New-York tribune., 1902-07-16
CUBANS' SCHEME CHECKED.
THE TRIBUNES DISCLOSURES AROUSE
GREAT INTEREST IN WASHINGTON.
PUBLICITY GIVEN TO SUGAR PLANTERS
ANNEXATION MOVEMENT LIKELY
TO EMBARRAsS IT.
[Br TELEGRAPH TO THE THIBUNE.I

TO EMBARRASS IT.
tBT TELEGRAPH TO THE TRIBUNE.I
Washington. July 15-The Tribune's news re-
garding the Cuban sugar planters movement
for annexation excited much interest in Wash
ington to-day Its authenticity was admitted in
circles which fully informed about what Is
going in Havana. Among the representa-
tives OF the interests which are seeking annexa-
ton the publication deplored giving
premature publicity to the movement, and there
fore likely to embarrass It.
A Cuban view given to The Tribune corre-
spondent was that the efforts OF the sugar
planters would receive more attention in the
United States than in Cuba. 1t was well known
there, he said that most of the planters wanted
annexation, and there would be no resentment
against them If they had the courage openly to
advocate that policy. because their influence was
limited. and could be easily counteracted when
it eXerted.
Although the sugar planters movement is not
likely TO worry the Cuban Government to
cause resentment, a statement of the situation
given TO The Tribune by American who
has close personal relations with leading off,
cias OF the government and enjoys their
confidence. While the statement comes from
a private individual it is almost semi-officia in
its character.
CUBAN VIEW OF SITUATION HERE.
According to this American some of the men
! influential In the Cuban Government think that
there is a conspiracy in the United States 70
force annexation by causing the failure of the
republic They do not accept the common view
that President Roosevelts policy defeated
by a series of accidents. They believe that the
failure of Congress to act was part of an or
ganized movement, and they do not profess
confidence that reciprocity will have a better
show next winter than it had this summer
Some of the identified with the present
Cuban government were assured last winter by
leading Senators that the question
got out of the House of Representatives in any
shape the Senate would take 1t up and mould
the legislation to nit the needs OF cuba. These
assurances were given with much positive
ness that they thought reciprocity would be
an accomplished fact when the govern
ment installed. Plausible pretexts
given for the delay until after the inauguration
of President Palma. Then there not much
pretext or excuse. The Cuban leaders simply
were told that they would have to wait till
next winter although this meant that the sugar
plantations would be worse off than
According to this view. the Cuban Govern
| ment, like any other government. must be influ-
enced by actualities. 1t feels that the American
people, the newspapers and President Roosevelt
are sincerely determined to have reciprocal trade
relations with Cuba, but government il has
| 10 face the fact that this determination has
been thwarted. 1t has right to assume that
the legislation for the relief of Cuba which
was defeated at this session OF Congress viii be
granted at the next session. AS means of self
protection. rather. IL must assume otherwise.
and not depend on the American Congress any
longer. 1t will go ahead and negotiate a reel
procity treaty. and II the American people should
succeed in forcing Congress to carry out their
will. so much the better. But II their will should
| again be thwarted. the Cuban leaders think the
| evidence Of the conspiracy will be complete.
A CRITICAL PERIOD IN THE ISLAND.
Believing that the movement In the United
| States is deliberate. naturally the Cuban Gov
ernment will seek TO protect itself. 1t is unde-
| nable that the refusal of reciprocity has added
| TO the embarrassment of President Palma's ad-
mnstration and has made the first six months
| of it's existence most critical period. on the
| other hand. the knowledge the belief among
| the people of Cuba that organized intrigue
| in the United States is seeking TO force annex
| ation and that the Palma administration may
| be made the victim OF that intrigue is likely to
| give President Palma large measure of popu-
| lar support The opinion is that when the real
| test comes criticism and fault finding will cease
| and the government will he supported with
| substantial unanimity a defiance to the Amer
| lean anneXatiOnists.
| The economic situation is serious. but the best
| information is that there will be no outbreaks
| and disorder, because 1t is now felt through
| out the island that these desired in the
| United States in order to precptate anarchy
| and offer an excuse for intervention by the
! United States, which could mean nothing else
| than annexation. In substance. the statement
| as given to The Tribune correspondent is that
| both the Cuban Government and the Cuban peo-
| pie are united in fighting an annexation con-
| spiracy which includes some leading public men
| in the United States and some large financial in
| terests.