APPENDIX C.

PROPOSED CONSTITUTION FOR CUBA, THE OFFICIAL ACCEPTANCE OF THE PLATT AMENDMENT, AND THE ELECTORAL LAW.

Correct translation of the Proposed Cuban Constitution, compared with the official Spanish draft.

Havana, August 27, 1901.

ALEX. GONZALES.

CONSTITUTION OF THE REPUBLIC OF CUBA.

We, the delegates of the people of Cuba, having met in Constitutional Convention for the purpose of preparing and adopting the fundamental law of their organization as an independent and sovereign people, establishing a government capable of fulfilling its international obligations, maintaining public peace, insuring liberty, justice, and promoting the general welfare, do hereby agree upon and adopt the following Constitution, invoking the protection of the Almighty.

TITLE I.

THE NATION, ITS FORM OF GOVERNMENT, AND ITS TERRITORY. ARTICLE 1. The people of Cuba are hereby constituted a sovereign and independent State and adopt a republican form of government. ART. 2. The territory of the Republic is composed of the island of Cuba, as well as the adjacent islands and keys, which, together therewith, were under the sovereignty of Spain until the ratification of the treaty of Paris on December 10, 1898."

ART. 3. The territory of the Republic shall be divided into six provinces, as they exist at present and with the same boundaries, the provincial council of each to determine their respective names.

The provinces may be incorporated with each other or divided into new provinces through actions that may be agreed upon by the respective provincial councils and approved by Congress.

TITLE II.

THE CUBAN PEOPLE.

ART. 4. Cuban citizens are native born or naturalized.

ART. 5. Native-born Cubans are:

First. Those born of Cuban parents within or without the territory of the Republic.

Second. Those born within the territory of the Republic of foreign parents, provided that on becoming of age they claim the right of inscription as Cubans in the proper register.

Third. Those born in foreign countries of native-born parents, who have forfeited their Cuban nationality, provided that on becoming of age they claim their inscription as Cubans in the same register. ART. 6. Naturalized Cubans are:

First. Foreigners who, having served in the Liberating Army, may claim Cuban nationality within six months following the promulgation of this Constitution.

Second. Foreigners established in Cuba prior to January 1st, 1899, who may have retained their residence after said date, provided they claim Cuban nationality within the six months next following the promulgation of this Constitution, or, if minors, within a like period after they shall have attained their majority.

Third. Foreigners who, after five years' residence in the territory of the Republic and not less than two years from the time that they declared their intention of acquiring Cuban citizenship, may obtain their letters of naturalization in conformity with the laws.

Fourth. Spaniards residing in the territory of Cuba on the 11th day of April, 1899, who may not have been registered as such in the proper registers prior to the same month and day of 1900.

Fifth. Africans who may have been slaves in Cuba, and those who were emancipated and comprised in article 13 of the treaty of June 28th, 1835, entered into by Spain and England.

ART. 7. Cuban citizenship is forfeited:

First. By acquiring foreign citizenship.

Second. By accepting employment or honors from another government without permission of the Senate.

Third. By entering the military service of a foreign nation without a like permission.

Fourth. By a naturalized Cuban residing five years continuously in his native country, except by reason of his being in the employ of or fulfilling a commission of the Government of the Republic.

ART. 8. Cuban citizenship may be reacquired as may be provided for by law.

ART. 9. Every Cuban shall

First. Bear arms in defense of his country in such cases and in the manner determined by the laws.

Second. Contribute to the payment of public expenses in such manner and proportion as the laws may prescribe.

TITLE III.

FOREIGNERS.

ART. 10. Foreigners residing within the territory of the Republic shall have the same rights and obligations as Cubans

First. As to protection of their persons and properties.

Second. As to the enjoyment of the rights guaranteed by Section I of the following title, excepting those exclusively reserved to citizens. Third. As to the enjoyment of civil rights under the conditions and limitations prescribed in the law of aliens.

Fourth. As to the obligation of respecting and obeying the laws,