Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-12-22
CUBA UNDER DECREE.
Continued from First Page.)

other part Of the community. 1t may be
said they have been more quiet because the
intransigentes conservatives have been
growing menacingly. They may be be-
wildered in the completeness of the sys-
tenn, or the failure of all classes to support
1t may convince them that ideal govern
ment is emptiness. They are certainly awed
by their responsibilities. Power causes In
them no delirium. The greed of their re-
forms to allies may bring them down from
the clouds to solid earth, for the reform
iStas are grabbing for all the spo;ls in
sight. The autonomist leaders have hereto
fore proved that they can maintain a prin-
ciple without either the props or the prom
ise Of office. In controversy they show no
abatement of their strength. The conser-
vSt1Ves say autonomy was a bride. to the
instruction, the insurrection has not end
eG, then why should Spain further exhaust
Its resources of money and blood in fore
Ing the bride on the implacable foes Of
Spanish sovereignty? In reply the autono-
nists deny that colonial home rule was
either bride or a concession to the insur-
rection. 1t was, they say, a gift from the
mother country to the child of her heart, a
compensation to Cuba for what she has suf
fered. But they would be more comfort
abe II some of the insurgents would come
in from the field and help them enjoy the
gift
In the little discussion of autonomy as an
entity, a COVE eminent policy in process of
operation, the subject has been considered
in its entirety A full analysis of it's pro-
visions at this stage would be premature
The people for whom the decree Is meant
have not got down to the details. What
may be understood by autonomy in the
United States is one thing. The real ques-
ton is what is understood by it in Cuba.
And until they reach that point here intel
ligent explanation is not practicable. The
debt is black shadow that will hang over
beth cortes in Spain and parliament in
Cuba. The selection of seventeen of the
thr;y-five members of the senate or coun-
Gil of administration through the crown is
indicated as means by which home rule
might be substantially nullified, the reser-
walton of power for the cortes in negotiat-
ing treaties of commerce is cited as a prac-
teal bar to reciprocity. But these are sug-
sestions rather than objections. They may
have weight when the system comes nearer
to application. At present the attitude of
the historic autonomists, the leaders of the
original political movement, is entitled to
respect. They accept the system, perfected
by Sagasta and Moret. the triumph of
their ideas. the contamination of their
ideals.
Administration of Affairs.
Turning from this aspect of the subject,
a word Is necessary about administration
of public affairs under decree of autonomy.
The decree has not corrected abuses for
which Sranish administration is a bye
word and Il rcproach. The reformistos are
demanding that certain contracts made
during Weyler's rule be set aside. one OF
these was the privilege of the public
slaughter house. Scandal attached to that
contract. scandals attached to other con-
tracts made under Weyler, but are the
reformistos demanding the cancellation on
that account? Oh. no. They are support
ing the government policy of autonomy,
and as its supporters they want the con-
tracts for themselves
A more striking instance of the official
system is afforded with reference to Wey-
ler's ''bando" forbidding the expectation
of leaf tobacco. Immediately after his re-
cali the word was given out that the de-
cree would be revoked. Some firms in the
United States had leaf tobacco in Cuba
which claimed exemption. Under Weyler
this exemption had been admitted and
shipments made as needed. 1t was well
understood that these shipments paid in
cidental toll, Notwithstanding they were
supposed to be secured through diplomatic
negotiations. Some of this tobacco was
still in Cuba when the change In admins
tration took place. Had Weyler's decree
been revoked at once there would nave
been no means of collecting the incidental
but the Weyler "bando" was not revoked.
Finally their tobacco went out. Then 1t
was said that since no mere leaf remained
which claimed exemption and on which
incidental toll might be levied in granting
the exemption, the revocation of the decree
would now come. At this writing 1t has
not come. Something is said to be the
matter. According to the tobacco trade OF
Havana 1.-The matter is the refusal to
put up $4,000 for the privilege of free ex-
portation of the leaf. DEGREES of autonomy
have not yet fully implanted integrity in
public affairs in Cuba
CHARLES NJ. PEPPER.