New-York tribune., 1903-04-07
CUBAN CONGRESS REAsSEMBLEs.
President Palma Sends in a $4,000 Word
Message.

Havana Anr1 6-Congrees reassernbled at :
o'clock this afternoon and will probably con-
tinue in session for three extra months on ac-
count Of the necessity for the enactment OF
many laws before all the departments OF the
government get thoroughly under way. These
measures include approval Of the naval station
agreement and a permanent treaty covering
Cubas political relations with the United states,
laws dealing with municipal government and
defining the duty and authority Of Cabinet Of
hcers both the latter laws including the ques-
tion as TO how far the general government shall
continue to supersede the local governments in
matters Of sanitation and other public works
laws concerning gold and silver coinage. divorce
and revision o. the court system and customs
tariffs
\ message from President Palma contain
ing 1900 words was read at the opening ses-
sion The President congratulates the coun-
try on the maintenance OF peace and order
since the strikes last November. He says that
the scheme Of reorganization OF the rural guard
has been begun. and advises a reform Of the
military laws, which. he says, are not adapted
10 a republican form OF government. especially
with reference TO the jurisdiction over soldiers
guilty Of penal offences The President says
that negotiations have been completed providing
for the entrance of Cuba in the Postal Union
and for special arrangements with the United
states and Mexico and ne advises an entire re-
construction Of the postal and telegraph sSs-
TENS. - .,-
President Palma. exist with diThculty. because
their revenues are Inadequate. The government
feels that further assistance 20 the munlclpaI-
tiles in many cases y unauthofiZra prNOIlg 80
ing the expenses Of charities. schools ana pris-
ons. and the obligations Of the munlclpailues
cannot continue TO be net unless congress So
cffcsIly authorizes the government TO act IN this
matter The work OF sanitation. as at pres
ent conducted by the government, is not In har-
v,-9fh 4ha
amendment makes the government responsive
for sanitation. ii is urged that an act covering
the work OF sanitation he passed The message
states that Cuba has now i've diplomatic ana
seventy-eight consular representatives, and thdt
the government is considering various extradi-
ton treaties and the commercial treaty pro-
posed by Great Britain
The message then says
Our relations with the United States con
tinue to be close and cordial Much more graft
fying is the noble and resolutely favorable atti-
tude Of the President Of that great republic
II IS enough to remember the obstacles Whlcn
his stubborn will have overcome IN negoJlatl atlilS
the reciprocity treaty and obtaining the ratlh-
cation thereof. and his firm purpose 70 summon
. epacfaI session Of Congress to definitely ap
prove it. Besides the sympathy and respect
which We inspire among the American people by
our exemplary conduct as an independent people
who realize the duties and responsiveness OF
citizenship these circumstances poWerfuIly con
tribute in soidifying the good understanding De
tween both nations.
sentiments and we cannot do so better than by
"a irving out our obligations To the Washington
Government, expeditiously. frankly and correct
" whether it be BY granting what we ought 10
rra0t or refusing what consider ourselves
justified in refusing. II is unnecessary 10 re-
call the fact that in the naval station agree
rnant which is in the hands of the Senate the
United States has obtained sites at Guantanamo
and Bahia Honda. after asking also for Ntpe ana
cienfuegos. It being impossible TO elude carry
ing out our duty in accordance with the Platt
amendment. the executive believes that the con-
vention has been made the most favorable POS
sibIe and recommends a speedy appreciation, 50
that il may he possible 10 negotiate an addi-
ri0naI agreement 70 establish the Price or the
leases and other conditions ard details regulat-
ing the possession OF the stipulated areas OF
land and water
The government is at present occupied with
the Isle OF Pines matter, and u has reason 20
rope that the settlement thereof will be salts
factory 10 Cuba
President Palma further expresses the hope
that the question of incorporating into the
treaty all the provisions Of the Platt amend
rrant will soon be settled and adds that after
this has been done IL viii seem unnecessary that
+ba pIatt amendment should remain any longer
q mart Of the constitution. II is therefore neces-
sarv 10 hasten the permanent refinement OF
C,ha' - relations with the United States so as 10
elirninate the Platt amendment problem
president alma points out thar the cesh eai-
sToa al the Treasury amounts 10 S2.t3s.oo. and
os,,jses that IL should always BE- Kept at
e. ,OapbD TO prepare tOr emergencies He rec
@@-ny9ends overcoming the scarcity OF silver by
e-ress may consider opportune