The sun., 1902-01-02

as yesterday regarding the policy that his
administration will pursue. He said to THE
SUN correspondent tonight: Il have not
had the least ambition 10 HI any public
Office; in fact Il all along refused to allow my
name put forward as a Presidential candi,
date. | am disappointed that there should
have been any dissatisfaction over the cleo
tion. | consented TO the use OF my name
only at the last minute. when II was too
late to withdraw. But thought that alb
solute harmony prevailed. and then Gen.
Maso had consented TO accept the Nice-Pres-
idency | really would have preferred TO
have been allowed to stay out of politics
and attend to my private affairs.
As he spoke II was easily seen that Gen
Palma was sincerely sorry that any III feel
ing should have been engendered between
the political parties OF Cuba by the election
of Yesterday. He would evidently have
prevented IL II he could, even at the sacri-
foe Of the higest Office in the gift OF his
people.
The Estrada Palma residence Is four
story house, situated at the foot of the
Ramapo Mountains. About thirty acres
of ground surround the wooden dwelling.
II may he said, in fact, that this is the ex-
tent Of Gen. Pama's real estate holdings
and forms the greater part OF his earthly
possessions, for he is far from being rich
man The house. which is large and roomy,
serves the double purpose OF residence
and a school, which il known as the Es-
trada Palma Institute, Gen. Palma has Elk
children. jose, the eldest. is 10 years old.
He is studying law at Columbia University:
Tomas Jr.. is II; Candelaria, a. Carlos and
Luz, twins, 7, and Refael, 0. All the
children except Jose were born in Central
Valley.
MY ambition now says Gen. Palma.
and women Political preferment was
furthest from my mind But my friends
insisted on making me candidate.
Il have lived with my family for eigh-
teen years. have given more than thirty
years Of my life TO the cause OF my coun-
try and will always he ready to help In
its betterment. but political strife is out
Of my sphere:
THE principal object Of the Cuban Re-
public should be, first Of ALL to secure the
most friendly relations with the American
people, who helped us In our hour OF need.
We will always bear in mind the work OF
the United States in helping us 10 obtain
our independence from Spanish rule. Az
the same time we should try to secure from
the Washington Government all the ad-
vantages possible for our products by
reasonable reductions Of the import du-
ties, especially on sugar and tobacco, as
this is the only way for Cuba to escape
the absolute ruin OF those two industries.
which are the bases OF Cuba's actual wealth
Without this benefit the Cuban people
will find themselves in great distress and
subject 10 UlsSuTDhnctS iiOil h'h W ','
plovment without this benefit all the
sacrifices Of the Cubans for their freedom
will be set at naught. for in a starving con-
dition they cannot enjoy their indepen-
dence. am convinced that the people OF
the United States know very we'll that II is
to their own interests that Cuba be in
prosperous condition and in a state of order
and peace. and for that reason ] am sure
that ma jority of the Americans will favor
n COMMERCIAL treaty between the coun-
tries advantageous both 70 the United
States and Cuba