The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-18
SAYS CUBAHs WILL ACCEPT.
Mr.. Cockrell Discusses Plat Amend.
ment With the President.

Senator Cockrell saw the President at
| the White House yesterday and had a
talk with him in regard to Cuban mat
ters The Senator recently returned from
Cuba As he is regarded as a very care
fui observer apd conservative in his opin-
ions. the President was much impressed
with the views he expressed Senator
Proctor, who has also been in Cuba re-
Gently. was present when the President
and Senator Cockrell were in consulta-
ton and endorsed the opinion of Senator
Cockrell in regard to the Cuban situa-
ton.
The Missouri Senator expressed the be-
lief that the Cubans would ultimately ac-
cept the terms of the Plat amendment as
soon as they fully comprehend the situa-
ton. He said they do not now seem to
understand 1t. Senator Cockrell holds
that the Cubans have no power to treat
automatically with the United States
Government
The Cuban Constitutional Convention
exists through, the agency of this Gov
eminent said Senator CockreIl, and it's
only power is to submit to this Govern
ment plan or constitution for n repre-
sentative government of the island. If
we reject their proposal they can do
they will then have power to go on and
organize their Government. Until that is
done. in my opinion. our troops cannot
be withdrawn by the President under the
provisions of the Plat amendment"
Senator Cockrell expressed the belief,
however. that the Cubans would even
tually agree to accept the terms OF the
amendment
The action of the Cuban convention in
deciding to send a commission to Wash
ington is being considerably discussed in
official circles. The opinion prevails that
the effect will be beneficial ana will lead
to thorough understanding of the situa-
ton on the part of the Cubans. although
1t is said that no decisive action is posi-
Bile. The President. it is pointed out, has
no authority to withdraw the troops from
Cuba until the terms of the Plat amend
ment are complied with. although had he
deemed 1t wise to do so he could have
ordered the evacuation of the island be-
fore the passage of the amendment.
All that he can do now, it is said, Is to
impress upon the Cubans the fact that it
is not within his power either to annul
or modify the terms and he is not likely
to hold out much hope to them that Con-
gress will do so at its next session. 1t is
POSsioit tiidt the NOm-
ever, decide to make an attempt to in
duce Congress to rescind some of the re-
quirements. The opinion prevails among
those familiar with the conditions that
the President will be able to bring the
commissioners to a clear understanding
of affairs and that they will go home
satisfied with the intentions of this Gov
eminent.
There is report current to the effect
that the commission will in some measure
endeavor to discredit General Wood and
attempt to secure the appointment of
new Governor General. As General Wood
will be in Washington while the Cubans
are here and will present them to the
President it is thought there will be little
opportunity for them to attempt anything
to the detriment Of General Wood should
they desire TO do so. At any rate, it is
said that any such effort would bring
about no result as both the President
and Secretary Root are highly satisfied
with General Wood and his conduct of
affairs on the island. all of which have
been approved here.