The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-29

claims and obligations, however, as may remain unpaid, are to be regarded claims and obligations of Cuba and the United States understands that these claims and obligations will be so treated. ''The provisional administration con- structed some, and entered into contracts for other works of sanitation, and the government and control of the island are transferred to you with the express un- derstanding that said contracts and all contracts relating to sanitation or other public purposes shall be held inviolate and that they will be executed in accordance with their terms and all rights acquired hereunder shall be maintained and pro- tected.
 Cuban Debts.
 q am also directed by the President to declare that the United States consid- CTS that the second article of the ap- pendix of the constitution of Cuba forbids Cuba to assume or contract any public debt In excess of, or in addition to the debt already contracted or authorized by now existing laws and now existing de- crees of the provisional government; and that the United States will not recognize or concede to be a valid obligation of Cuba any bond or evidence of debt which may be issued in violation of this under standing.
 T further directed by the Pres- ident to declare that it is the final and conclusive determination and decision of the provisional government that all claims of the soldiers of the war of liberation have been fully satisfied and discharged | by the execution of existing laws, and Cuba remains under no further obligation or indebtedness in respect thereof; and | that the declaration hereinbefore con- ! tained in respect of the increase of the l Cuban debt specifically and especially ap- | plies to any attempt to create an indebted ness for the discharge of such alleged or pretended obligations"
 Concluding, Governor Magoon in behalf of President Roosevelt the government, and the people of the United States and himself as retiring provisional governor, extended heartiest fellcitations and good wishes for the success of the new admin 1 istration.
 Address of Gomez.
 President Gomez, in accepting the let | ter from Governor Magoon, said:
 We receive from you the government l of Cuba, which you turn over to us in compliance with the instructions of the | President of the United States. We have ! heard your statement and take note of | the document which you deliver to us
 All acquired rights shall be respected in i harmony with the principles of nterna-
 tional law, the principles of our constitu-
 ton and the provisions of the appendix l of the constitution.
 "The constitution shall be upheld in all
 it's integrity because our chief concern | will be to preserve 1t inviolate. We | shall faithfully adhere to the treaty be-
 tween the United States and Cuba, as this 1 is our duty while the same remains in force.
 '"rhe United States will always find a | friendly nation in Cuba.
 Cordial Relations. | we are indebted to your nation for its
 generous aid in the maintenance of our institutions and the cordial relations ex-
 isting will never grow less through any | act of ours. Once again we are masters of our fate and there is not a Cuban | heart but swears to maintain for all
 time the newly acquired integrity of the nation, and who does not at the same time feel the profoundest gratitude to- 1 ward those who after governing them,
 have faithfully performed their agree | ment and now leave us in the full en- | joyment of our sovereignty
 We deeply appreciate the congratula- tions and well wishes of the President,
 government and people of the United | States, and our people are also grateful l for the avowed assurances of sincere and | cordial friendship, Convey to President | Roosevelt, whom Cuba admires and re- | spects, to the government and people of | the United States, the kindly feeling of l the Cuban nation for them, and their hope l that the friendship existing between the l two countries shall be permanent, and | especially receive our best wishes for | your happiness and prosperity and our gratitude for your wisdom, impartiality | and sincere desire to promote the welfare of this republic and it's people with which you have administered the government during your term of office
 Cuban Financial Condition.
 Washington. January Ex-Governor Ma