Kansas City journal. [volume] (Kansas City, Mo.) 1897-1928, 1899-03-29
THIS ~ THE OPINION OF CONGRESS-
MAN ". $. c0wHERD.
cUBANs WILL. SOON VOTE on IT
PEOPLE OF rnn ISLAND ARE MORE
THAN FRIENDLY TO AMERICANA.


Il believe that this government will
eventually annex Cuba, declared Congress-
man William 8. Cowherd. who has returned
from an extensive trip to Cuba and Florida.
He was a member of party consisting OF
Senator Tiilman. Of South Carolina; Rep
resentatives Latimer and Norton. OF South
Carolina: Connolly. of Illinois: Lewis. OF
Washington; Shafroth, of Colorado. and
Shovalter, of Pennsylvania. All Of the
members Of congress were accompanied by
their families. Mr.. Stsfroth. Of Colorado.
Is visiting Representative Cowherd at his
home in this city.
II believe that this government will
eventually annex the island Of Cuba" said
Mr.. Cowherd yesterday. II think that the
residents of Cuba will vote upon this Inn
portant question within . short time and
feel certain that the majority Of the resi-
dents Of this island are in favor Of annex
alton. I found no fault with the present
management of affairs of the island. In
fact. found that the people are more than
friendly in their feelings toward the Amer
leans. For instance while was in Havana,
1 went to market to purchase some fruit.
offered to buy what desired. but the
vendor Of the fruit, who was q Cuban,
turned to me and said: No, you Ameri-
cano; you freed Cuba, and won't let you
pay for anything I found this same feel
ing Of friendship all during my stay on
the island. heard no complaints against
the government, which has been set up
under the guiding spirit Of General Brooke.
the military governor Of the island.
Riots Are Inconse4aenttal.
Il think that the people will behave them
selves. notwithstanding the reports stating
that rioting has been frequent. It Is true
that there was a riot while We were there.
hut 80 r. a
not some of the members of our party read
about the trouble in the papers.
II saw several Kansas Cityans in Ha.
vana. Among them were Joseph Stiebei
who. l was told is there to secure CON-
tracts for sprinklinR the streets; Charles
ID. Axman. who was formerly with the
Golden Eagle clothing store. and several
persons from Kansas City in every city
and Columbia. s. c.; Jacksonville and
Tampa. Fla. and IN Havana. Our city is
well represented all over the world.
"h9u You. ask M me what l think Of the oppor.
It Is a great field. but. like all new coun-
tries. q man should have something with
him when he goes there"
the Denver district in congress, Is visiting
Mr. Cowherd. and will leave for his home
tonight; Mr.. shafroth diners from Mr.
the island of Cuba.
Il think that there is movement on
foot to induce the people Of the island to
vote upon the question of annexation" said
lieve that we win annex the island. We
should withdraw all of our troops at once
and should leave the government OF the
island to the people who live there. do
not think that they would have any trouble
II setting up . stable form Of government
OF course there would be some trouble
arising from the election of the officers
OF the new government. but do not think
that il would result seriously
Both Mr.. Cowherd and Mr.. Shafroth ex.
pressed the opinion that the Philippine
In my opinion" said Mr. Cowherd. I'VE
should have recognized the government
OF Agufnaldo and should have promised
itants OF that island. Had this been done
DO not think that We would have had the
present difficulty" NV