The semi-weekly messenger. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1897-1908, 1901-04-30
BETWEEN SECRETARY ROOT AND THE
CUBAN COMMISSION.
THE FIRST CONFERENCE HELD
The Commission Call at the War De-
partment Where tor an lou Cuban
Affairs are DIscussed-The Commits
Merely Formai-FriendIy addresses
Made-AII Omcial Intercourse to be
with the Secretary of War.

Il l"ISC Io0dy. oliNC III NHC Il pdT Oh
the day when there were introductions
] and a formal exchange Of expressions
of friendships between the United
States and Cuba, and again at night
when the members of the delegation
were the guests of honor at a state
dinner at the White house.
The real business which brought the
delegation here was transacted with
Secretary Root at the war department,
the president in the forenoon interview
at the White house saying to the dele
gates that he would confer with the
secretary who would act as his repre-
sentative in conferences. over the Cuban
situation.
The delegation and Secretary Root
were closeted for some hours in the
afternoon in a discussion of the reIa-
tons of the island to the United States.
Secrecy was observed as to the con-
ference. the statement being made that
after results were reached some news
as to the conclusions might be made
public.
Matters of Importance were not
touched upon in the interview between
the president and the delegation, the
conversation being almost wholly
formal.
Senior Capote in his address, to the
president spoke of the desire of the
Cubans to a the closest possible re-
lations with the United States. He
said that United States soldiers ard
Cubans had fought side by side and
driven Spain from the island, and tla
ties between the two countries We're
bound in blood. The relationship,
therefore, between the countries should
always be most amicable and closer
than hat which usually exists between
nations. He spoke of the gratitude
which Cuba felt to the United States
for the assistance rendered in her lib
Grafton.
In response the president expressed
his pleasure at meeting the delegation,
and desired through them to extend his
kindest wishes to the people of the is
land. He said that his interest in
Cub always had been very great, and
he made reference to messages he had
sent to congress concerning the island.
Its welfare always would be the sub
ject of his most earnest consideration.
He congratulated the members of the
delegation upon being members of the
Cuban constitutional convention. He
said it was a high honor, and it fell
to the. lot of but few men to have the
opportunity to frame a government for
a republic. Concerning the object of
the delegations visit the president said
he would confer with the secretary of
war. and the secretary, having an in
innate knowledge of the situation,
would confer with the delegation.
The Cuban delegates began their
round of official visits and conferences
today by going to the war department
at IL o'clock for the first formal meet
ing with Secretary Root. They were
then escorted by him to the White
house for a meeting with the president.
At the hotel to accompany them on
their und were two officers of the
United States army in fatigue uniform.
Captain Sawtelle and Lieutenant Over
ton.
Previous to the arrival of the dele
cation at the war department Gener
Wood entered the s~ecretary's office and
was there when the visitors were
shown in. The delegation called first
at the office of Assistant Secretary
Sanger and then were shown into Mr..
Roots private office by Colonel Sanger.
Captain Sawtelle and Lieutenant Over
ton. and Senior Gonzales, secretary to
General Wood. were present during the
conference at the war department. 1t
is understood Senior Gonzales is a flu
ent Spanish linguist and he also was
asked to be present at the conference
at the White house. About an hour
was consumed in a discussion of Cuban
affairs in the war department, when
the delegation left for the White house.
The most important meeting of the
day was a conference in Secretary
Roots office lasting from 3 until 6
o'clock in the afternoon. This was the
first business meeting. the others hav-
ing been social and formal. Those
present were the five Cuban delegates,
the interpreter. Secretary Root, General
Wood. Assistant Secretary Sanger,
and Senior Gonzales. General Woods
secretary, who acted IS interpreter a
great portion of h time. The army
officers who are acting as escort for the
ADAMS were present. When the meet
ing adjourned no official statement was
made as to the proceedings, but it can
be said that the result was considered
satisfactory, both by the .Cubans
Secretary Root. The business was not
completed and the conference will re-
assemble tomorrow afternoon. The
fact that the entire conversation had
to be conducted through Interpreters
made it necessary to proceed slowly.
1t vas made plain to the Cubans by
Secretary Root that no modification of
the Platt amendment could be mad by
the executive department of the gov
eminent and the Cubans themselves
understand that there is little possibil-
ity of congressional action in that di-
r%ection, so the conference was devoted
largely to the construction which
could be placed upon the amendment.
The law states that the propositions
contained in the amendment shall be
substantially" agreed to by the
Cubans and the discussion revolved
chilly around what will be considered
a substantial" agreement to the Plat
amendment requirements. There vas
some very fine legal sparring between
Secretary Roo and Senior Capote. the
president of the constitutional conven-
ton and chairman of the delegation.
1t is understood that the Cubans are
impressed with h desire on the part
of this government to deal fairly by
Cuba and the belief is expressed that
h delegation will take home favora
BILE reports Of our intentions.
Appointments by the President
Washington. April 25.-The president
today made the following appoint
C4~l0- Dol4I - - Vel