Omaha daily bee., 1896-06-05
PERIIs OF A CUBAN REPUBLIc.
Even if the Rebels Conquer the Dam
ger IL Not Remote.

country, he is wasting his time. The news
has been sufficiently credited here to pro-
woke much talk aud considerable excitement
The tenor cf that talk ie not favorable. 1t
Is doubtful II such a solution would please
any one except a few Politicians like Mon
toro. and possibly come SpaB!ardo. who are
beginning to realize that unless some conces-
sic1 is made soon the rule of Spain is
doomed II Is almost certain that any such
plan must fall because CT its rejection by
the insurgent party.
President Cleveland may be able to guar
artee to US that Spain will grant autonomy
but how Is he to guarantee that the incur
gents will accept" said one Of the closest
and best informed students of social and po-
litical conditions here to the World corre-
spondent. He went on to say that such an
arrangement would necessarily result in the
United States being compelled TO send ships
and men to pacify the Island as Spain is
attempting to pacfy it-by force Of arms.
OF course such proposition could not be
considered for a moment under the political
conditions in the United States.
The news has been seized upon by GER
tain newspapers here TO vent i'll feeling felt
by the Spanish party against the United
States. One Of them says editorialy in
roundabout phrases that the fact that the
United States has nstigated the revolution
is proved by their presuming to be able to
end IT.
One thing seems true, and that is that
the course of the United States government
with regard to the Cuban question is de-
stroying its prestige with the Cuban party.
The same talk that was reported from Homo
lulu of looking to England to take the island
under her shield is heard here. That some
strong power, willing to give Cuba peace.
with wise laws and popular form Of gov
ernment must ultimately succeed Spain liz
power here, seems not to admit Of doubt.
Cuba is resolved to separate from Spain and
the time will surely come when she will
carry cut the resolution. Her destiny is an
neXation to the United States or such po-
litical relations with 1t as will amount tc
the same thing. Geographic and economic
conditions impel irresistibly to this solu-
ton and the political and social conditions on
the island make II the only wise consumma-
tion for Cuba herself. Spain, in her pride,
in sentimental passion for the heirloom
which costs her so much treasure and blood
to keep at all. fights against 1t in vain. She
might as well seek to stay the tide Of
years.
MUST HAVE HELP.
The independence of Cuba. unprotected by
the United States, would prove disastrous.
Conservative Cubans know this and they
divide only on sentimental grounds. Part
Of them cling to the government of their
fathers and lcok to Spain to establish home
rule in Cuba. The far greater part edu-
Gated in the United States, enamored of
democratic government and convinced of the
wisdom of the American system, turn to
the United States. Even those who honestly
seek independence an ultimate condition
know its dangers and would found a re-
public with limited suffrage in which the
ruling class would be determined by edu-
cational and property requirements. The
danger involved in independence is made
clear by these facts.
OF 100000 people there are 100000 blacks
and 100000 whites. The whites are divided
into bitterly hostile classes, an overwhelm-
ling majority of native born Cubans who have
lived for years in resentful subsection and a
minority OF Spaniards who have dominated
and plucked the majority Their political
ideas are in extreme opposition. Rancorous
politics have engendered bitterness between
them. The majority of whites are country
men, Who whatever may be their native in
tellgence. are without that education which
ought TO be at the basis of independent self
government. Very many of them are vic
tins of poverty in land aboundng in the
source of riches. Vast areas of land are in
the hands of a few men, who enjoy great
wealth. Associated with them. in interests
are the blacks, people whose freedom has
come to them since the negroes of the United
States were set free their existence here
presents practically the same social ana
ern states. With freedom they have the
right of entry with The whites to public
places, on equal footing. but they do not
assert 1t.
SOCIAL DEAD LINE.
There is social dead line between the
races in the town. In the country it Is not
so marked. Their mutual interests draws
whites and blacks nearer together 1t needs
but the statement Of these facts TO reveal the
dangers that beset independent self-govern-
ment OF Cuba. Even the Spanish party
would welcome annexation to the hated
United States rather than political state in
which they would be placed at the mercy of
those suddenly raised to political power from
condition Of political suppression.
1t is for the United States to determine
the future of Cuba. 1t is a fair question
whether it is not her duty to solve that
problem. Spain cannot do 1t. She may con-
quer, but she cannot pacify Her conser-
vatism stands in the way. Her rule has be-
come insupportable TO the people. Autonomy
at her hands is already a rejected gift |
Cubans distrust her upon substantial grounds |
Separation is inscribed upon the banner of |
the lone star.
The wisdom or unwisdom of annexation |
to the United States is serious question |
from an economic poir: Of view. II seems |
the wiser course, from the political point of |
view; self interest appears to initiate against |
sentiment. But the objections based on |
social and political grounds are not great
when viewed at hand az when considered at |
at a distance. The social and political con-
ditions and the governmental questions aris-
ing from them do not differ greatly from |
those existing in many parts Of the United |
States.
The people of Cuba are favorable toward !
the American system. They are Americans |
In thought and Inspirations. Their intel
ligence and its possibilities under cultiYa-
tion are displayed in the accomplishments of
those Of them who have enjoyed the adyan-
tages OF education. Under the influence of
liberal laws. with the establishment Of public
schools upon the American plan, with the
burden of taxation to support the extravagant
government removed, with the dsesabllsh-
ment Of the church. unhampered trade with
the United States and the incentives which
that government holds out to industry, one
can hardly picture too roseately the pros
perity possible this island. II is marvel
ously fertile. Until now its exports have
been great in proportion - It's productive
population. notwithstanding adverse condi-
tons Today, while diplomacy hesitates and
proposes Impossible things, IL il falling into
ruins as the result Of a conflict which Of
cannot end except with the ending
Of conditions which have bred it,
w. w. GAY.
BLAME MosCow's CHIEF OF PoLICE.
VI. NIassovsIy Was Nearly Lynched
Peasants Drowned In Dcer.