The record-union., 1899-03-11
Major Butler, One Of tho Cuban
Evacuation Commissioners,
Replies TO an Inquiry as 10 the Status Of
Concessions to Americans.
Knows of None at Present Existing
and Does Not Believe Any Will
be Sanctioned, Unless It Is Made
to Appear That 1t Would be in
the Interest of the People Of the
Business and Prosperity.

Island and to Promote Their
Business and Prosperity.
NEW YORK, March 10.-Major Gem
erai NJ. c. Butler, one of the three Gu
ban Evacuation Commissioners, has
written letter to John C. Calhoun of
this city, in reply to an inquiry from
Mr.. Calhoun as to what would be the
status of Americans seeking trade con-
cessions in Cuba. General Buffers let
ter, which is dated at Washington,
March Sth, is as follows:
|. "All / know about concessions is that
amcng the last instructions sent to the
Evacuation Commissioners in Cuba
were directions to have every conces-
sion granted by the Spanish authorities
after the beginning of the protocol on
August 10Th cancelled or suspended.
We Immediately addressed a commune
cation to the Spanish commission and
General Castellanos, who succeeded
General Blanco as Captain General, in
forming them of the Presidents in
structions.
General Castellanos promptly issued
a decree carrying out the Presidents
called concessions.
IF others have come into existence
since the Evacuation Commission left
Havana on January eth last, have no
knowledge of them. l am inclined to
think, however, that they exist largely,
if not entirely, in the excitable imagi-
nations Of some persons who OCCASION
ally allow themselves to be dashed into
hi,
want of something better to do.
Il do know that the President and
the Secretary of War have set their
faces steadfastly against the granting
of any concessions by anybody or to
anybody until they can be thoroughly
examined and scrutinized by impartial
Tribunals. 1 have no idea that any
concessions in Cuba will be sanctioned
by the Administration unless it can be
made to appear that it would be in the
interest of the people of that island
and for the promotion of their BUSH
ness and prosperity Something will
have to be done to encourage the in
PRODUCTION of capital and business en-
terprise, if the marvellous richness OF
the island to be developed. No fears
need be entertained that capital, al
ways Giiiiu, 10 SOlliS " We uuLipcu iito
Cuba recklessly or Unfortunately.
Before it does, it must have the as
surance of protection and stability, and
think we are bound to do everything
possible to give that assurance Reso-
lutions by Congress won't do it, and the
best thing that could befalI the Cuban
people would be to have Congress
keep its hands off and leave the Presi-.
a. It'll
best promote their interests. If we may
judge by the past, he can safely be
trusted in their behalf.
You ask me about the Foraker
amendment to the sundry civil bill re-
Gently adopted by Congress With such
information as 1 have, l do not think
that such a provision of law was neces-
sary, and 1 am unable to forsee it's eff
feet, further than it may increase the
distrust already existing in the minds
of capitalists as to the advisability and
prudence of making investments in the
island. In one breath we are told that
the JTrdted States forces ought to ,be
withdrawn and leave the Cubans to
work out their own destiny and in the
next we have a proposition from Con-
gress showing a want of confidence in
their ability to take care of them
selves.
Every concession granted, if any
should be, must necessarily be subject
to the affirmation or revocation by any
future government permanently es-
tablished there, but whatever can be
done by the President, Secretary of
War or anybody else to encourage the
development of the resources of Cuba
and aid the people in getting on their
feet again, ought to be done and done
promptly. 1 have no right to speak for
the President and the Secretary of
War; but I must say without impro-
priety that they both realize the grav-
ity of the responsibility which rests
upon them.
An accurate knowledge of the meth
DDS of conducting matters in the island
justifies me in saying they may be
safely trusted to do nothing except
what will rebound to the best interests
of the people of Cuba. There may have
been and may hereafter be errors of
judgment.
'"rhe one thing needful in Cuba is the
introduction of American methods of
transacting business and an opening
made for American enterprise and cap
ltal, rel1ef from spanish mOnOpOIi2S
imposed for the benefit of the Spanish.
not the Cuban, people. and the Presi-
dent and the Secretary of War ought
not to be hampered in their efforts
along these lines.
Il shall rejoice to see the day when
the oppressed and impoverished people
Of Cuba are well advanced on the road
to prosperity and wealth. They will
adopt sound business methods, from
whatever source they may come. and
I believe will secure protection and
safety to all who may go. The Presi
dent, the Secretary of War and the
United States officials on that island
will aid in every proper way to sustain
them. OF this, am confident. you may
rest assured.
IF the sundry civil bill as amended
by the Foraker amendment is to have
the effect. which can scarcely believe,
of putting stop to the development of
the island during its military occupa-
ton by the United States forces, then
the military occupation will be a curse
instead of a benefit and the sooner It Is