New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-08-17
ANNEXATIONISTS ACTIVE.
american Recently Returned from
Cuba Tells of Conditions There.

According to an American citizen having large in
terests in Cuba who arrived in this city from
Havana Saturday. The annexationists are again
active in the island and have adopted new course
to bring about the deprivation of Cuba's sover-
eighty.
He said that the recent agitation over the pro-
posed negotiation OF $35OO0OOO loan had developed
strong annexation spirit in Cuban official circles
This sentiment had not been shown openly, he de-
clared but that 1t existed obvious. 1t had
asserted itself plainly in the obstacles that these
had placed in the way Of the immediate nego-
tiaton of the desired loan.
Until a short time ago it believed that
SIS 900 would suffice to pay the Cuban The
commission which revised the army lists. of which
General Maxine Gomez the president, has re-
ported however, that 100000 will be needed to
meet all the demands of the men who fought in the
last rebellion. There about fifty thousand veter
to be paid. To private soldiers is allowed 81
day, and some OF the generals have vouchers call
ing for as much $4,000.
1t is generally understood in Cuba that the only
chance for the island to become a State Terri
tory of the United States is in the event of up
rising which the Cuban Government could not sup
press, thus making necessary the Intervention of
this country. This is the end to which the annexa-
donists are said to be working. The Cuban masses,
said The Tribune's informant who has made
extensive trip through the island. strongly
opposed to annexation. There was, however,
coterie Of wealthy and influential planters and
chants who would be benefited by political
in common with some Of the Cuban authorities He
added:
The recent effort to start revolution in Santiago
Province, while it failed. because it lacked con
certed action. was true criterion Of the feeling
among the x-reyolutionists. The have tired OF
waiting, and believe that the government is not
trying to obtain the money with which to pay
them They are insisting on an early settlement
They know that their wages will be paid by the
United States If Cuba is annexed. They need the
money and are restless. That the government at
Havana is fully OF the threatening trouble
is evident from the seizure there about week ago
OF more than five thousand rifles, swords. machetes
and much ammunition which were IN the hands of
dealers.
The delay in opening negotiation for, the loan
can be explained in other way than that IL is
plot Of the Cuban aEnexationists to cause trouble
It the intention of President Palma to send
three commissioners to the United States and Eu-
rope to negotiate with bankers. He asked Congress
to vote $4,000 for the expenses Of the commission
The House passed the appropriation suggested by
the President. but when the bill got to the Senate
that body reduced the amount to $500. That is
considered a ridicuiously small allowance for three
commissioners who charged with the negotia-
ton of s35 100000 1t would hardly pay their fare
President Palma has not yet succeeded in securing
three to serve on the commission. and there
Cuban officials who hope he will not be
successful and who, will put stumbling blocks
in his way.