The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-26
GREETED BY MIR. M'KINLEY
The Cuban Commission Received
by the President.
Insuiar Matters Lightly Touched
Upon - Secretary Root Assumes
Charge of the NeEotiations-EN-
planning the PIatt Amendment.


The Cuban commissioners made the
acquaintance of the President yester-
day, but did not discuss with him the
matters affecting the relations between
the United States and Cuba which
have brought them to Washington
Their presentation at the White House
yesterday was very formal, and their
reception was accompanied with consid-
cradle ceremony, which tended to inn
press the delegation with their own inn
portance and dignity.
While the reception rendered them by
the President was very cordial, and
such as to inspire very kindly feeling
for the President among the Cubans, it
was nevertheless very diplomatic, At
the audience with the President, which
occurred in the Blue Parlor and lasted
for about half an hour. there was little
said other than an exchange of friendly
greetings and courtesies. The Cubans
did not attempt to discuss the purpose
of their visit TO Washington, and it is
probable that they will have very little
opportunity to enter extensively into a
consideration of Cuban affairs with the
President before his departure for the
West. In fact. but two mole working
days remain before he leaves, and all
of his time will be occupied in winding
up matters which are pressing for his
attention before he leaves.
The President has. however, very
largely delegated the matter of treating
with the commission to Secretary Root
and authorized the Secretary of War to
explain his position to them, and make
it plain that it is impossible for him to
annul or modify the terms of the Piatt
amendment. which is law passed by
Congress. General Wood has gone over
the Cuban situation in all its various
phases with Secretary Root, so that he
is thoroughly informed as to the best
method Of treating with the Cubans.
Both have conferred with the President,
and he is satisfied to leave the matter
largely in the hands of the Secretary of
War
Consequently With the exception of
the more or less Informal talk which
was had at the dinner at the White
House last night, Secretary Root will
be left TO state the purposes and inten-
tions of this Government to the COM
mission and to send them home salts
fed that the adoption of the provisions
OF the Platt amendment is the best
course TO be pursued. There is no ques-
tion. however. but that the cordial man
ner with which the President has re-
ceived the commission and the cour-
tesies which have been shown them
have gone long ways toward placing
the delegation in a very amiable mood.
The members started out upon their
mission yesterday morning by calling
upon the Secretary of War. They drove
to the department at IL o'clock, and
Were presented to Secretary Root. After
a half hours talk with him, at which
General Wood and Assistant Secretary
Sanger were present, they drove to the
White House. where the President was
waiting to receive them.
Secretary Root, Assistant Secretary |
Sanger, ard General Wood preceded |
them. The delegates were accompanied |
by Capt. Sawtelle and Lieutenant Over
ton, in uniform, representing the army. |
They were escorted TO the Blue Parlor,
where they were received by the Pres
dent General Wood introduced the |
several members of the delegation.
Sencr Tamayo. the chairman Of the
acted as spokesman for the
He addressed the Presi-
lent. speaking through the Interpreter
senior Entenza. His remarks were for
nal in character. expressing the pleas
Ire OF himself and his associates in |
having the honor of an audience with
The President and briefly referring to
he coed offices which the United States
las extended to Cuba. The President
'eplied by extending a cordial welcome
% the visitors. and giving them the as
'urance of his kindest interest toward
he people of the island. His remarks
yere repeated in Spanish by Senor En-
enza. Senior Capote, the President of
he Cuban Constitutional Convention,
ramayo, referring to the ties of friend
hip which bind together the people of
he United States and Cuba.
The President congratulated the
members of the delegation upon being
members Of the Constitutional Conven-
ion. stating that il was a high honor.
md one which fell to but few men to
ave the opportunity of framing the
fundamental law OF republic. He said
hat the welfare of Cuba would always
,e matter of utmost interest to the
United States, and assured the commits
ion that the Secretary of War would
xtend TO them every possible consider
tion, and having intimate knowledge
( the Cuban situation would treat with
hem further as his representative.
The delegation left with a favorable
impression of the Presiden' and what
ie had said TO them. They remained
s heretofore, reticent upon all matters .
ertainsng to their conference with the ,
ricials and as to their purposes while {
4 Washington. Later in the afternoon
hey went again to the War Depart S
1ent and conferred with Secretary
loot 7
At o'clock in the afternoon the con-
erence began at the War Department. :
lose present being the members Of the
and their interpreter. Cen '
raj Wood and his secretary, Secretary I
DOT, Assistant Secretary Sanger. and q
aptain Sawtelle and Lieutenant Over
IN. The conference being secret, the !
embers Of the commission and the Of
,ials all refused to say anything about c
1t can be stated, however, that alb C
'lutely nothing but the clauses of the 4