Items of Interest May 2, 1901 Issue

Items of Interest

William J. Bryan last week made a public announcement in his paper, the Commoner, of his intention not to be a candidate for renomination at the hands of the Demoeratic party. "I have twice received at the hands of my party," said Mr. Bryan, "the highest honor it can bestow, and twice has my nomination been endorsed by our allies, the Populists and Silver Republicans. I am not planning for another presidential nomination—if so, I would not be editing a paper; if I ever become a candidate again it will be because it seems necessary for the advancement of the principles to which I adhere, and that does not now seem probable. I shall, however, take an interest in polities for several years yet, if I live, and can be relied upon to support those who as candidates advocate Democratic principles, and also can be trusted to enforce them if elected."

A committee appointed by the Cuban Constitutional Convention to visit Washington and present to the President the reasons why the convention could not accept the terms of the Platt amendment, reached the capital on April 24, and was officially received by President McKinley the following day. The press reports state that the Cubans were given to understand that the terms of the Platt amendment are not likely to be modified. A state dinner was given at the White House in honor of the Cubans, at which were present, besides President and Mrs. McKinley, distinguished leaders of both the leading political parties from both branches of Congress.

Governor-General Wood, on his arrival in the United States last week, to attend the conference of the Cuban Commissioners with the President, gave to the press the following partial summary of conditions in Cuba: "Less than two years ago the army was distributing 200,000 rations a day. Now not a single ration is being distributed. There is not a beggar to be found in Havana. When we took charge there were but a few schools on the island. Now there are plenty of schools, with 180,000 children enrolled and a daily attendance of 132,000. The schools cost $330,000 a month to run, but all the districts are self-sustaining."

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