The age-herald., 1901-04-25
CUDANS WILL SEE
 PRESIDENT TODAY Delegation of Five Commission E CTS Reach Washington GEN. WOOD ALSO PRESENT cubans Want Reduction of Duties On Sugar Next To Settlement of
 Intervention Cues
 ton.

Washington. April A-The commission of five delegates to the Cuban constitu- tionai convention, consisting of Domingo Mendez Capole, Petro E. Betancourt. Ra- fael M. Portuondo, Diego Tamayo and Pedro Gonzalez Llorente, who were sent to Washington to confer with the Presi- dent regarding Cuban regulations with this country, arrived here this morning, together with an interpreter and repre- sentatives of the Havana press.
 They were met at the station by Assist ant Secretary of State Hill. Secretary of War Sanger, Captain Sawtelie and Lieu tenant -Ogerton of the United States army, detailed for that purpose, and es- corted to the shoreham. The delegates conversed with the reception committee through an interpreter. though most of them speak English very we'll It was stated that arrangements for their visit to the President would be made through the War Department.
 General Wood. military governor of Cuba, also arrived this morning with his family and took apartments at the Richmond. He came to the war depart
 
 Sanger. He sent his secretary to call on the Cuban delegation to ascertain their desires. for the day in order that he might be able to act as their escort either to the White House or war department. General Wood has no direct information from General Whteside regarding the re- ported trouble at Santiago. but before he left Cuba he had been advised by General Whiteside that party strife was making some trouble in that municipality and that disorders might be anticipated dur ing the spring elections in other sections of the island. After that. however. 1t Is expected that the usual tranquility of the island will be resumed.
 Wood Has Conference.
 General Wood had with Secretary Root a conference on Cuban affairs. Sen ator Platt of Come ecticut, chairman of the committee on Cuban affairs, Assist ant Secretary Sanger and Admiral Brad ford, chief of the bureau of equipment navy department, were present. The lat ters presence was desired as the location Of coaling stations in Cuba Is to be made upon his recommendation. The confer ence was private.
 II IS gathered that next to the subject of coaling stations and the right of the United States intervene in Cuba in the interests of peace and order, the Cubans attach most importance to the subject of sugar duties. The committee is trying to secure a remission of the United States duties on Cuban sugar. It Is suggested that if this cannot be done at once then the duty may be removed gradually, re- ducing a percentage each year until Tho sugar is duty free.
 The President cannot grant this request, as 1t involves a change in the tariff laws, and therefore application must be had to Congress. This may take the shape of di- rect joint Legislation by the two houses or 1t can be accomplished by the negotia- tions of a reciprocity treaty. The Cu- bans, 1t Is believed. prefer the latter.
 Tobacco is another subject which the Secretary of War will be obliged to dis cuss with the commissioners. and on that point he wanted advice.