The professional world. (Columbia, Mo.) 1901-192?, 1902-03-28
CUBA FOR The CUBANS
TRANSFER OF GOVERNMENT
SET FOR MAY 20.
Secretary of War Issues Order to Gen
eral Wood for the Withdrawal of
American Troops Except Small
Artillery Force-Cuban Congress
to be Convened and New Govern
ment to Assume Obligations.

ment to Assume Obligations.
Washington, d. c., March 26.-Secre-
tary of Wal Root this afternoon made
public the order to General Wood di-
recting him to turn over the control of
the government of Cuba to it's people
on May 20 next. The order requires
the cuban government to assume all
the treaty obligations, and directs
General wood to continue a small ar
tillery force to avoid leaving the ISL
and entirely defenSpless until the Gu
ban government shall have opportun-
ity to organize its own force. General
Wood is also directed to convene the
Cuban congress before May 20, and al
so to consult with Prcsident-elcct
Palma and substitute such persons as
he shall desire for those now holding
official positions in Cuba.
General Wood is instructed to adj
wise the president and congress OF Gu
ba that such transfer is upon the oX-
press understanding II conditions
that the new government does there
upon and by acceptance thereof, pur-
suant to the provisions of the appen-
dix to the constitution of Cuba, adopt
ed by the constitutional convention on
the 18th of June, 1901, assume and un-
dertake all and the several obligations
assumed by the United States with re-
spect to the Cuban treaty between the
United States and Spain.
1T is the purpose of the United
States government say the order,
forthwith upon the inauguration Of
the new government of Cuba, to ter
inmate the occupancy of the island by
the United States and to withdraw
from that island the military forces
nov in occupancy thereof; but for
preservation and care of the coast de-
lenses of the island, and to avoid leav-
ing the island entirely defenseless
against external attacks you may leave
in the coast Notifications such small
number of artillery men as may be
necessary, for such reasonable time as
may be required to enable the new
government to organize n substitute
therefor an adequate military force of
its own"
The order provides for the conven-
ing of the Cuban congress, the count
ing and rectifying of the electoral vote
and the PRONUNCIATION of the constitu-
ton.
1T is the understanding of the
United States government that the isl
and will pass to the new president and
congress, all the laws promulgated by
the government of occupation continu-
ing in force and effect, and all the jul
dicial and subordinate executive and
administrative officers continuing in
the lawful discharge of their present
functions until changed by the consti-
tutional officers of the new govern
At the same moment the responsibility
of the United States for the collection
and expenditure of revenues and the
proper performance of duties by the
officers and employees of the insular
government will end and the RESPONSE
bility of the new government Cuba
commence.
The instructions to General Wood
We're accompanied by an order of Gen
eral Miles and Adjutant-General Cor
bin providing for the movements of
the military on the island and their
withdrawal. The order also directs
the entire discontinuance of the mill
tary department of Cuba. Secretary
Root has requested Secretary of State
Hay to arrange for the diplomatic rep
resentation of the United States in
Cuba. Provision for the consular SER
vice will also be made.
To Follow Plat Amendment.
Washington, D. c., March 26.-Presi-
dent-elect Palma, having concluded
his conference with President Roose-
welt and other officials on matter re-
ating to Cuba. left for New York to-
night. In an interview he reviewed
the situation in Cuba, and expressed
himself hopefully of the future of the
island. He said one of the first acts
of the new government would be the
appointment of a minister to Wash
ington.
As soon as this is done and a repre-
sentative appointed from the United
States to Cuba, steps will be taken for
the drafting Of a treaty embodying tbs
features outlined in the Plat amend,
ment, which has been made the appen.
dix of the Cuban constitution. This
will include the provision for a nava
station probably at Guantanamo, al
though this is not settled. and the es.
adjustment of coal stations at point!
to be mutually agreed upon.
General Palma, in closing, paid thi!
tribute to the United States: THE gov
eminent of the United States hal
shown a most beautiful example o
good faith in dealing with a weak gov
eminent which it undertook to rescue
from oppressors. 1t has demonstrated
its generosity and patriotism, and b!
the shedding of its W blood ha!
helped Cuba to break the chain which
united it with Spain.
Some countries would have sough
some preteXt for selfish gain in under
taking a work of this character ant
would TAKE advantage of some tech
nicality for their own ACKNOWLEDGMENT
but a contrary spirit has been mani
Tested by hi United States, and it ha!
given to the world evidence of gooC
will seldom found. The people of tn,
United States have remembered theil
own declaration of independence, anC
have fulfilled a duty to mankind"