The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1898-09-14

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
protective of Cuban industries, and is
acquainting himself with every detail Of
local taxation. In this work he is as
sisted by capable staff. For the pres
ent his efforts are only preliminary, as
until after the definite settlement of
peace, it will be impossible to establish
the new regime; but his efforts and
inquiries taken together with the am
nOuncement that American troops viii
be sent later to occupy the island
which had hitherto been doubted lay
many-have had the effect of provoking
protests from the more rabid CubaIls
who are holding meetings and adopting
resolutions against 'encroaehment upon
our rights as citizens of the free and in
dependent Republic of Cuba and estab-
lishment of an American protectOrate.'
Commenting editorially to-day upon these
developments, La Lucha says
''It is easy to fOresee a clash between
the two tendencies, the two forces on
the political horizon of Cuba-the senti-
mental Independent party, and the party
o. practical anneXationists. On one
hand stands the Cuban sentiment, which
has struggled for freedom for three years;
on the other is arrayed every material
interest in the island, which looks first
and foremost for the greatest and strong
est guarantee, not only that order would
be preserved but that there win be a fu-
ture development and an increase in
those very interests.
1T is early yet to predict with which
party the victory will lie; but the leaders
of the national Cuban party should not
allow themselves to be carried away by
the natural eXaltation and fiery tempera-
ment of their race. They should proceed
with tact and discretion at this juncture;
for, otherwise, annexation may become
an accomplished 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 result in time in adding to the
ranks of the Cuban national party Il
large portion of those who now advocate
annexation and in carrying with them
the great landed and industrial interests
of the island"
These two problems, independence AMI
annexation, are the chief topics discuss
ed, and the idea of an American prOtec-
torate, with military occupation, is no.
where favoraby considered. Every
where it is recognized that the choice is
between independence and annexation.
Next month, at the headquarters of
the so-called Cuban Republican Govern-
ment at Cubitas, province of Puerto
Principe, representatives of the different
corps of the Cuban army will proceed to
a Presidential election and a definite con-
stitution of the Government.
Each army corps will send eight dele
gates, making a total of 4S electors.
There are two separate and distinct ten
denotes in the Cuban army, one strong
ly supporting the present Government
and the other favoring General MaximO
Gomez.
Already four Presidential nomination
tickets are in the field. On the first are
the names of Bartoome Masso for
Presidents; on the second the names of
Mendez CapOte for the first place and
Jose Miguel Gomez for the second; on
the third are Jose Miguel Gomez and
Pedro Betancourt; and on the fourth
CaliXto Garcia and Jose Miguel Gomez.
At the camp of Jose Miguel Gomez Il
newspaper called La Nacion has been
published for some time 1t is described
as a strong advocate Of peace and hay-
mony," and carries with it the moral
of General Maximo Gomez.
who is know to favor the early disband-
ing of the Cuban troops and a return to
the arts of peace.
This afternoon the American and
Spanish evacuation commissioners de-
cided that. for the present, they would
discuss the more important points TO
come under their consideration bv letter
and only meet in joint session later to
discuss details. Therefore, no joint ses-
sions will be held for some time.