The daily morning journal and courier., 1906-10-13
NOT READY ID GIVE
 TIME OF WITHDRAWAL
U. s. PEACE COMMISSIONERS UN- PREPARED TO MAKE AN-
 NOUNCEMENT TO CUBANS,

Step Cannot at Least be Taken Until the
 Time Arrives When Fair Elections
 Are Assured--Definite Statement by
 Secretary Taft as a Sort of Valedic-
 tory Address to the RevOlutiOnists.
 Havana, Oct. 12.-The United States, through it's peace commissioners, is not ready to announce when it will with draw from the island of Cuba, and sur render the reins of government to the Cubans, but this action cannot be talk en until the time arrives when fair elections are assured. This statement was made by Governor Taft to-day as a sort of Valedictory addess to the rev. olutionary committee, with which the American commissioners dealt in in- ducing the rebels to cease hostilities and negotiate peace. The committee had a conference lasting an hour with Governor Taft, Assistant Secretary of State Bacon and Charles E. Magoon, who is to succeed MT. Taft as proyi- sional governor, and at its conclusion expressed satisfaction with the position taken by the provisional government. Headed by Alfredo Zayas, the commit tee visited Governor Taft for the avoW- ed purpose of requesting him to de- clare the policy of the United States towards Cuba, and the policy of the provisional government concerning ap- potntments to public offices, The Amer jeans listened carefully to all the rep resentations of the committee, and then Governor Taft replied pointedly that he could not outline the policy of the Unit ed States more clearly than was done in his proclamation in establishing q provisional government for the island He added that as the representative of the United States he was just as anx- ious to surrender governmental affairs to the Cubans as the Cubans were to regain them, but the peace commission CTS were under the responsibility to build up conditions which would make the Cuban government a stable one. Governor Taft would not predict when such a 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 the Cuban people were willing to abide, Secretary Taft declared, was necessary before the United States would feel jus tified in withdrawing from the island.
 Senor Zayas, Carlos Garcia and Jose Miguel Gomez hastened to assure Gov ernor Taft that it was not their per sonal ambition to attain to public of flee. They declared, however, that the interests of their party demanded that the government should not be contin- ued in the form against which they had revo1ted. Assurances were given the committee by MT Taft that MT. Magoon would consider complaints against any official, investigate them, and remove persons found to be unfit to hold positions of responsibility or trust, but that capable men with good records would be retained. The cons mittee informed Governor Taft that they intended to dissolve at once.
 This evening a committee represent ing many Americans in Cuba present. ed Messrs. Taft and Bacon with an ad- dress expressing, appreciation for the great services they had done for all residents of the island. The address said:
 The results you have achieved are greater than could reasonably have been hoped for. Nearly 30,0O0 armed men, moved by intensly bitter passions, were arrayed against the government, and a conflict was imminent in which enormous loss of life and property seemed inevitable It scarcely seemed possible that peace could be brought out of such clements of <discord and strife, without bringing into active ser- vice the military power at your com mand. But within less than a month your wise and sagacious methods and the adroitness with which you handled your difficult task brought peace and quiet to Cuba
 Not the least satisfactory of the present considerations is tn efact that in the settlement of the turbulent con- ditions you have caused litle irritation or resentment, and have secured from Cubans increased respect and regard for the United States, and greater care and trust in the good will and intentions of the American people for the welfare Of Cuba.
 We do not believe so successful or speedy an achievement, under condi- tions so difficult and dangerous has any parallel The thanks and the grat- itude of the Cubans, and the great peo- pie you represent are due you for these inestimable services"
 Responding tc this address Govern or Taft expressed his sincere thanks. He said the testimony of Americans and others who were on the ground had been of great assistance at the outset of the peace commissioners work,