Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1902-08-14
WASHINGTON LETTER.


Editor Press
Much interest is expressed in
Washington in the answer to the
charges of the anti-imperialists
which is being prepared by Col.
Clarence Edwards, chief of the
Insular Bureau of the War Depart
ment. Colonel Edwards, states
that he has, in the sworn testimony
taken before the Philippine com
mittee of the Senate, a refutation
of every charge made by the anti
imperialists and that his plan will
be to print the charges and refuta-
tions in parallel columns. The
general and unsubstantiated
charges of the anti-imperialists will
look very insignificant when placed
side by side with the specific, sworn
statements of men who have made
their observations on the ground
and it is reasonable to assume that
once Colonel Edwards book has
been given general circulation there
will be little more heard from the
fanatical gentlemen who style them
selves "the defenders Of human
ity."
The determination of Cuba to
negotiate loan of $50, 600, 900 is
causing serious anxiety to the adj
ministration. What can have op-
Grated to create so unanimous a
sentiment in favor of such loan
is a question frequently asked and
there are many who believe that
the same element which defeated
the Presidents Cuban reciprocity
policy in Congress is at the bottom
of Cuban's present intentions. 1t
is said, and not without reason,
that if these gertlemen can pur-
suade Cuba to issue so large loan
they will be able to buy the bonds
at ruinous discount and, having
secured a considerable holding,
they will be in Il position to practi-
cally dictate Cuban affairs, where
as, if Cuba rebels against their
dictation, they will insist on pay
ment of the bonds and thus force
annexation to the United States,
thus profiting to an incalculablc
extent on their investment.
In connection with the proposed
loan, complicated question arises
as to the location of the power
which may prohibit the negotiation
of the loan or which may pronounce
such q loan in violation of the Platt
amendment. There is no clause in
the Platt amendment designating
the executive as the mentor of
Cuban finances and, as the Consti-
tuition expressly provides that the
executive branch of the Govern
ment shall acquire no power not
expressly delegated to it by the
Constitution or by Congress, it is
difficult to see how the power to
interfere with Cuba can rest with
anyone but Congress. Neverthe
less, the Secretary of the Treasury
states unequivocaliy that he be-
lieves full power in the matter rests
with the President acting by the
advice of his Cabinet. Whatever
opinion may be held now, it is clear
that it will become the duty of
Congress, as soon as that body
convenes, to pass a bill which will
clearly define the relations of Con-
gress and of the executive to Cuba
and then to investigate the condi-
tions in Cuba which necessitate and
warrant, if it be warranted, the ne
gotiation of the proposed loan. Nc
, one believes that Cuba has any
: financial resources which wa rrant
the borrowing of SO vast a sum.
, But a small portion of Cuba's
J agricultural lands are productive
} at the present time and her taxable
area is severely restricted. Where
, she can raise the funds with which
to pay ) per cent. interest on 335,
600, 900 is not easily determined.
, Representative Cannon of Hi.
, nois passed through Washingtor
= tIic ,rnnlr an big ,,o,- fran, liz III;