New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-03
PALMA'S REVIEW OF CUBA
MESSAGE TO CONGRESS-.
Loan and Loan Tdres-1 Tribute
to Mr.. Roosevelt.

Havana. Nov. 2-The regular session Of Con-
gress opened this afternoon. The message or
President Palma contains 1900 words II re-
views the conditions and progress Of the repuo-
&c. Its recommendations are chiefly of gen.
eral character The much discussed loan taxes
are not treated at length and no amendment to
the loan law Is suggested. The President prom
Uses a special message with reference TO the ne
gotistions OF the loan commissioners that went
10 New-TorlN Who the message says, are as
sured that the loan can be secured in the Uniteo
States.
Continuing. the message assures Congress Of
The Presidents zeal in carrying out the payment
Of the revolutionary army. and denies al asser-
tions to the contrary made by persons whom ne
terms certain turbulent spirits.
Referring 20 the relations between CUBA anu
the United States. the message says
Our political relations with the United states
have been definitely settled by treaties tounoeo
on the terms Of the constitutional appendix anu
the latter could not be eliminated from me con-
stitution by the mere reading OF these uea1I t,
Congress can appreciate that WITHIN 1he pleCtSS
terms OF the Platt amendment CubA mas o.
tanned no few advantages. OF the two loIIhs %
reesion Of naval coaling stations, by SAFE OF ~
lease the one least baneful TO Cuban sentlllent
was adopted. and the smallest limit as 10 - IN
number Of stations granted was mace, ~
regulations in the leases contain other hnlIla-
lions favorable 70 Cuba The government Is a. a.,
curing territory within the stations and VIII
soon formally deliver the areas marked out
President Roosevelt. 20 whom the people OF
Cuba feel such profound gratitude. has oeen
faithful TO his word, and has convened the
American Congress in special session Tor the
purpose Of taking action on the pending reel
Irocity treaty from which hope to receive
such great benefits. TTustW orthy information
has been received 10y the Executive which war
rants the belief that this treaty viii be ratlhed
The President congratulates the Cuban peo-
pie on their love Of order shown by the cry OF
indignation which has resounded from one end
OF the island to the other when a few armed
men sought TO create disturbances He says
instances such as these have shown the capac-
sly Of the Cuban people for self-government
whatever may have been the plans Of those
who started revolt on the prote Of demanding
immediate payment OF the revolutionary army
they had scarcely begun before they were CON
WINGED that rebellion had no place in Cuba, as
their chiefs were promptly captured and the
others were glad TO escape. President Palma
condemned the leaders of this movement, who
he SAID, were too cowardly TO make themselves
known.
In addition to an increase OF the Rural
Guard President Palma recommended increas-
ing the Cuban artillery, especially in view OF
the evacuation Of Havana and Cienfuegos by
the artillerymen Of the United States. He says
81 f. probable that the American artillery now
stationed on the Cabana side OF Havana
viii be removed. and added that material
commission viii establish a national armory
where all arms viii be deposited and where re-
pairs can be made
The President recommended also that in cases
where 1t was impracticsbe TO send out regu-
lar diplomatic representatives commissioners
should be sent for the purpose Of greeting for
eign nations and declaring Cuba's friendship
with them. At present Cuba maintains five
legations and sixty-nine consula1es.
Negotiations looking TO treaties Of amity with
The United States, France. Great Britain and
Italy have been begun. and the State Depart
Inent is studying the question as 10 whether or
not Cuba shall Join the Brussels Sugar Conven-
Satisfaction is expressed at the progress made
in judicial matters and with the zeal displayed
10y court officials.
The President characterizes the lack Of good
roads in Cuba as most discouraging. or the
PAS miles OF public roads in Cu6a, seventy-eight
miles were constructed since the begin ling OF
the American intervention. The President de-
clares that the prestige Of the republic requires
an annual expenditure Of 81 100000 for The i'm
provement Of internal means Of communication
Senior Palma places the school population Of
Cuba At upward of 2Jo,eoe. There are $500
established schools. and the average daily at
tendance IS 1.J0fDQ. He Commends highly the
progress made in school matters.
The balance in the treasury November
was 81. S43.Oeo. and the surplus accumulated In
The last seven months was Sl.205Oo0
The President recommends reformation in the
immigration laws. in order TO encourage those
persons DESTROYS OF finding homes in Cuba He
Commends the Cuban Railroad Of meal
culahe benefit To the postal SerVice. He asks
Sor more complete executive control in sanitary
matters, pointing out that yellow fever and
smallpox are unknown 10 Cuba to-day. He de-
sires that there shall be exhibits Of all Cuban
products IN all Cuban consular offices.
Ia conclusion. President Palma aiIudes to the
internal revenue taxes, which became operative
yesterday. saving that all such taxes meet with
opposition at first. but he hopes key win be
paid without mourning the penalties Il the law
He believes the receipts derived from these
taxes viii be sufficient 10 nay the interest
on the army loan Of SB5,5o0VO0. He also eN-
presses the hope that il VIII not be necessary
70 have recourse 10 an export tax on tobacco