The Guthrie daily leader. [volume] (Guthrie, Okla.) 1893-1996, 1898-09-14
WHICH?
ANNEXATION OR IN0E-
PtNOEkCE.
AT PRESENT THAT QUES-
TION is PARAMOUNT.
REPORT SHOWING CUBAN
CONDITION.

Havana. Sept, 1S-The presence OIL
Robert d. Porter who is In Havana on
a special commission from the United
States government to study the econ
omy and financial aspects OF the situ-
alton. Is regarded with suspicion by
the party of free Cuba, as indicating
the establishment OF an American pol
icy of guardianship.
Mr.. Porter Is preparing revision of
the Cuban tariff, which Will probably
be protective of Cuban industries. and
IL acquainting himself with every de-
tail of local taxation. In this work he Is
assisted by a capable stan. For the
present his efforts are only preliminary
as. until after the definite settlement
of peace. It viii be impossible to estab-
lish the new regime.
But his efforts and inquiries taken
together with the announcement that
the American troops viii be sent later
TO occupy the island which had hlther-
TO oeen doubted by many. have had
the effect Of provoking protests from
the more rabid Cubans. who are hold
ing meetings and adopting resolutions
against "encroachments upon our
rights as citizens OF a free and inde-
pendent republic OF Cuba. by the es-
tablIshment OF an American protecto~
rate"
Commenting editorially today upon
these developments, La Jucha says:
1t is easy to foresee clash between
the two forces on the Official horizon
Of Cuba-the sentimental independent
party and the party OF practical annex
ationists on one hand stands the Gu
ban sentiment, which has struggled
for freedom for three years; on the 9TH
er is arrayed every material interest
in the island. which looks lrst and
foremost for the greatest and stron-
gest guarantee, not only that order
will be preserved. but that there will
be a future development aud increase
in those very interests. 1t Is too early
yet 10 predict with accuracy with
whom the victory win lie, but the lead
ers OF the Cuban party should not al
low themselves to be carried away
Temperament OF their race. They shonld
proceed with tact and discretion al
this tuncture, for otherwise annexa.
tion may become an accomplished
/ fact far sooner than Is expected. The
leaders should act with prudence anc
furnish an example OF strength ant
stability. Such conduct in them may
result In time in adding TO the ranks
OF the Cuban national party a larg'
proportion o. those who now advocat'
annexation, and carrying with then
the great landed industrial interests 0
the world.
These two problems. independenc
and annexation, are the chief topic
and the idea Of an American prOtec
torate with military occupation. l
now here favorably considered. Every
It is recognized that the choice is be
| tween ln1cIruutNSe dha hAhNeeAbN@s
Next month, at the headquarters Q
the so-called Cuban republican govern
ment, at Cubitas. province OF Puert
Principe, Representatives OF the differ
ent corps Of the Cuban army win pre-
ceed to presidential election and a def
rite constitution OF the government
Each army corps win send eight dele
cations making a total OF forty eigt
electors.
There are two separate and distin'
tendencies In the Cuban army, one FAY
oring General Maxine Gomez. Alread
four presidential nomination ticks
: are in the field.
On the first are the names OF Bart
lone Masso for president and Mend
Capote for vice president; on the BE
/ ond the names of Mendez Capote &
, the first place and Jose Miguss