
that the American troops Will be sent to
occupy the isIand-which had hitherto
been doubted by many-have had the eff
rect OF provoking protests froIa the more
rabid Cubans, who are holding meetings
ana adopting resolutions against en-
/ croachments upon our rights as citizens
of a free and Independent republic of
Cuba by the establishment of an Amer
: lean protectorate."
/ Commenting editorially today upon
{ these developments, La Lucha says: 1t
! II easy 10 foresee a clash between the
] two forces on the political horizon OF
! Cuba-the sentimental independent party
ana the party of practical anneXatiOniSts.
On one hand stands the Cuban sentiment
which has struggled for freedom for three
years; on the other is arrayed every ma
teriai interest in the island, which looks
first and foremost for the greatest and
strongest guarantee, not only that order
VIII be preserved. but that there will be
"a future. Development and increase in
those very interests 1t is too early yet
10 predlct with accuracy with whom the
victory will lie, but the leaders of the
Cuban party should not allow themselves
TO be carried away by the national eX-
altation and fiery temperament of their
race. They should proceed 10 act with
discretion at this juncture, for otherwise
an annexation may become an accom-
plished 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 re-
suit in time in ADDING to the ranks of the
cuban national party large proportion
OF those VINO now advocate annexation
ana in carrying with them the great land
ed Industrial interests of the island"
INDEPENDENCE OR ANNEXATION.
These two problems. Independence and
annexation. are the chief topics discussed
and the idea of an American protectorate
with military occupation is not favorably
considered. Every where it is recognized
that the choice is between independence
and anneXat ton.
Next month, at the headquarters of the
so-called Cuban republican government
at Cubitas, province of Puerto Principe
representatives. OF the different corps of
the Cuban army win proceed to presi-
Dental election and a definite constitu-
ton of the government Each army corps
Will send eight delegates, making a total
of As electors.
There are two separate and distinct
tendencies in the Cuban army, one strong
ly supporting the present government
and the other favoring General Maxine
Gomez. Already four presidential nomi-
nation 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 appear; on the third
are Jose Miguel Gomez and Pedro Betan-
court, and on the fourth Calixto Garcia
and Jose Miguel Gomez.
AT the camp of jose Miguel Gomez.
newspaper called La Nacional has been
published for some time. 1t is described !
as a strong advocate of peace and har- !
mony,' and carries with it the moral en- |
dorsement of General Maxine Gomez, |
who is known to favor the early disband- |
ing OF the Cuban troops and "a return to !
the arts of peace.
General Gomez is still encamped on the |
Narcissa estate at Yaguajay. Santa Clara /
province.
This afternoon the American and Span |
ism evacuation commissioners decided |
that for the present they would discuss
the more important points 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.