Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-10-14
WHEN SURE
 FAIR BALLOT
Tells tuhans He Was as Anxious a> The. Were to Surrender Gov
 ernmentai Affairs.

CTS, is not ready to announce when it will withdraw from the island of Cuba and surrender the reins of government to the Cubans. This action cannot be taken until the time arrives when fair elections arc assured,
 This statement was made by Gov. Taft today as a sort of valedictory ad- dress to the reyol 7l anistaf committee with which the American commission CTS deal in inducing the rebels 10 cease hostilites and negotiate peace. The committee had conference last ing an hour with Gov. Taft, Assistant Secretary of State Bacon and Charles F. Magoon, who is to succeed Mir. Taft as provisional governor. and at it's conclusion expressed satisfaction with the position taken by the provisional government.
 Headed by Alfredo Zayas, the com mittee visited Gov Taft for the avow- ed purpose of requesting him to de- clare the policy of the United States toward Cuba and the policy of the pro yirional governor concerning appoint ments to public office.
 The Americans listened carefully to all the representations of the commit tee, and then Gov. Taft replied point edly that he could not outline the pol icy of the United States more clearly than was done in his proclamation es- tablishing provisional government for the island.
 He added that as the represe ntative anxious to surrender governmental af- i fairs to the Cubans as the Cubans were to regain them. but the peace commissioners were under the respon- sibility to build up conditions which would make the Cuban government a stable one.
 such satisfactory condition would be
 reached, but he said the Cubans them
 selves could hasten that time if they
 were disposed to do so A fair and
 honest election on the results of which i the Cuban people were willing te abide, Gov. Taft declared, was neces- i feel justified in withdra wing from the 1 island
 Senors Zayas, Carlos Garcia and ] Jose Miguel Gomez hastened to assure Gov Taft that it was not their per sonal ambition to obtain public office. They declared, however, that the in- terests of their party demanded that ued in the form against which they had rcyolted.
 tee by Mr, Taft that Mr. Magoon would consider the complaints against any official, investigate them and re move persons found unfit to hold posi- tons of responsibility or trust, but that capable men with good records would be retained. The committee in formed Gov Taf that they intended to dissolve al once.
 This evening I committee represent ing many Americans in Cuba present ed MesSrS Tafi and Bacon with an address, expressin4 appreciation for the great services they had done for all residents of the island
 The address said:
 The results you have accomplished are greater than could reasonably have been hoped for Nearly 30,G09 armed men, moved by bitter passions, were arrayed agaiust the government, and a conflict was imminent ill which enormous loss of life and property seemed inevitable. It scarcely seemed possible that peace could be brought out of such elements of discord and strife without bringing into active ser vice the military power at your com mand, but within less than q month your wise and sa@Aeious methods and the adroitncgss with which you have handled youl difficult task brought peace and quiet to Cuba
 Not the least satisfactory of the present considerations is the fact that in the se1tlemnnt Of the turbulent con ditions you have caused little irrita- ton ar resentment and have secured from Cubans increased respect and re #ard for the United States and greater confidence and trust in the good will ard intentions Of the American peo- pie fer the welfare of Cuba
 Nc do not believe so speedy or sue cessful an achievement under condi- lions so difficult and dangerous has any parallel. The thanks and grati- tude Of the Cubans and inc great peo-