New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1901-03-12
RELATIONS WITH CUBA.
NO SERIOUS TROUBLE FEARED By THE
ADMINISTRATORS.
THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION MUST
REVISE IT'S WORK TO SECURE AP-
PROVAI. BY THIS GOVERNMENT

PROvAL BY THIS GOVERNMENT.
TBY TELEGRAPH TRrBUNEI
Washington, March 11.-Offical advices and
newspaper reports that reach Washington from
Havana are still conflicting. Governor General
Wood and others in Cuba intrusted with the
delicate task of bringing the Cubans around
gently to the proper view of their situation do
not seem to be in the least fear of encountering
serious stubborn trouble. on the contrary,
the tone of their dispatches and other communi-
cations indicate the utmost confidence of bring
ing about a settlement of the permanent rela-
| tions between the two countries without fric-
tion or sensational developments. 1t is we'll un-
derstood here in official circles that the dele
gates TO the constitutional convention must
listen with respect and fOrbearance to what
ever protests may be stirred up by self-seeking
politicians in Cuba against acceptance of this
countrys terms as contained in the Platt amend
ment. hut there is no fear in Washington that
the delegates will be governed finally by the
wild demands and threats of irresponsible agi-
tators. is pointed out that the delegates fully
realize that the agitation now being stirred up
among the ignorant and unlettered masses can
not possibly result either in good to Cuba or
harm to the United States. This governments
fiat has gone forth. and il is irrevocable The
President has absolutely discretion in the
matter Under the plain and direct mandate of
Congress he cannot treat with the consu-
tuted authorities OF Cuba for the withdrawal of
the American forces until the conditions pre-
scribed by the Platt amendment are fully COM
piled with These conditions are
First-ControI by the United States Of all for
eign treaties.
Second-ControI by the United States of Cuba's
debt making power.
Thrd-Right of the United States to intervene
for the preservation of peace and order in Cuba
and 10 see that Cuba discharges the obligations
imposed by the Treaty of Paris
FOurth-That the Cuban constitution declare
all the acts of the United States military gov
ernment in the island binding
Fifth-Control by the United States of sani-
tatior in Cuba.
sixth-That the Isle of Pines be distinctly
omitted from the proposed constitutional bound
aries of Cuba.
Seventh-Coalfng or naval stations on the ISL
and to be sold or leased to the United States, the
location and numbers to be determined by this
Eighth-That the foregoing provisions he en-
bodied in a permanent treaty with the United
States.
WHERE REVISION IS NECESSARY.
1t will be seen that it is necessary for the con-
stitution makers at Havana materially 10 re-
wise their work before submitting the instru-
nlent Washington for approval. Before Con
gress acted the matter the convention at
Havana had completed the constitution and
turned copy of it over to Governor General
Wood for transmission Washington. In this
draft the delegates had been careful to define
the boundaries of Cuba as to include the Isle
of Pines. which they aware was claimed by
the United States under the Treaty of Paris.
They had also failed take any cognizance OF
the acts of the military government in Cuba.
Before their constitution will be acceptable to
the United States the delegates VIII have
wise the instrument, so as 10 exclude the Isle OF
Pines from CuDa's boundaries and also will
have 70 egaliZe in the organic law of the island
The acts Of the military government. This
vision can be made in less than n week. the
delegates may post tponc the work indefinitely
II is entirely in their hands. and there is no
power or inclination al Washington to hurry
them. L is thought, however, that they appre-
ciate the Importance of Fastening the work
that they may Ee prepared 10 proceed to the
other part of their duty-the organization Of a
government that viii the other require
ments Of the Platt amendment by embodying the
conditions in permanent treaty to be nego-
tiated with the United States
Until these things done the President
Is bourd by the act Of Congress maintain
military Carrisons in the island, and continue
10 rule Cuba through the War Department. The
President has no alternative. and it is conf
IDENTIFY believed that when the uneducat ted
masses fully realize this there win he end 10
all agitation and a stop to the talk of sending
a committee here TO appeal 10 this country.