The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-11-15
ISLANDERS QUIT
CUBAN REPUBLIC
Territorial Government Formed
and Steps Taken Toward
American Annexation.
WASHINGTON SEES
EMBARRASSING PLOT
Secession Is a Hindrance to Treaty
Between the United States
and Cuba.
Journal Special Service.

Journal Special Service.
Havana, Cuba, Nov. 15-The resi-
declaration of independence from
Cuba and organized new government
as United States territory. A dele
gate to congress will be sent to WASH
ington in order to have questions at
fecting the future Of the island dis
cussed before the house Of representa-,
tives, ignoring Cuban authority.
Mass meetings have been held under
the name Of territorial conventions and
officials were appointed to fill all posi-
tions except those that must be named
by the president under the constitution
Of the United States. The first officers
Of the new territory are: Secretary Of
state, T. B. Anderson; treasurer, James
NJ. Steere; delegate to congress, M: q.
Ryan; chief Justice, A. T. Friese; sher-
iff, David B. Wall.
The convention divided the island
into five districts and ordered elections,
to be held yesterday to select members
of the legislature, which is to convene
next week, tax assessors and collectors.
the only political question being to
keep the island under the stars and
stri pes.
The election is proceeding in an order
ly manner under forms Of law, the men
on the different tickets announcing that
they wifi take office Immediately with
out regard to those serving under the
Cuban government.
Notice Sent to Roosevelt Z H.. H..
The first official notice Is contained
in this. letter:
"Nueva Corona, Isle Of Pines, Nov.
14.-Theodore Roosevelt, President,
Washington-Dear Sir: The people of
this island, havinb purchased homes un-
United States territory; and having
waited more than three years for recog:
nitlon Of their rights as American citl'
zens, fearing continuation Of these
conditions and feeling alarm at the con-
;dition Of Cuba duringsthe coming cleo
ton, have taken preliminary steps fol-
the establishment Of territorial gov.
: eminent under the constitution of the
United States. We believe this the prop
-er, step for us to take and the most
j effective way to receive Justice an6
equity from our national law-makinl
body. We also rely upon you, our pres
ident, for square deal. We trust ou1
Anderson, chairman territorial con
vention.o
Only One Dissenter.
This action by the convention repre-
sents the opinion of practically tn
entire population OF the Isle OF zines
At the meeting there was one vote
raised against the action taken. Tha
was by man who expressed fear c
the results, asserting that all are hab]
to punishment under Cuban laws.
Fully One-third Of those now Twin
on the island are American citizen
There has been a steady immigratlo
from the United States, while many n;
tives have left there since the SPANS
natives remaining live in the little tow
of Nueva Corona. Their inclination
said TO be to have the island belong
the United States. Their opposite
to the administration was shown
the fact that at all primaries practica
ly all inscribed themselves as liberals
Fomented by Americans.
The movement to sever relations wit
Cuba was fomented by the America
club, an organization including most
| the substantial citizens of the islam
| Sixty members Of the club met la
| Monday, declared themselves a ter
torial convention and took steps to {
I ganiZe a government. A recess W
taken until Saturday.
More than 200 persons gathered
| Nueva Corona.
A large number of American won
Il are living on the island and they loud
Il applaud the sentiment uttered repe'
II ed1y BY the chairman, that after
h Isle Of Pines had become United Stat
territory none had right to sell it
II another country. Elihu Root, Gene
II Leonard Wood and others concerned
II having the Cuban banner raised VIZ
II denounced. It was decided to have
II legislature of eleven men, two fr
i each district and one delegate-a -lar
II for that office.
II The Chief Landholder.
eft was like an old-style south'
II mass meeting, all enthusiasm said
HI H. Pearcy today. Mr.. Pearcy is v
Ill president of the Isle of Pines compa
Xii which controls 100000 acres out Of
N total of about 100000 on the island.
Iii came here to arrange big deal 1nvc
iii ing the starting Of new city on
Ill port on the south coast and buildin!
Hi Nj Pearey is one Of the strong
M advocates that the island must rem
I'll part of the United States He Is tt
Hill ing the question in the courts, hav
III sent 10000 cigars to New York,
Ill contention being that the governrn
AIiI could not seize these as being more tt
Hill the law permits, as they are not fro1
I'LL foreign country. ~
HlI> Fighting for Justice.
Hi We are fighting for iustice,'
bHE continued. "Wood sold us out, Ii
klIA stock and barrel, for two coaling
AIlA tions, after he has assured us the
pIla and would be retained by the Uni
ElIH States. Cuba IS only interest in the
ll|b and is to afford snug berths for a
iii officials There are about twelve
I'LL fees thereon, all filed by carpet-t
HH5 gers, as no native has one. The Gu
Nth government has collected taxes and
f|la spent cents except for salaries
Hill 1--WE were pleased when Cuba
s - her freedom, but we do not wish to
EM our destinies with hers. We claim
EM rights which were guaranteed us.