Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1901-04-27
IT is SEEKING
INFORMATION
Business of the Cuban Constitu.
tionaI Convention Commits
sion in the u. S.
WANTS TO KNOW WHAT WE MEAN
Root and Others Explain the True In-
wardness of the Platt Scheme
BeIancourt Talks.

Washington. April 27.-The mem
bers of the Cuban commission called
on the president today to bid him
farewell. Senor Capote urged that
something be done at once toward re-
ciprocal trade relations for the BEN
eft of the Cubans. The president re-
piled that nothing could be done on
economic lines until political ques-
tions were settled; that it would be
necessary for the Cubans to form a
government before any negotiations
could be entered into.
He assured the delegation that as
seon rs the Cuban government was
formed he would appoint a commits
sion to consider economic relations.
Washington, April 27.-There was
another conference with the Cuban
commissioners at the war department
yesterday afternoon, lasting more than
three hours. At this sitting not only
the political relations of the United
States and Cuba were discussed, but
there was also much time devoted to
the economic questions, such as the
possibility of a reduction of the tar
iff on sugar and general reciprocity
arrangements between this country
and the island. This was regarded as
practically the last business confer
ence by the United States officials,
though it is quite probable that the
Cubans will desire further confer
cnce with Secretary Root i'll order to
have some points that have been dis
cussed further elucidated after they
have considered among themselves the
statements made to them by the sec
Tetary.
No statement, official or otherwise,
could be obtained from the delegation
as to the progress that was made dur
ing the conference, nor would the dele
gates go so far as to say they were
satisfied. While it is believed by the
United States officials who We're pres
ent at the conference yesterday that
everything that possibly could be eN-
planned by this government had been
gone into, vet if the Cubans desire 10
make further inquiries they will be
given the opportunity. 1t is believed
by the United States officials that a
very fair understanding has been
reached.
Did Not Come To Negotiate.
General Pedro +. Betancourt. one
of the most influential members of the
delegation, was seen by an Associated
Press reporter. and in response to the
inquiries made some interesting gen
eral statements as to the purposes Of
the visit and the impressions which
the delegates have obtained. 1t should
b understood said General Betan-
court, that we are here for the pur
pose of studying the entire question of
The relations between the United
States and Cuba. more particularly as
presented by the Platt amendment |
But il is a mistake TO think that we
have presented any proposition. We
are not clothed with any plenipOten- |
tiary powers, and cannot present plans |
which occur to us For that reason
1t is mistake to think that in the
discussions which have occurred there |
is anything like: You give lis this and !
we will give you that.
Simply Over Here for Information.
There is absolutely nothing of that
kind. On the contrary, the Platt |
amendment has been before the peO- |
pie of Cuba for some time, and there |
have been varying views as to tine |
meaning and construction of some of |
it's terms Now, we come here to Sc |
cure information from those best able |
10 give il. as TO the meaning of all |
these points. Thus far. l think l can |
say for myself and my associates that |
the discussion has produced an agree |
able impression upon us.
Belancourt then referred TO the din |
ner given in honor of the delegates by |
the president Thursday night. He
said: The dinner given us at the |
executive mansion last night afforded |
the delegates an opportunity to meet |
hot only the president and members of |
his cabinet. but many of your fore
most senators and public men in all /
walks of life. ] can assure you that |
the meeting produced upon us Il most |
favorable impression. We were re- |
ceived not only with courtesy and re-
gard. but even with affection. Your |
leading public men took occasion TO |
greet each 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 spirit of disinterestedness and of un- |
selfishness. and that their concern was |
chiefly as to the interests of Cuba. In /
so far as the interest of the United |
States naturally might be involved. |
the view was maintained that this was |
for the ultimate interest and benefit of |
Cuba. Such Il cordiality 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 character. as well as the /
splendid personal appearance of the |
distinguished men we thus had the /
honor to meet. also have contributed |
to the agreeable impression we have
obtained up 10 this time" DIR. Capote. |
president of the delegation, concurred |
in all of the foregoing