Barre evening telegram. (Barre, Vt.) 1898-19??, 1902-03-26
"CUBA LlBRE" MAY 70
Date Set For Turning Island Over to
Its People. r
PALMA INAUGURATED THEN.
The Present Intention IL to Move
Nearly All United states COntin-
gent, Civil and Military, From
the New Republic.

Washington, March 26.-May 20 ia
the new date fixed for turning over the
island of Cuba to its people. The
change Of date was made, II not at the
suggestion, then with the full approval
Of President Elect Palma and his ad.
visers, Seniors Tamaya and Quesada,
who were with him at the war de.
partment during the day.
This date should be memorable one
in Cuban history, for 1t will not only
mark the acquisition Of full independ-
ence, but will be the Cuban Inaugural.
ton day, it having been determined
that President Palma shall be inaugu.
rated on the same day that American
control of the island ceases.
All but the smallest details Of the
:hange in Cuba hasllbeen planned,
and these remaining details were un-
der adjustment at the meeting held at
the war department. Besides Secretary
Root, President Palma and Seniors Ia
maya and Quesada, General Wood at
tended.
The meeting occurred in the secre-
tary's office. Besides the final selection
Of May 20 as Cuban independence day
two other important conclusions We're
reached The first was that General
Wood should Immediately upon his re-
turn to Cuba issue a call converting the
first Cuban congress in session on May
10, in order that the body might EN-.
ploy the ten days following that date
In supplying any legislation necessary
to the assumption of full powers in the
island.
The other conclusion was that there
should be no half way evacuation OF
the island. The present disposition is
to move the entire United States con-
tingent, civil and military, away from
the island, not even leaving corporaIs
guard of United States soldiers in any
of the camps. If this programme is
not executed. it will be for the sole
reason that the Cubans themselves.
through their authorized officials. re-
quest that the departure of the United
States troops be delayed for time.
The above programme, however. does
not apply to the coast defense at sew.
eral points in the island. These will
BE- garrisoned by United States troops
under command Of Colonel William L.
Haskin.
The Postal Fraud Cases.
The main topic of conversation just
now regarding Cuban affairs is the de-
cision in the postofice fraud cases at
Havana. A dispatch from that city
says that the trials before the audien.
cin court have resulted in the follow.
ing sentences: "
c. F. w. Nicely, ten years. imprison-
ment and to pay a fine of $780,
w. H. Reeves, ten years imprison-
ment and to pay fine Of $35,616.
Estes G. Rathbone, ten years impris-
onment and to pay fine Of $35,324.
The news Of the sentences imposed
npor the three Americans quickly cir
,ulated in Washington and caused con-
among their friends. Strong
pressure had been applied to induce
action which would at least cause a
pOstponement Of the trial until after
the induction of the new government
INTO Office. 1t was then proposed to
use influence with the Cuban officials,
and it was believed that Rathbone,
Nicely and Reeves would escape pun
shment.
Governor General Wood has received
cablegram from Havana announcing
he conviction and sentencing and has
the news to the presi- |
lent, Secretary Root and President |
elect Palma
General Wood says that the defend
lnts can appeal to the supreme court |
Il Cuba.
"They. cannot appeal on evidence"
le says, "but on errors in the rulings
4 the court"