Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-08-25
ANNEXATION Is
BEING FORCED
ON CUBA
Washington Post.

~ AN ANA OuBds AUS
of the Cuban Planters associa-
ton are beginning TO regret that
at their last meeting the annexa-
ton resolution which had been prepared
for discussion and adoption was not
brought up. Influence was brought TO
bear. II is stated on authority, which re-
suited in pigeonholing the resolution. 1t
is the general impression that official ac-
ton by the association was prevented By
representations made by President Palma
and other influential Cubans. to the eff
feet that such action would result In eco
nomic disaster to the young republic. 1t
is generally believed that the influence
back of this movement to prevent the
passage of resolutions demanding annexa-
ton was that of the Washington gov
eminent and Minister Squier is credited
with a clever diplomatic coup in bringing
the sugar planters to look at the question
from the administrators point of view.
Feared Its Effect.
It was commended that official action by
the association would be interpreted by
the American press and people as an ex-
preston OF a lack Of confidence in the
stability of the new Cuban republic, or as
questioning its ability to solve the insular
economic problem, and this in turn would
complicate, disastrously, perhaps, the con-
various state conventions for a vindica-
ton OF his policy toward Cuba. including
reciprocity. In the face of such argu-
ments, threatened with frowns from
Washington, as well as from the Cuban
administration, the planters finally de-
cided the present was an inopportune
moment to spring their annexation reso-
luton.
The alternative recommended by the
association, the passage Of bill by con-
gress for a loan of $35 100000, was also
urged, 1t is said, by Mr. Squier, and in
this also he scored another diplomatic
success. The plan involves a mortgage
and agricultural bank, to be chartered by
the government and operated under Of
ficial f1scalization, with authority to issue
bills, receivable ION par with American
gold) as legal tender throughout the is
land, whether in the payment of customs
dues, interior taxes municipal imposts or
in general business transactions.
Carlisle the Author.
The plan for the organization and oper-
alton of such a financial institution in Ha-
vana is understood to have originated
with the Hon. John G. Carlisle. formerly
the secretary Of the treasury Of the United
States under the Cleveland regime, but
now the financial adviser Of the Cuban
executive, with whom he has for many
years been upon intimate terms of per-
sonal friendship. Mr.. Carlisle, who is
vice president of the North American
Trust company, of New York, was here
in May, and attended the Inauguration
ceremonies as a guest of DR.. Palma. He
was one Of the founders of "El Banco
Nacional de Cuba, the Havana branch
of the North American Trust company.
President Lacoste was chosen to serve
for another year as president Of the as
ISOLATION. He was the first mayor OF the
city of Havana appointed under the
American flag after the Spaniards had
begun to evacuate, and became secretary
of agriculture In General Woods insular
council. He is an American citizen and
votes in the state of Ohio. President
Palma requested Lacoste TO remain At the
head OF the agricultural department I'M
der the new republic. but rather than re-
nounce his United States citizenship Mr..
Lacoste chose to retire from ONCE. While
reluctantly admitting the possible wisdom
OF the policy advanced by Minister
Squiers, President Lacoste claims that,
with him, nine-tenths of the sugar plant
tiers of Cuba wish to see the island re-
placed under the stars and Stripes" be-
lieving that nothing less can solve the
economic problem and guarantee the coun-
try permanent peace and prosperity.
Admission as q State.
Lacostes idea is that Cuba should be
admitted as a state, but he is free to ad-
NIT that military or territorial form or
government would be preferred to a con-
tinuance Of present unsettled and I'M
stable conditions. In brief speech made
upon being indicted to the chair for a
second period, Mr.. Lacoste took occasion
to remark that upon the question OF an
nexation he believes the views Of the
working people of the island have been
willfully distorted and misrepresented by
designing and hypocritical demagogues.
Other planters spoke-all favorable to
annexation, and a few of the number in
timated a willingness to materially con-
tribute to the promotion of such politi-