New-York tribune., 1901-04-27
PRICE THREE CENTS.
CUBAN ENV0YSWON OVER
TO RECOMMEND ACCEPTANCE
OF PLATT AMENDMENT. 4
COMMISSIONERS WANT FREE TRADE M
SUGAR AND TOBACCO. AND WILL
HOLD FURTHER CONFERENCES
WITH SECRETARY ROOT.
IBY TELEGRAPH To THE rR1BUSE.I

IBY TELEGRAPH To THE TR1BUSEI
Washington April 26-Whatever there was OF
the Cuban problem in political sense has Writ
ually been solved The five commissioners rep
resenting the Constitutional Convention have
practically signifed their intention TO return to
Havana at the earliest possible date and
nestly recommend the acceptance of the PIatt
amendment defining the permanent relations
that are to exist between the republic of Cuba
and the United States. While no formal agree
rnent to this effect has been announced or
reached yet it can be said trustworthy
thority that the Cuban visitors have unoficial1y
indlcated their acquiescence in the provisions Of
the Platt amendment, and they will signify this
In an official way before they leave Washington.
They will probably remain here a week longer
discussing with Secretary Root some of the eco
nomic questions that already are beginning to
fret the industrial life of their country in its
new condition of independence. These pertain
mainly to the tariff imposed by this country on
tobacco and sugar
QUESTION FOR CONGRESS TO DECIDE
Although the commissioners are not en-
pow--ed to deal officially or finally with these
ques ions, nevertheless they are ia king advan-
tage c, the opportunity afforded by their visit TO
Washington to sound the authorities here on III.
proposition 70 admit all of Cuba's products and
particularly sugar and tobacco free TO the mar
reciprocity agreement yet to be arranged Thev
| have been made to understand that the execu-
tive department of the government cannot on
Its own initiative grant requests of this charac-
ter as il is matter with which Congress alone
mas the power to deal At the same time il is
considered not improbable that the Secretary Of
War. acting for the President NAV agree tenta-
lively 10 a scheme. mutually satisfactory to the
interests of both countries. for presentation ar
the IF
procity schedule 1t is believed that this subject
will be the principal one discussed at the confer
ences between the Cuban commissioners and the
Secretary OF War during the remainder of their
stay in Washington.
Ihls question was gone over in general wav
at a luncheon given TO the visitors at the
| Metropolitan Club this afternoon by Secretary
Root. Senator Platt. Of Connecticut and Sena
| tor Spooner, of Wisconsin. both of whom have
made special study OF the Cuban question.
| were also the Secretary's guests and led the
discussion on the tariff question Senator
| Spooner came TO Washington especially 10 meet
and talk with the Cuban visitors, and although
! he arrived only to-day, ne feels hopeful of an
early and amicable settlement of every issue il,
| dispute Senator Spooner has been Senator
| Platt's chief lieutenant in all Cuban legislation.
and is quteas keenIy alive to he inportance
of the subject as is MIR. Platt himself In COM
4
| the visitors. Mr.. Spooner is strongly impressed
with the belief that the way is now clear for
| acceptance of the Platt amendment by the Con-
| sttutional Convention at Havana II has been
| impressed on the Cubans that the sooner this is
| done the sooner they can proceed with the cleo
| ton of officers and the complete organization
of their indenendent government
As evidence that all difficulties over the Platt
amendment have been passed. so far as the
| visiting commissioners arc cOpCarDad Is ai5
| that Governor-Cien raj Wood will leave Wash
ington tomorrow for his post at Havana. Cen
eral Wood came here solely 70 attend the con-
| ferences on the Platt amendment and he would
! not leave Washington if it distinctly
understood that that question virtually is closed.
| With the economic issues involved he is not
| officially concerned. and consequently his pres
ence is not required while these questions are
being discussed.
| HOSPITALITY APPRECIATED.
The visitors did not see the President TO-DAY.
! though they will call on him tomorrow merely
| TO say 'adios' and wish him a pleasant trip
| to the Pacific Coast There is really nothing
now for them to discuss with the President.
| since he has made them understand that he has
| placed their case wholly the hands Of the
| Secretary Of War. They talk to-day though
| they were completely overwhelmed with the
Presidents hospitality at the White House dinner
| last night and in terms denOting something akin
TO amazement they speak Of the honor done to
them by the presence at the dinner of all the
| Cabinet members together with justices OF the
Supreme Court, members of both houses Of Con-
gress and the high officers of the army and
navy. Plainly they never expected TO receive
such distinguished consideration in Washington.
and even yet apparently. they DO know
what TO make of il.