Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-03-20
SENATOR PROCTOR ON CUBA.
The Alleged Letter from Him Favoring
Annexation a Fake-His True Posi-
ton Stated.


United States Senate. March T.
To the Editor of The Free Press:
l have seen in many papers what pur-
ports to be a letter written by me and its
publication credited to the Richford Gaz-
cite, That letter reads as follows:
"Iloplying TO your request of the 18th
inst / will say that believe the real SOL
lutiOn Of the Cuban question is in anneXd
ton. | have always favored that PROPOSE
ton, and my investigation Of the condition
of that unfortunate people four years ago
made me a firm friend of annexation In
stead of fuVoring duties we should make
Cuba part of our great republic with
restrictive conditions"
February 18th [ wrote the Rchford Gaz-
cite asking them to send me the letter
which it was claimed was written by me,
but received no reply. Later sent the fol-
lowing despatch:
| please inform me if you ever received
etter from me favoring Cuban annexation?
Your answer is prepaid. Please reply i'm
mediately.'
This was answered as follows:
Letter from somebody and as your
name was attached supposed it came from
YOU Letter and signature were typewriter.
pody fooled us. (signcd) Richford Gaz-
cite"
As the Gazette had never written me a
request for my views, it seemed singular
that the editor should not see that
would not begin letter "Repying to your
request" when l had received no request,
and ] do not sign my letters by typewrlt-
err. Yhe purpOrtcd letter was not written
by me is entirely a fake and is a misstate.
ment Of my views in all respects. On my
return from Cuba four years ago. this was
all | said about anneXation:-'l am not in
favor Of annexation, not that | would APP
prehond any particular trouble from it, but
because it is not wise policy to take in any
people of foreign tongue and training. and
without any strong guiding American ele-
ments."
But if the objection stated in that SEN
ence were removed there are other reasons
why we cannot now properly advocate an
nexaton. We have promised Cuba indepen
D dence. Her government is soon TO be inan-
uratcd. We must Ike our promise strict
: ly and give her fair opportunity for sell
government. So long S she complies wiz
; the requirements OF the lldlt dileHuHleH
we have no right to interfere in her affairs
u If she succeeds in establishing stable ant
e well conducted self government and he
:. people are satisfied with it we have no oc
y sasion to interfere If at any time in thu
II future they think II desirable TO become
4 part of this country they will say so, ant
then it is for us to decide whether we wis
to receive them into the Union or not. /
lis plainly for them to say first that the,
h wish to come. Until they express tina
o wish it does not come with good grace iron
,r u.s. and it is not fair in view of our pro
v mise to them, to talk about annexation
N 1t Is neither good morals, good manners
D nor good politics. We must first give Their
1t the fair chance for self government W
al have guaranteed; and to bring any pres
10 sure to bear upon them or to advocate an
H. Lexation until they ask for It is. to say tn
N least premature. and tends to defeat It
n purpose.
10 Very respectfully yours,
10 REDFIELD PROCTOR
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~ II Is expected that the centennial ann