New-York tribune., 1902-05-13
APPEAL TO SENIOR PALMA.
NEELY AND RATHBONE ASK HELP
FROM CUBA'S PRESIDENT.
WOULD LIKE HIM TO RECOMMEND THEIR
LIBERATION TO PRESIDENT ROOSE-
VELT-MR CARLISLE IN HAVANA.

VELT-MR. CARLISLE IN HAVANA,
Copyright; 1902: BY The Tribune Association)
lBY CABLE TO THE TRiprNEl
Havana, May 12-Friends of Rathbone and
Neey, convicted here OF postoftice frauds. have
appealed to President-elect Palma for his aid in
the effort being made to secure their pardon.
They ask Senor Palma to recommend their Iber-
alton to President Roosevelt. Their only reason
for requesting this from the President of Cuba is
his oft repeated declaration Of gratitude to the
Americans, which they evidently believe would
be best proved by intervening in behalf of the
convicted men. 1t is safe to say. however, that
SenOr Palma will not comply with these wishes.
Not only has he no direct knowledge of the case.
but his present status is that of any other Gu
ban citizen, and would hardly warrant his in
reference. After he has assumed the Presi-
dercy he Will probably investigate closely into
the cases of the American officials convicted
here, and if evidence warrants the pardon Of
some of them Rathbone and Nicely might be
among these. Politics Will play no part in the
decision, although he probably will extend exec
utive cemency in some cases because of his de-
sire to prove his goodwill toward Americans.
Nicely is in Jail and Rathbone out on bail The
latter and his friends charge General Wood
with persecution, which is ridiculed. 1t is re
ported that the Supreme Court has reached
decision on Ine appear OF iIeSt cases duNeISe "
the appellants. but nothing has yet been made
public.
Havana is filled with political Micawbers and
office seekers. Hotel corridors and cafes are
filled from early morning to early morning with
politicians discussing the situation and guess
ing about appointments but General Palma has
had little time to-day to talk with them He
and Senior Quesada have spent the most part
Of the day at the palace with General Wood.
The latter is initiating General Palma into the
mysteries OF government affairs. Senior Palma
has evidently thorough grasp Of the proper
conduct OF office and General Wood was we'll
pleased at the success OF his first lesson.
These lessons will continue all the week from
. to 3. Between times the President-elect will
work his message. Last night Sehor Palma
spent a few hours on the PradO in a carriage
with General Gomez. Governor Nunez and
Mayor La Tore He was cheered everywhere.
The Presdent-eeot's family arrived to-day on
the steamer Havana. General Palma went on
board. where ne affectonately greeted his wife
and children. Several officials acted as recep-
ton committee. The Palma family enjoyed
good voyage. Jose. the eldest son. who Is
student at Columbia Law School. VIII leave
New-YorS later in the month for Havana.
turning after vacation 20 continue his studies.
Mr and Mrs. David Cornell and Richard
Fickcu. neighbors OF Sehor Palma at Central
VALLEY. y. Y. came on the same steamer. and
Will represent the Presidents former home town
at the inauguration.
Ex-Secretary Carlisle was a passenger also on
the Havana from New-York. He said that
his visit had absolutely no political significance
and that he came on strictly private business.
Mr. Carlisle IS a member OF the Spanish Claims
Commission. and II s believed that his presence
in Havana is In connection with this position.
He Is accompanied by his wife.