The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1902-07-16
ELKINs ON LEES PREDICTIONS.
West Virginia Senator Tells why
He Favors Annexation.

washington special to Baltimore Sun.
The attention of Senator Stephen b.
Elkins Of West Virginia. one of the Senate
opponents OF Cuban reciprocity and who
is an ardent advocate of Cuban annexa-
tfon, was directed today to the interview
with General Fitzhugh Lee on the9Cuban
situation which appeared in The Sun a
few days ago Mr. Elkins said:
Il have read General Lees interview
ON Cuba's present situation and her
future prospects with great interest. espe-
at liberty to speak Is better qualified
than he to do SO on this subject. His
prediction that anarchy and annexation
are certain to follow financial distress Is
founded en- an intimate knowledge of the
Cuban people, acquired under exception
ally favorable circumstances. He fore
sees the great danger to Cuba from fall
Ing of in Its customs revenues, but pep
hapS he overlooks one essential fact In
this connection-that during American oc-
cupation a great deal of American money
was put into circulation in the island and
trade was abnormaily stimulated.
Cuba is now passing through the most
perilous stage of its career. Spanish OPP
preston and taxation was succeeded by
American open-handed liberality and good
government, and prosperity followed adj
versity so rapidly that 1t Is no wonder the
Cubans were somewhat dazed. But with
the withdrawal of the American military
government capital displayed natural
timidity about investing further on the
demonstrated its ability to maintain
order.
I'VE have put upon Cuba conditions
which, while insuring a certain security
to her, makes her, in effect, dependent
nation, and as long as these conditions
stand as part of our laws and are Inn
bedded In her construction she never can
be free and independent nation. The
people of Cuba will soon learn that 1t Is
far better to be a State in the American
Union with Senators and Representatives
in Congress than to be dependent ma
lion. This is one of the reasons why
think her people will prefer giving up
national existence and becoming part
of the great Republic.
Now iS the most opportune time for
annexation" continued Mr.. Elkins. 1T
ought to come before CUBA contracts
debts and strains her credit to start in
the race of national life and before the
United States. fnfofder to furnish further
help to Cuba, making additional sacrifices,
xither by ambandonfng her economic ira
ditions and breaking down the policy of
protection, witch has brought great pros
periIy and success to our people. or other
wise. The effect of the Platt amendment,
though not intended for that purpose, Will
operate to bring about annexation: !
was Opposed to the Plant and Teller
amendments. They are absolutely m
consistent. l was opposed to botn. put
was hushed into silence because our great
leaders great lawyers and hest thinkers
in the Senate thought 1t wise to adopt
them.
"But they now rise up to plague us
continued Mr. Elkins. "A nation cannot
long remain half free and half dependent;
such a condition emharrasses healthy
progress in national life and leaves put
little room for the exercise OF the genus
and intelligence of a peaple In the aHairs
Of government especially when under
such restrictions as these amendments
I'M nose "