The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-04-11
ISLANDERS HAVE NO CHOICE
PLATT AMENDMENT TO THE ARMY
LAW MUST BE ACCEPTED
ENTIRE
COMMITTEE ON ITS WAY HERE
VIII BE Told That the Havana Con-
stitutfonaI Convention Can Ac-
cept What Is offered or Get
Nothing at All.

WASHINGTON, April 1o.-Information
was received at the war department to-
day to the effect that the Cuban consti-
tutional convention is contemplating
sending a committee here to consult the
president and secretary of war regarding
the Platt amendment and the relations
of the United States with Cuba. While
it is known that the administration
would much prefer to have the constitu-
tional convention accept the Platt
amendment instead of sending such COM
mission, it would rather the commission
would visit this country and discuss the
subject than that the Platt legislation
should be rejected. Flat rejection would
leave matters in a strained condition.
The commission will visit this country
upon its own responsibility, as an invita-
tion to come might imply a disposition
upon the part of this government TO
make concessions. 1t has been suggested
that some of the most radical opponents
of United States control be members of
the commission in order that they might
ascertain definitely what the situation is
in the United States.
There has been some discussion as to
what such a commission can accomplish
by coming to Washington. 1t is said
for one thing that it can obtain definitely
from the president and secretary of war
a construction Of the Platt amendment.
The third section relating to Intervention
Is the one which meets with the greatest
objection from the Cubans and 1t is be-
lieved the administration can convince
the delegation that there Is nothing but
the best Of intention on the part
Of this government toward Cuba. The
requirement that the Cubans shall adopt
substantially" the terms of the Platt
amendment, also can be construed.
HOBsON's CHOICE.
The delegation, it is said, will learn
that the Cubans can hope for no modi-
fication Of the law by congress, and that
nothing can be accomplished by waiting
until another session. 1t also will be
made plain that the present administra-
tion does not wish any modification and
that the spirit of the Platt amendment
must be accepted. The delegation will be
informed they can tell the members OF
the convention upon heir return that
until the condition of the Platt amend
ment are complied with, the United
States will continue to exercise authority
in the islands under its military power.
There is desire upon the part
of the Cubans to have some In
formation as to what may be meant by
coaling stations. 1t is understood that
the delegates have been given an inti-
nation that the selections are not likely
to be made within any of the cities OF
Cuba, but at points which the United
States regards as convenient for war
ships. Probably the delegation may de-
sire additional assurances from the presi-
dent upon this point when it comes to
the United States AS to the time for
the visit Of the commission, there is no
definite information The president
leaves here for the west the last Of the
month and it is expected that h> will
not see any delegation Of this character
until after his return.