Evening star., 1901-02-08
AT THE WHITE HOUSE
Cuban Question Discussed by the
Cabinet.
IRE EXTRA SESSION TALK
Congress toShare Responsibility of
New Constitution.
UTIVE GLEN EN- CY

The discussion in the cabinet today was
almost wholly on the subject of Cuba, the
constitutional convention and the possibili-
ties growing out OF L. Despite the desire
and efforts of Congress to avoid extra
session the outlook does not grow much
better that one will be obviated. The Pres
ident regards the Cuban question as one OF
the greatest Importance. and he expects to
place upon Congress the responsibility of
dealing with the question just soon as
Ii reaches him.
Those who know the Presidents views
say that he would regret to see Congress
adjourn without some legislation on the
Philippines. but he would not call an extra
session for this If the Cuban question could
be laid aside The matter of passing upon
Cubas constitution and defining her rela-
tons to this country are regarded the
paramount issues now.
To He Submitted TO Congress.
The President. 1t may be stated. is of the
opinion that the Cuban constitution will be
sent here ready for transmission to Con-
gress by February 20. The prospect is that
this constitution will take no action upon
the Immediately vital question of the rela-
tions of the island to the United States.
The President will submit the constitution
to Congress, with a message saying in gem
cral terms that there should be plain
definition of what are to DE the future rela-
tons between the two countries
In the Presidents message To Congress in
December, 1892 he made of this Ian
guage in speaking of the obligations of the
United States to Cuba and of its obligations
to this country:
This nation has assumed before the
world grave responsibility for the future
good government of Cuba. We have ac-
cepted q trust the fulfillment of which
integrity
and the exercise of the highest wisdom.
The new Cuba yet to arise from the ashes
OF the past must needs be bound to us by
ties of singular intimacy and strength If
its enduring welfare Is to be assured.
whether those ties shall be organic or
conventional, the destinies of Cuba i'll
rightful form and manner irrevoca-
bly, linked with our own, but how and how
far is for the future to determine in the
ripeness of events Whatever be the out
come. must see TO Ii that free Cuba be
reality. not a name. perfect entity. not
II hasty experiment bearing within itself
the elements OF failure.
Our mission. to accomplish which We
took up the wager of battle, is not to be
fulfilled by turning adrift any loosely
framed commonwealth to face the yicissi-
tUdes which too often attend weaker states
whose natural wealth and abundant re-
sources are offset by the inCongruities OF
their pn''tical organization and the recur-
rins occasions for internal rivalries to sap
Their st.rnsln and dissipate their energies ~
The President Is of the same opinion. He
does not now go into detail of what he
thinks should be the exact terms whereby
cuba Will be permitted to enter upon her
own government. He thinks Congress
should do that. Congress, he believes, Is
the proper body to define what it meant by
the resolution declaring that Cuba should
he free and independent.
How to Avoid m Extra Session.
The President has been advised that Sem
ators spooner and Platt of Connecticut and
lit
adopt some resolution that will set out
what this country expects. That, the lead
ers believe would be guide to the Gu
bans give them something to discuss and
obviate the necessity of extra session.
The plan proposed is more in embryo than
otherwise, but Is being worked upon. 1t
talked over at the cabinet today.
The idea of the senators who have adopt
ed it IL that by naming conditions under
which Cuba can 80 ahead with her own
government there will be no need to call
Congress together. The Cubans can put
an end to all further contention by adopt
ing the propositions of Congress, or they
can further complicate matters by discus
sing the matter for a long time and then
acting unsatisfactory.
The resolutions throughout. If adopted
will recognize the right OF the United States
TO intervene In Cuban affairs under certain
conditions, most Of which have heretofore
been named in The Star.
If the proposition now under considera-
dent will probably be authorized to with
draw American troops and authority from
the island when the Cubans have accepted
the propositions that are submitted.
Should these propositions be satisfactory
to the Cubans. and they should immedia tely
accept them by placing them in their con-
stitution. Cuba would at once become free,
and the President would Immediately take
steps TO withdraw from the Island.
Recent Action of Cubans.
The Cubans have not recently acted as II
they wanted TO Incorporate anything in
their constitution relating to connection
with this country.
They have apparently forgotten that in
the proclamation issued by the President
calling their constitutional convention to
meet that it was specified portion OF
the business to be transacted that of PRO
y{ding for and agreeing with the govern
nent of the United States upon the rela-
tiOns to exist between the government and
the government of Cuba.
There has been no compliance with these
terms and either Congress VIII have to take
the initiative now or later reject the con-
sutution because 1t does not contain the
provisions suggested by the President
The serious prospect of an extra session
has caused rapid thought to be given to
the matter by senator's who want to avoid
an extra session. III they can bring about
action that will meet the requirements of
the situation the President and cabinet will
be glad.
New Minister to Austria.
Robert S. Mccormick, one of the owners
of the Chicago Tribune. VIII be the next
minister to Austria His nomination will
be made at this session Of Congress so that
he may leave soon after March 4 for Aus
trla 10 relieve Addison c. Harris of In
diana. who now represents this government
Mr. Harris informed the President last fall
Of his desire to return to this country to
resume the practice OF law. He will re-
turn as soon as his successor reaches
Vienna.
Senator Mason the President thi:
morning and gave his hearty approval tC
Mr. NcCormick's nomination.
He and Mr. Mccormick are persona
friends. and Senator Mason told the Presi
dent that there could be no objection tC
the nomination. There has been some tall
In Chicago newspapers that Senator Masor
might oppose the confirmation of the nomi
nation because of a report that the Tribune
would tight his reelection in favor oi
Charles @. Dawes. the controller of the
currency, who has announced his candidacy
for senator to succeed Mr.. Mason. IL is
evident that Senator Mason does not take
any stock in this report
For Attorney General.