The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-04-26

| mission. was the first to speak and h
was followed in order by President Ca
pote. Judge Llorente. General Betan
court, and General Portuondo. Ques
tions were freely asked by the delegate
and replied to by the Secretary of Wa
and General Wood. The result was ap
! parent at the close of the meeting wheI
General Portuondo declared that the in
/ terview was very satisfactory. TIL,
| principal clause under discussion re
1 lates TO the consent of Cuba that tht
| United States may exercise the right t.
| intervene"
Secretary Root went into full an6
| complete explanation Of the meaning
| of this section, pointing out that it is
| mainly for the preservation of the in
| dependence of Cuba. He declared that
| in the absence of a recognition by Cuba
Of the right of the United States to in
tcrvene. should it be necessary to ac-
| lively protect Cuba against any foreign
| Power, the position of the United States
would be weakened. He thought
therefore, that Cuba should, for her
own self defence. recognize the right OF
the United States to intervene should it
be necessary TO do so to preserve Cuban
Independence, or should It be necessary
for the protection of life, property, and
individual liberty.
He held that it naturally followed
that Cuba should permit the United
States to have coaling or naval sta
tions, which would be of great advan-
tage to the United States n the event
Of being called upon 20 maintain Cuban
independence. or should they be needed
for the defence of the United States in
the event of war with any foreign ma
ton.
Secretary Root showed how the tradi-
tions of the United States were all op-
posed to the idea of any foreign Power
securing a foothold in Cuba. and how
intended to prevent any foreign Power
from securing control of the island
which might thereby threaten the in
dependence of Cuba.
While the question of the Isle of Pines
was touched upon. it received but little
consideration.
The discussion ended for the day
about 6 O'Clock. and the delegates hur-
ried to the Richmond Hotel, where a
reception was tendered them by Gen
eral Wood, Secretary Root being also
present. Secretary Foot will give the
commission luncheon today, and the
conference will be continued at another
meeting, To be held in the War Depart
ment. 1t is expected that the commits
sion will conclude its work at this meet
ing. If this expectation is fulfilled
General Wood will leave tonight for
Havana, and will be followed in a few
days by the members of the commits
sicn.
One feature Of the visit of General
WcCd TO Washington and his confer
ence with the President is of particular
interest to Cuba. The economic condi-
ton of the island was presented by
General Wood in very positive terms.
He declared to the President that the
condition in the island demanded that
be done toward modifying
the duty imposed by the United States
On Cuban imports, and he made a for
mai recommendation that the duty on
sugar and tobacco be reduced. His rec
was made SO strongly
that it is said that the President Will
urge upon Congress that some legisla-
lion be enacted looking to such reduc-
lion.
Last night the President entertained i
number of Senators. Representatives. !
md other officials were present Cuban |
matters were informally discussed.