Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1902-01-06
PALMA IALKS OF CUBA
Tells of His Plans and Hopes
For the Future Of, the
Island.
President Elect Says United
States Still Has Duty TO
the Cubans.
Aid will Be Required Until Cuba
Has Its Government
Established.

interview at his home in Central val
ley, N Y, outlined his views and policy
regarding the future of Cuba. He said:
I'm lending assistance to free Cuba
from the tyranny of Spain the United
States assumed a moral obligation that
is not yet fulfilled That country is not
independent that is denied prosperity.
The prosperity of Cubs. depends to a
great extent upon the attitude Of the
United States toward the now forming
republic.
The full moral obligation will be dis
charged when this giant among nations
completes its work by opening the on
ly market that is possible to Cuban
products.
My policy" said Senior Palma, will
be to maintain as strongly as possible
the good relations that now exist be-
tween the people of Cuba and those
of the United States; TO develop the
natural resources of Cuba, and to pro-
vide work of sowe sort for every able
bodied Cuban.
My attitude toward the United
States is we'll knows, tho 1t Is unjust
for my present enemies to say have a
leaning toward annexation.
Close relations must be maintained
between the two countries. for the rea-
son that this is our natural market
and in a limited way. Cuba is the mar
ket for American goods.
II am fully convinced that we can
make reciprocal relation that will be OF
benefit to both, tho 1t wouio be folly
TO deny that the burden OF obligation
will rest upon my country.
II abhor politics. and believe that
Cuba will be happier and more prosper
Gus If political intrigues are abandoned.
will try all I can to develop agricul-
tural interests, as in that direction lies
our best hope.
I'VE need great economy. There will
be no ostentatious government. Every
employee must work for his country
with the same unselfishness that was
displayed during the days of the revo-
luton Vanity must be cast aside, and,
with no idea of settlement, all must
labor for the cause of the country.
While we must have this market, /
realize that we cannot expect to send
our products into the United States to
compete in the open market with the
home products. I will ask with every
expectation of the request being grant
ed, that reasonable reduction shall be
made in the duty on sugar and tobacco,
the two staples Of Cuban agriculture.
III this reduction is granted the pros
perity of Cuba win be immediate and
great. If 1t is denied it will mean ruin.
There will be $500, 1000. zoe employed In
the sugar and tobacco industries, all of
which will be lost If the American door
is closed.
My plans are not now completely
formed, but in my opinion the duty on
sugar should be cut in half.
IF make no mistake in reading the
signs the relations with Cuba form the
greatest problem that confronts the adj
ministration Of President Roosevelt.
American blood was shed and Amer
lean wealth was spent by the million
that Cuba might be free. But that coun-
try.is not Independent that has not pros
perity. Lasting freedom is secured by
prosperity, and In Cuba peace depends
upon that condition.
There Is moral obligation still
resting upon the United States This
great country should help in establish
ing peace and order and prosperity in
Cuba; 1t must do so before It's work is
complete. In that way it will conclude
the most magnificent undertaking ma
ton ever imposed upon itself.
"It shall be my endeavor to continue
the work Of sanitation that has been SO
successfully. carried on under the direc-
ton of Gen. Wood.
There are now about 100000 negroes
in the island, and while the color line
is not drawn as it Is here. 1t is q serious
problem. White immigration will dc
much to solve it,
IT do not know how soon the last OF
the American troops will be withdrawn
perfect good faith of the United States
and will make no demand for the imme-
diate evacuation of the island.
"Some system Of coinage must be de-
vised for Cuba. but that will have to be
left to the future.
I'VE have outstanding bonds to the
amount OF s3,0O0000 that have been rec
ognized. These bonds begin to bear In
terest the day our government is es-
tablished. One of our first duties will be
to provide for their payment
Capital must be encouraged and hos
tile legislation minimized. The rail-
roads of Cuba should be amalgamated
into one system, as under the present
plan freight rates are unnecessarily
high.
When I left Cuba vowed I would
never return until Cuba had established
its independence. That vow I have
kept.
my property. confiscated by the
Spanish government, was offered to me
If would return and take the oath OF
allegiance. Now the property is again
mine and I go back to free country
the chosen head of my people.
II was not enthusiastic about the
presidency. and 1t was not until my old
friend Gen. Maxine Gomez requested
me to stand as candidate that con-
scented. Gen. Gomez and were togeth-
err in the field, and we were together in
exile.
IF consulted my own desires would
remain in private life with my family
but have never refused call to duty
from my country. and I will not refuse
now. will return to Havana in the
latter part OF April, but will leave my
two eldest sons here to complete their
education
War Tax Must Be Paid.
Washington, Jan. 6.-Attorney Gener-
til,