Daily new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1897-1906, 1901-04-27
NO POWER TO TREAT
Cubans Can Only ask Infor-
nation.
HAVE FAVORABLE IMPRESSIONS.
Betancourt Said the Discussion Had
Shown Earnest Effort 81 Both Sides
to o2al Fairly-Mcetl. at White
House Produces e3qa Effect.

ident's departure for the Pacific coast,
was occupied almost exclusively with
the discussion of the visit OF the Cuban
commission. Secretary Root, who has
been conducting the conferences with
the commission, submitted rather ex-
haustiyely an account Of the later
views he had had with them. He told
the president and the cabinet Of the
objections which the commissioners
raised to the Plat amendment and
of some OF the misunderstanding re-
garding it under which they seemed
to be iaboring. There was general
exchange OF opinion among the mem
bers OF the cabinet regarding the sit
uation and in light of the views ex-
pressed. Secretary Root will hold
another conference with the commits
sioners before their departure. The
president will not see them again,
except to formally bid them farewell
While there are one or two points
upon which some of the members of
the commission are insistent, the gen
eral feeling of the cabinet as reflect
ed in their exchange of views, was
that the result of the commissions
visit coult not but be extremely bene-
fetal in removing erroneous impress
sions which, it was said, were enter
tanned in the constitutional conaen-
ton regarding the purpose Of the
United States. Altogether. it wou.d
not be too much to say that the caDi-
net generally are hopeful that the
convention, after hearing the report
of the commission, will be much
more disposed to accept our terms
than they have been heretofore.
General 6etancourt interviewed.
General Pedro E. Betancourt one
Of the most influential members of the
delegation, Friday, in response to in
quiries. made some interesting gem
eral statements as To the purposes
of the visit and the Impressions which
the delegates have obtained, He said
in part:
1t should be understood that We
are here for the purpose OF studying
the entire question OF relations be-
tween the United States and Cuba
more particularly as presented by the
Plat amendment But it is a mistake
10 think that We have presented any
proposition. or that there is anything
thus far beyond an effort to learn
the views entertained by the authori-
ties here on many points involved,
and at the same time To convey to
them the views held by the convention
which We are here to represent We
are not clothed with any plenipoter-
tiary powers, and cannot present
plans which occur to us.
There is absolutely nothing of
that kind. On the contrary, the Plart
amendment has been before the peo-
pie OF Cuba for some time and there
have been varying views as to the
meaning and construction OF some
of its terms. Now we come here to
secure information from those best
able TO give it. as 60 the meaning OF
all these points. Thus far, | think
| can say for myself and my asso-
ciates that the discussion has pro-
duced an agreeable impression upon
US. 1t has shown very earnest ef-
fort on both sides to deal with the
subject in such a spirit of fairness
and honor as would reach a eonclu-
sion satisfactory to all concerned.
Pleased With the Dinner.
The dinner given at the executive
mansion last night afforded the dele
gates all opportunity to meet not only
the president and members of his cab
met, but many of your foremost SEN
ators and public men in all wai...r of
life. | can assure you that the meet
ing produced upon us a most favor
able impression. We were received
not only with courtesy and regard,
but even with affection. Your lead
Ing public men took occasion to greet
each one of us with assurances Of
deep friendly and personal interest
IN the maintenance of the most cor
dial relations between Cuba and the
United States. 1t was made plain to
us that your public men approached
this subject in spirit of disinterest-
edness and of unselfishness and that
their concern was chiefly as to the
interests of Cuba. In so far as the
interest of the United States natur-
ally might be involved, the view was
maintained that this was for the ulti-
mate interest and benefit OF Cuba.
To Exchange information.
AS TO the details Of our further