New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-06-24
MYTHICAL CUBAN BONDS.
NO TRACE OF DISPOSITION OF MORE
THAN Sl22 400 WORTH OF
SECURITIES
[BY TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE


! Washington, June 23-The lively and inter
esting controversy that has arisen with ref
| erence TO the bonds issued by the Revolutionary
| Government of Cuba and the attempt to saddle
upon the new government of free Cuba an
! enormous debt for bogus bonds, as we'll as for
| legitimate issues alleged 10 be outstanding,
! draw timely attention to what appears TO be
the only reliable information on this subject
sworn statements by authorized Cuban officials
obtained by the Senate Committee on Foreign
Relations.
An Havana newspaper. according TO a dispatch
in The Tribune to-day. asserts that "a cloud
hangs over the whole issue of Cuban bonds"
and that there is something mysterious about
| the whole business" and that "the republic can
, not accept a debt of millions while entirely
ignorant OF the purpose of the issue
The only mystery" which the Senate Commit
tee on Foreign Relations seemed unable to solve
was that Of the mythica! SiUl 600 900 Of Cuban
bonds. to validate which by the recognition of
the independence of Cuba, il was alleged in
the United States House Of Representatives.
there was "a great conspiracy The Senate
Committee on Foreign Relations called before it
the treasurer OF the Cuban delegation Ben
jaInin ]. Guerra native of Cuba, but who for
prudential reasons. ceased to live in Cuba about
1873. and has since been a resident of Newly York
City. Asked by Chairman Davis and by Sem
ator Foraker with especial reference to Cuban
bonds, Treasurer Guerra, under OATH stated
that the Cuban delegation consisted of four per-
sens In all. named Tomas Estrada Palma. DR.
Joaquin Castillo. sub-delegate Antonio Con
zalez Lanuza. secretary and himself (Benjamin
j. Guerra) treasurer. Mr.. Guerra was ap-
pointed to his office by the President of the Re
public OF Cuba with the approval Of his Cabinet
This appointment was evidenced in a certificate
before lie b1,
Salvador Cisneros the President"
AUTHORITY TO ISSUE BONDS
The authority and responsibility of Mr Guerra
having been established. the Senate committee
through Senator Foraker, inquired of Mr. Guerra
whether the Republic Of Cuba had issued any
bonds at any time since its organization until
the present April 8 1899. and what amount?"
Mr.. Guerra's answer was: Yes: by the
authority and direction of the government Of
the republic OF Cuba Estrada Palma and my
self have caused to he printed bonds to the
amount of S3145G GOO"
The authority to issue these bonds as pre
scented TO the committee consisted q a paper in
the form Of a power of attorney given bv the
government Of the republic OF Cuba TO Tomas
Estrada Palma. under date OF November 81
1879, TO represent the republic OF Cuba before
the government and people Of all nations: 70
contract one or more loans; to use the money in
the service Of the republic. guaranteeing said
loans with all the properties and public income
internal or Of the customs. present and future
of the said republic to issue paper money in
the name OF the republic Of Cuba 10 the amount
he may consider necessary. in the form and on
the conditions he may deem most adequate: 70
issue postage stamps; the bonds 10 be issued
as well as the bills. TO be signed by the dele
gate penipotentiary or the person whom he
shall delegate and by the treasurer OF the Gu
pan revolutionary party" and to bear the sub
and counter marks which the delegate believes
necessary to avoid counterfelts and, finally.
giving power 20 receive collect and invest the
funds which from any source may come into
his hands doing so IN the form which he NAV
judge most favorable 10 the interests OF th. re-
public as well Us the power 10 make conces-
sions and celebrate in the name OF the republic
all the agreements and contracts which he NAV
deem beneficial 10 the interests thereof which
from now are declared ratified by the govern
ment he represents