The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-04-27
DR. BETANCOVRT TELLS THE ASSO-
CJATED PRESS THE OBJECT
OF THEIR VISIT
HAVE NO POWERS TO TREAT
SENT TO WASHINGTON TO FIND
THE EXACT STAND TAKEN BY
THE AUTRORITIES
TO TALK 70 SECRETARY ROOT
Mckinley viii Not See the Dele
gates From Cuba's Constitutional
Convention Again Except
tc Say Goodbye.

WASHINGTON, April 26-Gen. Pedro
Y. Betancourt. one of the most infiuen-
tial members of the delegation, was seen
by an Associated Press reporter today,
and, in response to the inquiries, made
some interesting general statements as
to the purposes of the visit and the i'm
pressions which the delegates have OBJ
tanned.
1T should be understood" said Gen.
Betancourt, that We are here for the
purpose Of studying the entire quest on
of the relations between the United
States and Cuba, more particularly AS
presented by the Platt amendment. But
1t Is a mistake to think that we have
presented any proposition, or that there
IS anything thus far beyond an effort 70
learn the views entertained by the au-
thoritieS here on the many points in
VOWED, and at the same time to convey
to them the views held by the conven-
tion which We are here 10 represent. We
are not clothed with any plenipOtentiary
powers and cannot present plans which
occur TO US. For that reason it is a
mistake TO think that in the discussions
which have occurred there is anything
like you give us this and we win give
You that
HERE FOR INFORMATION.
There is absolutely nothing of that
kind. On the contrary. the PIatt amend
ment has been before the people of Cuba
some time and there have been varying
views as to the meaning and construction
mere to secure information from those
best able TO give it, as to the meaning
OF all these points. Thus far I think I
can say for myself and my associates
that the discussion has produced an
agreeable impression upon US. 1t has
shown very earnest effort on both
sides to deal with the subject in such
spirit of fairness and honor as would
reach conclusion satisfactory to all con-
cerned.
The dinner given US at the executive
Ia nj oh a dad ha dela
an opportunity to meet not only the pres
ident and members OF his cabinet h'tt
n2any Of your foremost senators and pub
lie men in all walks of life | can as
sure you that the meeting produced upon
Us a most favorable impression We were
teceived not only with courtesy and re-
ard, bat even with affection. Your lead
9Gg public men took occasion to pr ct
ach one OF US with assurances of deep
friendly and personal interest in the
maintenance OF the most cordial relations
between Cuba and the United States 1t
was made plain to us that your public
men approached this subject in q snrit
Of GiSinterestednesS and of unselishness
and that their concern was chiefly as
to the interests of Cuba
IS FAVORABLY IMPRESSED.
In so Tar as the interest of the INT
States naturally might be involved the
view was maintained that this was for
the ultimate interest and benefit Of Cuba.
Sueh cordIahty OF greeting and such
assurances from men of this character
and standing could not but produce a
deep impression upon US. The dignity,
intellectually and the strength OF char
acter. as we'll as the splendid personal
anpearance of the distinguished men we
thus had the honor to meet also. have
Contributed to the agreeable impression
We have obtained up to this time
AS to the details of our further DIS
cussion. the members of the delegation
DO not feel at liberty now to go into
particulars, although. as I have said. the
purpose is chiefly to secure and to give
information. and then to go back ard
report to the constitutional convention
as to the views held here. and as to how
the views in Cuba are received among
the responsible authorities here. AL
on his Western trip. vet he has asked
US - confer fully with Secretary Root
who has a most thorough knowledge and
appreciation of the various nCints IN
VOWED. For that reason it does not seem
essential that our discussions shall be
hurried to close within today and to-
morrow. and it NAV be that thew will
be prolonged beyond the time of the de
part'Te of the president. We have been
assured that there is an earnest desire
10 have US remain until there is the most
cona0iete understanding On the very last
point to doubt"
Gen Betancourt added an expression =
aprrcciatiOn for the courtesy shown the
frlCeation hv the public and the press Of
tAe United States. as well as by the Of
Gals. At the close OF the interview, Cen
Retancourt presented Dr. Capote. 81
cent Of the deleeation arh in7icatei to
rim tie een-ral lines of the foregoing cor
Versat'on. which was fully approved by
DIR. Capote.
CABINET TALKED CUBA
The cabinet meeting teday. The last
before the presidents departure for the
Pacific Coast. was occupied almost Ak
clusivclv with the discussion Of the visit
OF the Cuban committee. Secretary Ront
who has been conducting the conferences
with the committee, submitted to the
president an exhaustive account of the
interviews he had had with them He tCld
tie president and the cabinet the obiec-
tons which the commissioners raised
against the PIatt amendment and SOM.
n1is1nderst standings regarding it under
which they secmed to be labGrinc. There
Is 81 neral opinion among the cann
me- bers regarding the situation AMI n
light of the views expressed Sccretq~v
Rect Will hold another conference with
the commissioners upon their departllre
Fhc preside mt will not see them again.
eycept to formally bid them farewell
While there are one or two points upon
which some Of the members Of the com.
mittee are inSistent the general feelIoc
of the cabinet as reflected in their ex,
change of views today was that the 70
suit of the commissions visit could n I
be but extremely beneficial in remoyin.
erronoas impressions, which it is sa;d
are entertained in the constitutional ~.
vention regarding the purposes oil the
United States. Altogether it would r. :
be too much to say that the cabinet gen
orally are hopeful that the convention af-
ter hearing the report of the commission.
VIII be much more disposed to accept our
terms than they have been heretofore