Crittenden press. [volume] (Marion, Ky.) 1879-1907, 1901-05-02
THE CUBANS IN NEW YORK.
The Cuban Delegation 10 Washing
ton Shown the Sights of the
Great Metropolis.
MISUNDERSTANDING CLEARED AWAY.
Gen. Portuondo says the Czss--
Were Suspicious of the Plat
Amendment Because They Did
Net Fully UnderStaRd It-DOubted
the Motive Behind IL.

New York. April 2o.-"Even annexa-
ton might be acceptable TO Cubs IL il
came after independence" said DR..
Rafael NJ. Portuondo, one OF the mem
bers OF the delegation from the Gu
ban national convention To Washing
ton. For fifty years she has longed
and fought and bled for indePend-
ence. Tat once attained she would
agree 20 any fair demands the Unit
ed States could make
Gntifed with the outcome Of their
mission, the delegation. which has
been in conference with President
Mckinley and Secretary Of War Root,
have arrived in New York In the
party arc Gen. Portuondo, Gen. 2.
Bctaucourt. Dr. Pedro Gonzales LlO-
rente. Dr.. Diego Tamapo and DR..
Mendez CaPote, the president OF the
convention.
Robert 4. Smith. president OF the
American Mail steamship Co. acted
as host 20 the party. and under his
chaperOnaCe some idea OF the parks
and surroundings Of the city was
gathered by the visitors After par
taking Of a Cuban breakfast, sunday
at noon with Mr.. and Ms Ricardo
Nargarnes. Of No. Isl West Eighty
sixth street, the party was taken in
four electric automobiles for a trip
along FIFTH avenue. through Central
park and up TO the Sacred Heart con-
vent. in One Hundred and Thirty
.hsrl s.-.a. II. ,-sa5.rr- 49,. .v..--
tanned at dinner AZ Sherry's at night
by Mr.. Robert A. c. Smith. president
OF the American Nail Steamship Co.
The commissioners paid visit 20 the
stock and produce exchanges Monday
and viii sail for home on Wednesday
on the Ward line steamship Havana.
Gen. Portuondo was eloquent in his
expressions of satisfaction with the
result OF the mission 20 Washington.
There was a Misunderstanding"
he said. "and now. for us az least, il
has all been cleared. The trouble was
with the Platt amendment. Many Of
the Cubans suspected il. They did
not know what il meant. They
doubted the motive that Law behind
il. Not that they thought il might
be unfair 20 Cuba only. but TO the
United States.
The explanation given TO US at
Washington is plain and dispels our
doubts None of us can now question
the honesty or impugn the fair-mind-
edness OF the senate. To be sure,
there are terms about the Ament
ment which can not De adopted. but !
think great deal has been accom-
plished."
Asked how long il would take 70 es-
tablish a Cuban government, Gen.
Portuondo replied:
Not less than ten months There
must be conventions and elections be-
fore the electoral council. which
chooses a president. IS selected. That
viii all take time, and think We shall
feel satisfied # our government is set
in motion by February "a Of next
year. That. you know. IS our Fourth
OF July. the anniversary Of our rise
against Spain.
'Oe= electoral body VIII be made
up equally Of representatives from
the professional men. the wealthy
citizens and provincial assemblies.
The president must b native Gu
ban or one who has fought ten years
for Cuban independence. \ senator
must be a native, but a representative
may be q native or a naturalized citi-
zen"