The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1905-12-07
The Trouble on
Ths Isle Of Pines.

Among the matters that win come
before the United States senate dur
nr the present session viii be the
question ofraHfying the treaty formal
ly conveying the Isle of Pines to the
Republic of Cuba. TO which, in view
o. ere recent action of the American
residents OF the island in declaring
tbcmscves Independent of Cuba. hoist
ing Che American nag and organlz-
ine "a territorial form Of government
particular importance and interest al.
iaches In this connection the follow
ing article from Bradstreets Finan-
ciai Reporter win prove Of more than
ordinary interest.
There have been of late some un-
usual Happenings in the isle 81 Pines.
That island. which has become for
thc moment an object of interest. IS
about thirif-fVe miles south OF the
coast Of Cuba. 90 which it belongs,
and hts ava area of about GOO square
miles n has several streams navi-
gable for a distance OF four or i've
miles and its climate is mild ana
saluhnous. but The SOIL is poor and
sandy its principal products are
cattle. tobacco. pine. mahogany. cedar
and other woods. sulphur spirits OF
turpentne pitch. tar marble. rock.
crystal and tortoise. It had a Dopula-
f'on ci 8 lite over 5000 in 1893. A
short time ago the Strange news came
from tbe island THAI number of
American residents had issued a
declaration Of independence. which i'm
Rolvel 0f course. secession from
Cuba, and bad organized a new gov
eminent as territory of the United
States Intending % send a delegate
~ Congrcss. III was reported that
conventions had been held al which
members OF q territorial legislature
had been elected News from
Havana was TO fho effect that what
bad happened had been greatly exag-
eoratoi in earlier reports. but 81 was
decided o. appoint q committee TO
look into the matter
Al washington 90 was known that
Tor some tine past American resi-
dents of the island had been FESTIVE
under Cuban control. but che reports
of the radical action taken were re-
ccivod with surprise lt was not
matter Cf Won1er that delegates had
been chosen 90 oppose the ralifca-
ton of the treaty before the Senate
looking 20 the fo7mal transfer Of the
island % TIE republic OF Cuba but 60
was regarded as remarkable that the
American residents should have as
sumed under the circumstances to
choose territorial ofncials. one thing
has been made abuudantlv clear
namely. that what has been done I'm
the island on the part of the discon.
tented residents has not had any SIM
Fort OF sanction from the government
OF che United States. The position of
the Secretary OF state upon the
slalus OF the island has never been in
ccuot and that his view win be that
az the administration admits OF no
question. 10 is certain that the gov
eminent Of the United States viii not
undertake 60 deal WITH the situation
ln The island On the event of the
american residents attempting 10 dis
piece the Cuban officials bv persons
cl her own choice That IS y mart
ter which win be- attended la IN, The
Government at Havana. which ~ an
noUncec by General Andrade the On
can Minister of the Interfar win
maintain order in its tprrrorr ana
VII ask assistance from nobody In ~
dong. lt ls unfortunate mar fha
Status OF The island should have ~
long remained in an APPARENT ronsi-
tfon 81 unseruement. but the sifua-
zion as it exists must be- accented
nov.