New-York tribune., 1901-02-06
NO FIGHT OVER CUBA.
REPUBLICAN HARMONY NOT
ENDANGERED.
POSSIBILITY THAT AN EXTRA SESSION
OF CONGRESS MAY NOT BE CALLED
CHANGE IN THE PRESIDENTS
VIEWS REPORTED
r AN EXTRA SESSION
VIEWS REPORTED.
Is4 TELEGRAPH TO rHE 1R1suNu.I J

Washington. Feb. 5-while attempt Is be-
ing made to disguise the fact that Republicans
are considerably divided in opinion to the
best method 20 pursue in determining the hnal
status Of Cuba and the relations of that island
TO the United States il is nevertheless true that
these differences of opinion are not irreconcila-
BILE. nor do they threaten danger TO party har-
mony unity of purpose. The fact seems to be
that the agitation Of the question was sprung
before the Republican leaders were looking Tor
II and while they were engrossed with matters
of more immediate Importance With rare ex-
ceptions few Of them had thought that Cuba
would be pressed forward for attention for
nearly a year yet. and 1t is literally true that
none Of them had expected that they would be
called upon before the regular meeting time OF
the new Congress in December next even TO
contemplate seriously the various and delicate
phases Of the question. For this reason some
thing like a shock was caused when the intima-
ton came from the White House that II proba-
bly, would be necessary for the President to call
an extra session Of the With Congress imme-
diately after the expiration OF the With
March to deal with the Cuban question.
When this intination given out cautiously
and tentatively, 1t is understood that the Presi-
dents advices from Cuba indicated that the Gu
ban constitution would be completed by Febru-
soon afterward to form a local government II
now appears to be not improbable that the con-
| stitution makers at Havana may continue 10
wrangle until long after this Congress has ex-
pired by limitation, in which event OF course.
Mr. Mckinley will not be confronted for some
time to come with the question OF what to do
with the Cuban constitution. But should
the work thai instrument be hurried TO COM
pletion before this Congress expires another
vitality important feature OF the situation would
still remain undetermined and that is the for
nation Of a Government and the election OF a
full complement Of officers by the Cubans. II
is generally believed that, however they
may conclude the work on their constitution.
the Cubans could not be ready TO hold an cleo
| tOn of officers for several months-at least not
before September or October Until the Gov
| ernment is thus completed by the election OF
officers. the United States Congress would have
nothing to deal with in Cuba. But when the
| Cubans construct government under their
constitution there will be something tangible
| an actual entity--with which Congress can deal.
In view OF this prospect, it is considered prob
able in well informed circles that the President
| now entertains a somewhat different idea with
/ regard to the possible necessity of an extra
| session from that which he held a week ago
Indeed. il is said that Mr.. Mckinley expressed
/ TO several callers to-day the growing belief that
he would not feel impelled to call extra ses-
| sion. An intimation to this effect has caused a
| widespread feeling Of relief in both parties in
| Congress. but especially among Republicans.
who. as heretofore pointed out. are opposed to
/ being hurried into consideration Of the Cuban
question. irrespective of their difference OF opin-
ion with reference to the method TO he adopted
for the final settlement OF Cuba's status.