Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-04-25
T,s cubau Commission At Washington.

While there has been abundant
opportunity for cuban statesmen 10
info, M themselves regarding the ma
ture of our government. and us iho"es
of operation. recent events wouIu Seem
to indicate that they have failed 10
improve them. 1t appears to be an IL
most impossible task for the average
Cuban mind to conceive of chiei
executive who derives his powers
wholly from the people. and who mere
ly carries into effect their DEGREES
as registered by their representatives
in Washington. Had 1t been possible
for these men to have appreciated
some Of the fundamental principles or
our government-princip entirely
familiar to every intelligent American
, boy and girl-the visit of the commas
sion of the Cuban constitutional con-
ven;ion at Washington yesterday
might have been avoided. The result
was precisely what was anticipated.
President Mckinley met them cordial
ly. but made IL entirely clear TO them
that he had no authority to go back
of the s0-called PLAT amendments,
which clearly defined the position of
this government regarding our future
relations with Cuba, and could not
change or modify their provisions IN
any particular. He is also reported To
have impressed the fact that no policy
of administration had been. or would
be pursued by the war department.
without having first been submitted To
/ and been approved by the chief cX-
ecutive.
The Cubans have insisted upon re-
garding the President of the United
States as court of last resort. with
! ample power to review. amend or re-
peal. not only the acts Of his subord!-
nates-for which they cheerfu!ly alb
/ solve him from rcsponsibility-but also
/ those of Congress as well. They have
been fully convinced that the greater
F
/ cases of appeal from the other depart
ments of the general government
\ 1t is to be hoped that the President
was able to give them some definite
/ appreciation. of the true functions Of
his office: but ii is best not to be too
sanguine of such result. Mr.. Nc
y l. ;nIa rnr nf G. n To
ment: but we fear that there are some
every day American ideas that will
never penetrate the Cuban under
standing without the aid of surgical
operation.
If the Cuban commissioners dine at
tho White House this evening-as
pany with Senator Platt Of Connect
cut. and other congressional and ad-
ministration leaders. they will have
further opportunities for fully and
finally understanding the fact that the
President not only has no power to
modify OF change the conditions of the
diSo lIdt
! there is no likelihood Of their being
changed by Congress. Those condi-
tons are essential to the safety and
we'll being of our own country, and in
view of th.. blood and treasure il has
sacrificed in behalf of Cuban interests
it is an adjustment of future relations
Of the two countries at once broad
and generous. 1t gives to the Cuban
people all the blessings of selfgov-
eminent. while rendering il impossible
for them to embroil this country in
| diplomatic or financial difficulties with
| foreign governments and their citi-
zens. 1t was an adjustment made
upon an absolutely nOn-partisan
| basis. and commanded in the closing
| days of the last Congress the united
and cordial support of the strong men
/ Of all parties. The Cuban people Will
be wise if they accept it's altogether
/ just provisions, in the same friendly
spirit that they were offered.