The age-herald., 1898-09-23
INTERVIEW
 WITH CAPOTE vCe-President of |nsurgent Re- public Ta|ksOf CubanAfaifs' SAYS INDIRECT RECOGNITION Was Accorded Patriot Govern- ment by McKinIey's Cabinet. CUBANS HAVE BEEN OBEDIENT And the Government as Now Organ ized Will Not Be Dissolved. UNITED STATES TOOK CONTROL Of the Province of Santiago and the h. surgent Republic Has Been Con-
 pletely Ignored = Custom
 Receipts of Santiago.
And the Government as Now Organ
 zed Will Not Be Dissolved.
UNITED STATES TOOK CONTROL

Santiago, September 22.-1:3O D. m.-By the courtesy of General Lawton the Associated Press correspondent was today afforded an opportunity to examine the report issued by Customs Collector Donaldson, covering the transaction of the customs house at Santiago during the period between July 16 and September 1. The sum of $10I.7 was collected from various sources and pay ments were made of $13,101 for sanitary and similar purposes, city police and municipal salaries, salaries of custom house officials and miscellaneous expenses.
 Collector Donaldson estimates the annual income of the province of Santiago at $2,- 15O,OO0. He makes strong plea for the assignment of revenue cutter for contin- uous employment in these waters in the protection of the revenue, the assistance Of vessels n distress, the enforcement of quar- antine s..uws and the protection of wrecked property.
 The report closes with a manifest of the numerous sources of public revenue. The sums authoritatively collected and duty ac- counted for would more than suffice to sup port in an adequate manner In administer ing the province even if the rates or as- sessroent were reduced in accordance With the impoverished condition of the island.
 Village of Santa Cruz
 Two hundred miles west ot Santiago IS the desolate fishing village or santa Cruz' Here the Cuban government mas estapilsh- ed headquarters, and during the past month has held sessions for the conduct of affairs of the several towns III com- nlete charge of the Cubans When the As- sociated Press corresdondent arrived at Santa Cruz two nights ago, he was con ducted into the office of V1ce-Freslueht Capote where, around the table, nghted only by a candle in bottle, the officials of the embryo government were engaged in writing orders and other documents. The reason for the change of the seat Of government from Camaguey is the faciii- tation of travel of the delegations.
 With reference to Cuban affairs Vice President Capote said to the correspond- ent: "When war between the United States and Spain was declared the govern ment decided unanimously to assist ana co.operate with Americans to secure the independence of Cuba. designating me to act as a special envoy to see President Mc- Kinley with regard to the best methods to make the cooperation most effective.
 .Though it was not noticed officially with the presidents 8 consent, saw several members of his cabinet and my efforts TOT the establishment of friendly relations re- suited faVorably. l had no dif1culty In ar ranging the necessary particulars. All thongh formal recognition of the Cuban government was not given me, neverthe- less the president and other officials real ized that the body of men which l repre- sented constituted the government In the minds of thousands of Cubans, and was the real official voice of thousands or men then under arms and practically all those who were in sympathy with the revolution.
 A St.hIe Governmeut
 "The result of this conference was that 1t was assured that the United States would cooperate directly with those at the head of affairs in Cuba for the attainment of the objects in view. This satisfied me, as felt assured that the Cubans fould receive the assistance of the Americans to sustain a stable government whether the Cuban gov ernment was recognized or not. When re- turned to Cuba I found that my compa- triots were perfectly willing to help in any way to carry out the policy which the United States set forth in the act of con- gress relative to the war. The Cubans un- der arms have been obedient to the Cuban government as constituted, and the govern ment has felt that it not only owes duty tc the army, but to the Cuban people who have upheld its supremacy and that it should not dissolve, now that the Ameri- can government has achieved a noble vio- tory without leaving to the army that for three years has been obedient to 1t, the property intrusted to 1t. The purpose of the government since peace has been prac- ticaily declared has been to settle the ques- tions as to the maintenanc of the army to give opportunity for all who desire to lay dt.wi their arms and seek work to resolve into proppr form the laws existing among the Cubans. In relation to the necessities arising under the somewhat peculiar cir eumstances as far as possible the Cuban people. through this government. are en- dsavor!ne to settle justly all the questions pertaIning to the relations between them and the Americans
 .The United States government has taken control of affairs in this province and Is. believe. conducting them i'm the right spirit My only fear Is that If the Cuban government, as it Is now consti- tuted. is left out of all consideras on. and if authority Is taken away from 1t, the Americans, by ignoring It's authority be- fore it's own people may. perhaps. find It