The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-05-06

Cuba than to introduce reforms in the adj
ministration OF public affairs or in the
workings OF the treasury or TO root out ex-
listing evils known to all.
In the legislative halls of Madrid few
have denounced existing corruption in
CuDa with equal violence and force as the
present Captain General Salamanca when
us senator he spoke in opposition to the
colonial policy OF Minister Balaguer. Au-
Economists do not lose heart or faint by the
way, They believe that by legal agitation
and by the parliamentary efforts Of their
representatives. they will get all they
claim Tor Cuba. Just now they are dis
gusted. with the proposed electoral reforms
Tor Cuba and Porto Rico presented to the
courts by Colonial Minister Becera,
project that tends to create unjust priyi-
'leges in favor Of the conservative element
natives OF the Spanish peninsula residing
hereto the great prejudice of native Gu
bans.
1t seems Minister Becera attempted TO
insert clause in the new suffrage law
conceding TO all Spaniards born in Spain
and OF age the right TO vote in the An titles,
without exacting OF them property quail
ihcation. Another article in this proposed
law requires OF Cubans certain social and
property qualifications in order to be eigi.
BILE as voters. The project was abandoned
on account OF the unanimous opposition of
the Cuban deputies, including the Con.
servatives. They declared in q conference
had with Minister Becera that a property
or other clause in the suffrage law for the
colonies that did not equally bear on Gu
bans and Spaniards would soon lead the
population TO the brink of civil war.
Notwithstanding the foregoing there
seems TO DO u firm intention to 80 frame
the new law that natives OF Spain in Cuba
shall possess certain advantages as voters
over Cubans, as these outnumber the
Spanish residents and quite equal them in
general intelligence. El PAS, tho news
paper organ OF the home-rulers, in several
leaders has dissected this electoral project,
proving by truthful data that the result OF
the new suffrage law as drafted would be
TO prevent Cubans, thoughin the majority,
from gaining any election here.
THE FINANCIAL PROBLEM.
The new order OF rules established by
the Spanish Government in Cuba, whereby
II was pretended to give more liberty TO
the Inhabitants Of this island, would then
prove an illusion, and should this new
plan become n law the old system OF OPP
preston would be re-established. Autono-
mists propose 10 fight this onesided cleo
toral bill. for they believe 1t would result
in great evils TO Cuba. Should they fail in
their work and the Objectionable clauses
be voted in the Cortes and become the law
OF the land IL is hard 10 say what may
happen. A certain change on their
part from polite writing and avoid
ance OF bringing about conflicts with
the present Spanish Ministry would
DO the least that could be expected.
Autonomists assert as proof that only by
means Of their plan Of colonial govern
ment can the future OF Cuba be bettered,
and mention the fact that Captain General
Salamanca, on sending to Madrid a
short time ago the estimates for the
coming year, was only able to reduce
them as compared with those OF the past
year by some 100000, with deficit OF
more than 100000 that will surely con-
front him during the present year. This
deficit is certain TO exist Gen. Salamanca
proposes 10 satisfy the arrears Of pay to
government employees and TO the troops
large tolal-though this can only be
done by opening n credit at Madrid on ac-
count Of bonds in the hands OF the Colo
NAL Minister pertaining TO the conversion
OF the Cuban debt.
Gen. Salamanca certainly wished to have
/ presented equal estimates, or those show
| ing n surplus OF income over expenses,
aud why has he been unable TO do so? Be
cause he could not increase taxation.
Moreover and principally, the debt, g. =,
hat part due and past due the army, the
navy, and pensions for the coming
year, absorb some S22,OO0,OOO Of a
total Of S25, 100000 estimate cent
by him 10 Madrid "A the prob
able cost Of governing Cuba the coming
year. The aforementioned items cannot be
touched in practical way unless the home
government assumes 10 do what ought Ia
have been done long ago-namely, take
upon itself certain financial burdens nov
resting upon the Cuban treasury, but re-
ally belonging 10 the whole Spanish mon
archy 10 pay; first among these Is the ~
called Cuban debt, debt incurred for ma
tional interests and aims, thus leaving
these islanders nj liberty 10 establish
needed economical reforms and-lct IL b,
said placidly-govem themselves In 10 iai
as their social and financial status are con.
cernod.
Autonomists seem 10 DO satisfied will
Gen. Salamanca, for they with Others be
lievc him 10 be man Of great energy, In.
tcl!igent and impartial, but they doubtless
fear he will DO unable 10 realize all hC
hopes for on account Of nearly insurmount
able obstacles. and these may obligc hin
10 resign. lie has found general couup'
ton everywhere.
Can he cleanse these Augean stables?
Though he were a Hercules, unless thu
homo government help him in a pmclica
way he will find u n tough Job. Naturally
there are two sides 10 politics in Cuba, 80,
reader, II you have not tired, wait an,
scan what may have 10 write about the
Conservatives
Ia boca mo huelc n nncho,
n 81 pCsruCfo a COfhItim,
Las capaldas marhllcs
n La mama n lurll