The Hartford republican. (Hartford, Ky.) 18??-1926, 1901-05-10
CUBANS AS DIPLOMATS.
Delegates Held a Conference With
Secretary Root.

ing a constitution for the new island
republic saw President twice to day,
once In the early part OF the day,
when there were introductions and a
formal exchange of expressions Of
friendship between the United States
and again at night, when the mem =
bers OF the delegation were the guests
of honor at a state dinner at the
White House.
The real business which brought
the delegation here was transacted
with Secretary Root at the War De.
partment, the President in the fore e
noon interview at the White House,
say ing to the delegates that he would
confer with the Secretary, who would
act as his representative in confer
ence over the Cuban situation.
The delegation and Secretary Root
were closeted Tor some hours in the
afternoon in a discussion OF the rela-
tions OF the island to the United
States. Secrecy was observed as to
the conference, the statement being
made that after results were reached
some news of the conclusions might
be made public.
Matters OF importance were not
touched upon in the interview be-
tween the President and the delegs-
ton, the conversation being almost
wholly formal. Senior Csrpote, in
his address to the President. spoke Of
the desire of the Cubans 10 have the
closest possible relations with the
Uuited States. He said that United
States soldiers and Cubans had fought
side by side and driven Spain from
the island, aud the ties between the
two countries were bound in blood
The relationship, therefore. between
the countries always should be most
amicable, and closer than that which
usually exists between nations. lie
also spoke of the gratitude which Gu.
ba felt for the United States for the
assistance rendered in her liberation.
In response the President expressed
his pleasure at meeting the delega-
ton, and desired through them to ex
tend his kindest wishes to the people
of the island. He said that his inter
est in Cuba had always been great and
he made mention CT messages he had
sent to Congress concerning the is
land. Its welfare always would be
his most earnest consideration. He
congratulated the members of the
delegation upon being members of
the Cuban Constitutional convention.
He said it was a high honor, and it
fell to the lot Of but few men to have
the opportunity to frame a govern
ment for a republic, Concerning the
object OF the delegation's visit, the
President said he would confer with
the Secretary OF War, and the Secre
tary, having an intimate knowledge
of the situation, would confer with
the delegation.
The most important meeting OF the
day was a conference in Secretary
Roots office, lasting from 3 until
in the afternoon. This was the first
business meeting. the others having
been social and formal.
1t was made plain to the Cubans by
Secretary Root that no modification
of the Plat amendment could be made
by the executive department of the
government, and the Cubans them>
selve understood that there Is little
possibility Of Congress taking action
In that direction, so the conference
was devoted largely to the construc-
ton which could be placed upon the
amendment. The latest was that the
proposition contained in the amends
ment should be substantially" agreed
to by the Cubans and the discussion
revolved chiefly around what will b.
considered a substantial" agree
meut to the Plat amendment require.
ments.
There was some fine legal sparring
between Secretary Root and Senior
Capote, the President of the Constitus
tional convention and chairman OF the
delegation as to the meaning Of the
amendment and the meaning of Ger.
tain proposed drafts OF the different
propositions that were considered.
Both the Secretary aud Senior Carpote
expressed their views quite freely.
and the exchange Of suggestions and
replies was very interesting to those
present.
The delegation made no complaint
OF the present military government of
Gen. Wood. After the conference ad.
journed the Cubans called on Gen.
Wood at the Richmond.