Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-10
PLANTERS PLEAD TO TAFT.
URGE DELAY OF ELECTIONS TO
PREVENT DISRUPTION.
Chamber of Commerce Joins With
Conservative Deputation in Urg-
ing Peace Guarantee.

HAVANA, Cuba April lo.--Secretary Tart
received a delegation from the Planters
League. composed of some of the most
influential residents OF the country. who
urged that no elections be held at an early
date. They declared that such a prospect
would prevent them from obtaining money
from the bankers and would cause a gen
eral disruption of credit throughout the
island
Mr.. Taft was busy all yesterday morning
receiving commissions. One composed OF
prominent citizens of Matanzas presented
petition for the removal of the govern
ment OF Matanzas province and the munic-
ipal authorities of Matanzas city. claim
ing that fair elections were an impossibiiity
while these officials remained in office.
committee of insurgent generals ca led
and asked FOR the removal OF the munic-
ipal officers of the cities Of Havana. Mari
anao and Batabano. claiming that former
President Palma Illegally substituted the
present officers for regularly elected lib
era S.
Promises Another Republic.
second conference was held between
Secretary Taft and the liberals, Gen.
Loinaz del Castillo leader of the radical
wing, attending. Gen. Loinaz published
in FL Mundo yesterday this announcement:
1T was a night OF JOY for the Cubans.
The illustrious Secretary Taft so.cmn'y de-
clared to us that the purpose OF the United
States has not changed. That the obiga-
tons contracted when his government m
terfered in our struggle TO restore the re-
public in all its integrity only await the
necessary time to fulfil the requirements
of the new electoral law under preparation.
and that Gen. LoinaZ del Castillo can sleep
without apprehension.
MY soul is still under the influx Of hap
piness | see the Independence of our
np
to our people without bitter word against
those who have tried TO postpone the
blessed hour of Cubas restoration"
Other liberals say that Mr.. Taft Clearly
told them that the conditions under which
the prom ses were made last September
must be fulfilled, peace and confidence be-
Ing essential
Mr.. Taft made appointment for a sec
ond interview with the conservatives. They
VIII insist on the necessity of postponing
the elections Senior Ianuza. president OF
the conservatives, told n correspondent that
a protectorate is wanted and that they
spoke to Mr.. Taft along these lines yes
terday.
But" added Senior Lanuza. "a protecto-
rate is not like a mathematical circle
which has only one shape. There can be
many forms of protectorate, although at
the bottom they all are the same. The
Platt amendment constitutes n protecto-
rate although insufficient"
The chamber Of commerce gave Score
tary Taft this written statement yester-
tdy tIetIt Is Hleu Dy the uncertainty.
1t is necessary to keep control of the
island until moral peace is restored. Guar
antees which the first republic did not
give must be established by the American
government to make impossible a recur-
renee Of disturbance
Fear Of Financial Chaos.
The bankers also told Mr. Taft that the
islands credit was lost and that they
would not advance money to the planters
thn,- : In cit ,t,,, ,l.s
They are convinced that another republic
without guarantees of peace will result
In another revolution.
La Discussion, in "A strong article. review
ing the opinions on the situation. SAYS:
"A protectorate is the best solution No
body wants quick-fring-Sun republic.
Mr.. White. Mr.. Cannon and all Americans
knowing Cuba are right IN saving that
this country is incapable Of orderly gov
ernmcnt." 1t calls to the attention of the :
American government that il Is more SEN
sibe and logical to remain now than to
have to come back when the Cuban gov
eminent will not be favoring intervention
Palma did.
Senior Coronado member Of the lcgis-
lative committee and editor Of La Dis
custom, told a correspondent that the con
Scnsus of opinion expressed to Mr.. Taft
was that the Americans cannot go now;
that annexation is impracticablc, for the
American people will not accept n union
with uncongenial countries, and that a
res tora ton Of the republic must be made
only with strong guarantees of order.
those showing Impotence being few
egotistical persons prompted by personal
motives.
Not single person having anything 10
lose failed TO express to Mr.. Taft the same
views as the conservatives. Ia Lucha
says the liberals are satisfied with the
holding of municipal and provincial cleo
lions in September If the census is then
ready and the congressional elections in
December or, If the census is not ready in
September. all the elections to be held to-
gethcr in December.
The opinion Of the American officials is
that the municipal elections will be held
In October, with possibly the congressional
elections in December. On account of the
disturbances which apprehended the
presidential election and American with
drawals are not being considered