Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1901-04-27
THE CUBAN COMMISSIONERS.

The Cuban commissioners are max
ing no progress whatever 10 their en-
deavors to impress the views of those
who sent them to Washington upon
the administration, and the fat Of the
American government seems as inexor-
able as ever. The commission, how
ever, Ia making rapid progress 10 secur-
ing the views of the American govern
ment 10 regard to the Platt amendment.
General Portuondo declared last night
that the first OF three steps 10 the COM
MISSIONS work has now been passed,
the second one will be gained on Mon.
day, when there will be another con-
terence with the Secretary of War, and
the third will be reached when the com.
mission returns to Havana. lie de-
clined to say what these steps were.
That the result will not be satisfactory
to the Cnbans, who have dreaming of
autonomy is apparent to ell who have
watched the course of affairs from the
beginning and who understand the
righteousness OF those who now con-
duct the affairs of this country. at
Yesterdays conference the alleged
practibility of the Plat amendment was
insisted on by the administration OF.
ficials.
The economic condition OF Cuba was
freely discussed by the Cubans, the
American members OF the party seek
ing to convince the members OF the
commission that the Plat amendment
tries. Gen. Bstsnco1fttr scotassRtt 18th to "S Con-
vince Senator Plat to the contrary and
became somewhat excited, and gestic.
ulated emphatically, but observing
that Senator Plstt was not Inclined to
be drawn into heated argument he
quickly subsidized. Senator Spooner and
General Portuondor, however, became
involved in an earnest argument. which
continued even after the party left the
table, and was not ended until the eide
walk was reached. Senator Spooner
urged upon General Portuondo the good
intentions OF the United States, point.
log out the interest shown in Gu
ban conditions and the sdvisi-
bility of recognizing the right Of
the United States to intervene.
As General Portuondo continued
to combat his statements, Senator
Spooner proceeded to illustrate his re-
marks by comparing Cuba with q man
assaulted on the street by larger man
who, Selling him by the throat, sought
to strangle him. He then showed how
third and more powerful man saved
the life OF the small man by overcoming
bis assailsnt. "Do you not think the
man attacked should be grateful to his
rsscuer?n eDquired Senator Spooner.
General Porluondo admitted that he
should be grateful, but replied that the
Good Samaritan should not ask too
much Ia return for his kindness, and
should not impose upon the small man
Ia his weakness.
There will be no conference today.
The commissioners will call on the
President and bid him farewell, as he
leaves early on Monday. On Monday
there will be another conference With
the Secretary Of War, at which it Is ex-
pecied the discussions will be concluded.
A dispatch from Washington says:
at is believed the differences between
the Cuban constitutional convention
and the Washington government will
be satisfactorily adjusted. Whatever
there was OF the Cuban problem
10 q political sense has virtually been
solved. The commissioners have
practically signified their intention to
return TO Havana and recommend Il Q
acceptance of the Platt amendment.
They will probably remain week long.
or discussing with Secretary Root
questions pertaining to the tariff i'm
posed by this country on tobacco and
angaru