The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-11-17
The Prospect in Cuba.

time in Spain, then traVersed the
whole of Cuba and has recently sta
toned himself at Washington. where
he has been in confidential communl-
cation with the state department. AS
a witness he is disinterested, impartial
and certainly expert.
Mr.. Akers believes that unless
friendly arrangement is not soon made
between the United States and Spain
looking to the purchase of Cuba, war
may be expected with Spain as the
aggressor. He admits that the Spanish
government would so into either emer-
gency with reluctance, but his observa-
tions in Spain convinced him that
public sentiment in that country would
force declaration of war against the
United States II the present tension OF
Spanish bitterness and prejudice be not
soon relieved. In his opinion. no Eu-
ropean power would lend its assistance
to Spain in case of war with this coun-
try, nor would any power intervene to
prevent war. European countries
which hold Spanish bonds, or are inter-
ested commercially in Cuba, would
seriously regret the occurrence of hos
tilities, and previous to their break
Ing would undoubtedly exercise their
good offices to secure n peaceful solu-
tion of the situation. For one reason
all European countries would rejoice
at Cuba becoming a part of the Uni
ted States. They would then enjoy a
sense of security in relation to their
Cuban investments of all kinds, and
rest satisfied that there would be no
future revolutions. one grave fear to
be entertained, in the opinion of Mr.
Akers, is that the Spanish government
may at no distant period realize that
1t can no longer hold Cuba as de-
pendency. To admit as much to the
people of Spain would mean the certain
overthrow Of the party doing SO. In
such an extremity it might be regard
ed as good policy by the present gov
ernment to pick a quarrel with the
could be no doubt as to the ultimate
result of such war. and that Ameri-
can arms would be successful. 1t is
Mr.. Akers' opinion, based upon observa-
tions in the island. that there are no
present indications that Spain will
conquer the insurgents.
Mr.. Akers considers the purchase of
Cuba by this country splendid in
vestment provided the price did not
exceed $jO0,OOOOOO. The total exports
of Cuba are In ordinary times about
Sl2O,OOO000. This year they will be only
S1S,OO0,0O0, owing to the revolution. In
1894. before the revolution began. out
of the production of 100000 tons Of
sugar this country took $4,000 tons.
Practically all the money that was paid
to Cuba in good times for sugar, as
well as tobacco. was spent in this coun-
try for food supplies and manufactured
articles. The hope of Cuba, if the
island continues as Spanish depen-
dency, or in case it achieves indepen-
dence, is reciprocity with the United
States. With peace prevailing through
out the island, in fairly prosperous
times Cuba will produce exports equal
to S3OO,OOO,OOO, including 2.5OO,OOO tons of
sugar, 6O.0000O0 worth of tobacco, and
an output Of iron ores used in Besse-
mer steel equal to at least $3,00O,00o.
In addition to this is the great yield Of
fruit, which Is large even now. With
careful attention, it would be enor-
nous. The same is true of lignum-
vitae, cedar. mahogany and other valu-
able woods. Most of the Cuban trade
is with the United States, and if q
reciprocity treaty were in force, the
products of the island would largely
come to this country, and the money
paid for the same would be spent here.
Mr.. Akers reports the dominant senti-
ment of the educated native Cubarc to
be favorable to annexation TO the I-ni.
ted states and says he does not think
such a solution, after Spain's grasp on
the island is once freed would present
many difficulties. Even if we did moth
ing to hasten climax in the Cuban
revolution he thinks Span's poverty
would eventually give Cubans the VIC
tory and they would then voluntarily
seek an alliance with the United
States.
In this connection an interesting story
Is printed in the Sun, upon the author
ity OF a prominent Cuban planter who
for political reasons requested that his
name be withheld. 1t is to the effect
that the day before Consul General Lee
left Havana to return to Washington.
n Cuban lady called on him for advice
touching business matter. The lady's
husband is personal friend of Gener-
al Lee. When the latter asked his yis
itor what her husband, who is in New
York. intended to do i'm that CITY. the
Wife answered.: He intends giving up
all hopes Of a quick settlement of
affairs here. and to start in some
other business in America" Tel
him. replied General Lee prompt-
ly. mot to do ii. and to wait.
because the end of all this is very
near
just what General Lee meant nv
those words Is. of course, wholly con-
5eciural: but there can be no doubt
that under liberal Interpretation they
convey the truth. The present situa-
tion in Cuba cannot continue indefi-
nitely. Spain cannot afford the expense.
Cuba can't and the United States must
not. The end is near. 1t will be
reached In all human probability long
before the Mckinley administration
shall have completed it's first hals-year.
The board of trades decision to ex-
pend a goodly sum of money in dec
Grating its new home in the Board of
Trade building on Linden street. ia n