The Billings gazette. [volume] (Billings, Mont.) 1896-1919, 1901-07-23
cuBANs WANT ANNEXATION,

Despite the efforts or the radicals
and the ones who expect to be the gain
ers to the extent of holding lucrative
offices when the republic shall finally
be established, the sentiment in favor
of annexation to the United States
is constantly growing stronger in
Cuba. An aggressive and determined
campaign having for it's result the
merging of the island as an integral
part of this country has been inaugu-
rated by some of the most prominent
of the conservative Cubans. The
leaders of the annexation movement
are said to be those who favored adop-
ton of the Plat amendment and who
were we'll pleased and satisfied with
the action of the constitutional con
v%ention in placing the amendment into
the constitution. Mere adoption Of the
amendment, however, does not go far
enough to suit them. While it places
the island under the protection of the
United States it does not provide for
the economic situation that will con-
front the rulers in the new govern
ment. Beyond the protection assured
by the adoption of the amendment the
conservative Cubans do not look for
any assistance from the United States
and know that none can be accepted.
as Cuba is legally a foreign country.
These men are we'll informed on SEN
timent in this country and entertain
small hopes of the success of any ef-
fort to negotiate a reciprocity treaty
between thetwo nations. In this con-
dition of doubt they have for compan-
ions many congressman, who, though
f%avorably disposed to such a treaty,
know that there is a large element in
both houses that does not regard
such an arrangement with favor.
There is bound to be aclash when the
is made because of the oppo-
sition that will arise from those in
dustries and interests which fear that
such a treaty might be of injury to
them.
The annexationists realize all this
and also see thetroubles in store for
new government as soon as in
The only way out of the
complications that they
see is in union with this country.
IN furthering the movement instituted
~ them they have addressed them
selves to all the conservatives of the
sland and use strong arguments to
their cause. They appeal
"all who live from their labor, agri-
great and small, the mer-
the industrials and the landed
and all who desire fer
Cuba order. progress and prosperity.
Continuing, the address points out
Cuba is lear a monetary crisis,
he country is exhausted and impov-
and much time is to elapse
'eforc it gets on it's feet if we don't
the acumen to select the only ]
traight and sure road on which to !
an exit; that is, annexation to ]
he United States. That annexation !
Vlllhave to come at all events there I
emains no doubt but there is a great S
Inference between having it soon, I
y a timely request, and having it {
ONE after a long process which may I
Exhaust the little strength remaining G
n the country" h
1t is said that the movement for r
n~nexation has assumed such proper Q
ions that it will form one of the most il
Important questions which will be '
laced before the president and Sec t
etary Root by General Wood when n
e comes to the United States. In b
lis connection it may not be wrong Il
state that wen among those who v
Re clamoring for immediate and alb Il
)lute in~deDondanco there ara MANI n