New-York tribune., 1901-05-31
CONFERENCE ON CUBA.
PRESIDENT M'KINLEY AND HIS
ADVISERS DISAPPOINTED
NO MODIFICATION OF THE PLATr
AMENDMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED
VENTTON RESENTED
VENTTON RESENTED.
Tsv TELEGRAPH TO THE rR1BuNE.l

b.
Washington. May 90.-Interest has suddenly
shifted from the bearing OF the Supreme Court
decisions in the insular test cases on the status
of the Philippines to the meaning and effect OF
the action of the Cuban Constitutional Conven-
ton in accepting the Platt amendment with
what the Cubans are pleased to call Secretary
Roots Interpretation OF that instrument For
three hours this afternoon Senator Platt. of
Connecticut. and Senator Spooner, of Wisconsin
were in conference with the President and the
Secretary Of War at the White House as to
what course this government is TO pursue now
that the Cuban Constitutional Convention has
adopted the Platt amendment. after apparently
modifying it suit the Radical politicians in
the island. After dinner tonight Senators Platt
and spooner resumed the conference with Sec
retary Root in the latter's apartments at the
Arlington Hotel. and the conference was con-
tnued 10 a late hour. What conclusion, if any.
was reached is not known nor is it known how
wide a range the discussion took
PROGRAMME FOR THE CABIS ET.
The hurried nature of The conference and the
fact that Senators Platt and Spooner were sum
rnoned here by telegraph from their homes by
the Secretary Of War indicate the desire Of
the President 10 have a definite programme with
regard 70 Cuba 10 submit TO the Cabinet meet
ing tomorrow. The further fact that none Of
those who took part in the conferences could
be induced to talk tonight is believed TO mean
that he situation is Yet too uncertain to be dis
cussed for publication. It is known, however.
that The President and all his advisers are con-
siderably displeased. not TO say disappointed.
with what appears 10 be q trick the Cuban con-
stitu1ion makers have tried to play this
country Until full advices have been received
from Governor General Wood as 10 the exact
torn in which the Platt amendment was
adopted by the convention at Havana the ad-
rninistration necessarily will be somewhat in
the dark. though il is expected that complete
translation Of the amendment as modified, or
Interpreted" viii be received by cable from the
Governor-GeneraI before morning.
CANNOT MAKE CONCESSIONS.
Il is certain that the administration will not
consent TO any modification of the Platt amend
lnent by the Cubans. That document must be
either accepted just as it passed Congress or
rejected outright Obviously there IS no mid
die ground to stand Even if the President
and his advisers We're inclined TO make con-
cessons, they would not have the authority 70
do so in this case any more than they would be
authorized TO change or modify any other act
Of Congress 1t is probable that Governor
General Wood VIII be advised 10 this effect by
the President after the Cabinet meeting to-mor-
row It is thought that he Will also be instructed
ton that until the Platt amendment is adopted
without any qualifying explanatory addenda
and in this shape incorporated into the organic
law Of Cuba the President cannot withdraw the
American troops from the island nor can the
Cubans proceed with general election of off,
GERS for the organization Of their government.
Doubtless when this is fully impressed on the
minds Of the constitution makers they will strip
the amendment Of the surplusage by which they
palpably have attempted to pervert and distort
il 10 their own advantage.
SECRETARY ROOT EMBARRASSED.
Il is obvious that the Cuban commissioners
who recently visited Washington have invested
the Ia .guage used by Secretary Root in his con-
f=rences with them with authority which
tfev must know he does not possess. For this
reason the Secretary feels not little chagrined
and embarrassed, as he fears that innocently
his conduct VIII impede the establishment OF
relations with Cuba the terms prescribed by
Congress He conceIves that what the cuban
politicians are trying to do is to distort the
Platt amendment under the guise Of acting un-
Ger his unofficial Interpretation Of certain OF ITS
clauses No fear is felt that the matter cannot
b. quickly and satisfactorily adjusted after the
Cubsus are fatty informed that they must ac-
cent the Platt amendment without direct or IN
direct change or indefinitely remain under the
military rule of the United States.