The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1901-07-24
SHALL GuBh Be 4 STATE.
Trust Barons Will Object For
They Fear Free Trade With
the island.

IflG fSidnu.
Washington, July 19.-lt is not
only possib but probable that the next
Congress, at one Of its sessions, viii
have to decide whether or not to ad
nit Cuba to the American Union.
According to reports from that islanc
an active propaganda for annexation
has already been begun and is advanc-
ing rapidly. Cuba, it is said, wants
to be free to see how it feels, but al
most the first use she will make of hel
freedom will be, it is said, to try to
surrender it to the custody of the Uni
ted States.
Whether the United States will ac-
cept the profer is extremely doubtful.
Signs are not wanting that power
full section of the Republican party is
being formed which is bitterly opposed
to closer trade relations with any Of
the new island possessions, free trade
with which, they hold, would be in
imical to our increasing Bgrowths Of
semi mi-tropical products, especially
sugar.
On the other hand, the fact that we
liberated Cuba and, by so doing, de
prived her of her former markets will
be strong argument for going fur
ther and insuring her prosperity by Civ
ing her access to ours. Then, the
great military advantages of the
island will cut decided figure in the
decision that may Infinitely be reach
ed.
Undeterred by possible obstacles in
their way the annexationists are said
to be going ahead vigorously, address
ing their appeals to all who live from
their labor. agriculturists great and
small, the merchants, the industrials,
the landed proprietors, and all who
desire for Cuba order, progress and
prosperity. The conservative class
ess ar urged to bestir themselves, as
they hold the future welfare of the isl
and in their hands. 1t is stated in
that Cuba is near a monetary crisis,
the country is exhausted, impoverish-
ed, and much time must elapse before
it gets on its feet if we do not have the
acumen to select the only straight
and sure road on which to reach an
exit-that is, annexation to the Uni
ted States That annexation will have
to come at all events there remains no
doubt, but there is great difference
in having it soon, by timely request,
and living it come after long process
which may exhaust the little strength
remaining in the country.
ITO lilliputian republic with
enormous expenses. among which are
those of a foreign representation, poor
in resources and going backward, we
prefer the incorporation of the State
of Cuba into the American Union,
which will bring with it state of
great prosperity -
The propaganda of the annexation-
lists is being directed with effect, and
conservative Cubans say that the issue
which will confront Congress at an
early date will be the incorporation of
the island into the Union rather than
the ratification of a reciprocity treaty.
According to all appearances Cuba
will begin business with very light
debt, amounting to only about s122,
400, this being the vlue of the bonds
issued by Senor Guerra, treasurer of
the Junta at New York, by author
ity Of the Cuban Revolutionary Gov
ernment, as testified to by him under
oath before the Senate Committee on
Foreign Relations Just before the dec
laration of war against Spain. Senor
Guerra swore, in answer to questions
from Senator Foraker, that he as
treasurer, had control of the bond is-
sued, every one of which had to pass
through his hands. There had been
printed he said s2,97O.0O0 bonds in
denomintion of 81, 900, $500, 800 and
$50, and s175, 900 in denominations of
SO and IS, making total of s., 145,
900. Of this there had been sold for
cash s94, 050 to 155 different persons
on amounts ranging from IS to $50,
600 and at different prices ranging
from % per cent to par. Beides those
actually sold for cash, there had
been given in exchange for merchan-
disc s27, $40, making total of bonds
disposed of s122, 400 The balance of
the bonds printed, 8. 023. 200 were all,
he said, in his possession.
No bonds of the Republic of Cuba,
he said, had been given to any news
paper, public official or to any syndi-
cate, corporation. firm, or to any per-
son whatever, and no other bonds
were out of his control, but those men
toned above as sold for cash and
given in payment for merchandise.
All statements to the contrary pub
lished by the press or rumors set
afoat by the enemies of Cuba were
absolutely false.
If Senor Guerra spoke the truth, as
there is no reason to doubt, these
s122. 400 worth of bonds represent the
total debt of the island under its new
constitution which provides especially
that these, and only these, bonds shall
be assumed by the island government.
0cE EnR THE PntE