The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1901-05-02
A LAST CONFERENCE.
Cuban Delegation Called Ipoa Pfesl'
dent MckilIey.
TIE POLITICAL SETTLEMENT.
The President Gave No HOPE of Ac-
tion Before the Formation of Their
Government.

washington, II. S.-SpeCldI.-I Ine
Cuban delegation completed its
bors in Washington Saturday. In the
morning the delegates met Secretary
Root and went with him to the White
House where they had final talk with
the President. Then they paid visits
OF courtesy to each OF the officials
whom they have met and finally they
started for New York at IL o'clock at
night, homeward bound. They will
sail for Habana Wednesday. The
proceedings at the White House were
interesting and important
Senor Capote acted as spokesman
for the delegation. He thanked the
president for the many courtesies
shown them, which they accepted as
an expression Of good will to the III.
ban people. He invited the president
to visit Cuba, to see for himself the
conditions in the island and learn for
himself of the love and affection which
the Cubans have for the United States
oAiu bHVll app GNIdllOu VI "AiS Ids
been done for them b. this govern
ment in their struggle TO: freedom.
Senor Capote asked the president
to do something for the Cubans upon
an economic basis, and especially in
the ma, Of reciprocity in trade re-
lations. He said that it was especial
II desirable to have something OF
this kind done before the next crop
was harvested in order that the Gu.
bans might realize the advantages to
them OF closer political economic re.
lations with the United States.
IN reply the president said it was
impossible to settle economic qucs-
tions until the political questions
were disposed Of. He told the dele.
gates to first form their government
and then they would be in posi-
tion to enter into negotiations with
the United States as TO trade rela-
tionS.
Senor Capote responded that some
thing ought to be done while the Eu-
ban government was forming. He
thought that while the United States
was exercising control there might be
arrangements perfected similar with
those under contemplation by the sec.
rotary Of war in 1898. when the gov.
ernment first passed under control OF
the United States. He told the pres
ident that the Cuban republic did not
wish to be torn in party strife and
rage and it at least preferred to have
something with which to support It j.,
self and to have its people in prosper
Gus conditions Immediately before
them
The president again reverted to the
fact that under the present conditions
as the secretary of war had advised
them, he did not see how it was possi-
BILE to settle am economic questions
before the Cuban government was
formed. He would appoint comm:s
sioners Immediately government
was organized for reciprocal trade re-
lations and he believed that the Uni
ted States would be ready to deal IN
a manner which would be beneficial
to both countries. He thanked the
delegation for the invitation to visit
the island and told them to assure the
Cuban people Of his friendly interest
in them and mis- desire to see them
contented and prosperous.
Seaor Capote, speaking TO Secreta-
~ Rcote. expressed the hope that III
the interviews they had been having,
that he had said nothing in his ear.
nestness which was in any way often
siye. The secretary replied that on
the contrary he highly appreciated
the arguments of Senor Capote and
his knowledge Of the questions had
increased his admiration and respect
for the legal abilities and keenness
of the Cuban people.
The delegates then shook hands
with the president and departed.
Gen. Capote later said to an Asso,
ciated Press reporter:
I'VE have concluded our business
here, We have had three interviews
with the president and four with the
secretary of state, during which time
all matters that we came here to dis
cuss have had the fullest and most
minute consideration. We came to
consider the relations between CUBA
and the United States and these, eotn
political and economical, have been
given most careful attention. We re
turn to Cuba and will deliver to the
constitutional convention all the infor.
nation we have obtained. much OF
which is highly important"