Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-11-30
should be demanded which they would
willingly give.
Masso's Manifesto.

chOOu NC Octudilutu WHICH tleN NOulG
willingly give.
Masso's Manifesto.
Gen. Masso. in his manifesto announcing
his candidacy for the presidency. has de-
fined very clearly those features OF the
Plat amendment as they impress the peo-
pie OF the parties whom he seeks to con-
ciliate in his support.
THE Cuban people" he saws, IN effect.
must make it clear that when the definite
establishment Of their sovereign independ-
ence becomes possible, they do not propose
TO give up any portion either OF their in
dependence or their sovereignty. Their
local institutions. however grateful they
should be to the United States, cannot be
made to comply with demands that are un-
warranted or put under servitude that is
uncalled for"
He emphasizes his belief that Cuba
shou.d have a more definite understanding
as TO the extent and the significance Of the
provisions OF the amendment, and he urges
that, in the treaty between the two copn-
tries, Cuba should obtain material trade
concessions.
The majority of those who support Senior
Palma are willing to drop the controversy
until the final treaty. at least and then TO
sustain both the letter and the spirit Of the
amendment as they understand it.
But the supporters Of General Masso are
still urgent for revision, and herein. l be-
lieve, is contained the germ of many future
political contests on the Island of Cuba.
AS they stand TO-DAY, Senior Palma ana
Gen. Masso, representing such policies as
the conditions described have created, are
greater than the causes they champion.
Gen. Masso is well liked by all native Gu
bans; He was the last president of the
revolutionary party, which existed when
the Spanish war began. He was the first
to enter thu final and successful fight for
freedom. lie made his way into the coun-
try, animating with hope and courage all
whom he encountered and by sheer force OF
personality saved the day. He is the SOL
der more than the statesman, and on that
ne chiefly relies for his success.
Wise Leader.
Senior Thomas Estrada Palma who is
now living in this country. is the states
man rather than the soldier. Clear in his
views, seasoned by many SORROWS, 4 wise
leader, the people of Cuba have every rea-
son for their confidence In him. in my
opinion. he is likely to be elected General
Gomez's support will have a tremendous
influence. Should his country make HIM
one of the chief figures in the political ad-
justment of the island, he will go to Cuba
before the election, to comply with the
laws requirements The rebuilding Of his
ruined estates there will proceed in line
with the rehabilitation of his country should
he be chosen president.
The elections, as the plan now stands,
VIII begin late in December. and reach "a
conclusion about February. The governors
of provinces will first be balloted for then
representatives to the provincial assem-
blies, and then deputies to the national
house. The senatorial election follows, and
finally the presidential contest.
The national party is strongest in four of
the six proyinces-Santiago, Havana, Cam
aguey and Pinar del Rio. The republicans
are in the ascendancy in Santa Clara and
Matanzas. The same party lines and politi-
cal conditions as apply to the presidential
contest govern the minor ones. In the
province of Havana, the republican and
democratic ranks will probably fuse. with
an idea of controlling the minor offices
Once the contests are over, the real bus
! mess of independence will begin. The Pres
, idents proclamation is looked for In the lat
ter part of May, accompanying the formal
transfer of sovereignty from the United
States. Promising that Senior Palma shall
have been elected president, a conservative
government would be assured. He would
endeavor to preserve cordial relations with
the United States, and he would seek to
avoid all friction and he would strive to
place on a sound basis the financial ana
commercial affairs of the island. The ad-
ministration would be an economical one:
and it would aim to gain the confidence
not only of the Cuban-born, but of all who
call Cuba their home, whether they were
Spaniards or natives of other chimes. Gen
eral Masso's views to the future govern
ment of the country are practically the
same,