Evening star., 1897-05-29


migration must come from Kindred peo-
pie In race, Language and habits. Spain
supplies it, If the insurrectien were to
succeed and Cuba become Independent you
would have these adjoining republics of
San Domingo AMI Haati over again. How
much trade do they develop with the
United States? With an their natural rich
ness they are stationary. They show them
selves unfit FOR government
MY idea," said the sugar planter kim
ding with enthusiasms, ''fs that the politi-
cal future of Cuba is under Spain, its COM
mcrcial future is with the United States.
After Mr.. Blaine gave us reciprocity the
ships from Europe began coming into our
ports light laden and going out empty. II
we could have peace and tranquility on
this island for few years many more
thrifty people would come here to settle.
They would buy from the United States.
We would help supply you with sugar, to-
bacco, coffee and our fruits. In return We
would take from you -four, machinery and
very many products of your factories. You
know that under the reforms Cuba corl I
negotiate its own reciprocity treaty with
the United States. Spain could not stand
in the way
The Promised Reforms
This mention of the reforms. excited Mr.
Calhoun's interest. In RESPONSE to ques-
tioEs the landed proprietor said they would
surely be promulgated and carried out in
good faith. They amounted to self-govern-
ment. Taxation would be imposed by the
Cuban delegates in Congress. The dis
elimination against the employment of ma
tive-born Cubans in the government had
been exaggerated, but even the semblance
of grievance was to be removed. Under
the reforms officials of the government and
the municipalities must be either native
born Or four years out from Spain. Four
years not long time? 1t was long enough
to become good Cubans,s almost as long as
insurgents were required to be in the
United States before they could be natur-
allied and hold Office.
The details of the reforms were explain
ed at length. but 1 forbear to give them
here. The substance Of it all was that this
sugar planter thought system had been
devised for Cuba by Spain which would
give it seif-government as complete as that
enjoyed by Canada under Englands SOW
ereignty. He was satisfied tb try the ex-
pertinent.
When asked whether the veto power on
all appointments to official measures did
not remain with the captain general. he
replied this was so, but the veto power
would be exercised "beneyolenuy' and in
accordance with public sentiment. In re-
ply to question of mine the sugar planter
said Immense reforms were granted by
Spain after the ten years war, and were
made effective too. The failure to observe
them, he declared, had nothing to do with
the present msurrection.
Incidentally. the matter Of the war debt
was mentioned. Mr. Calhoun wanted to
know whether, In case. Of a settlement
Spain would not seek to impose its pay.
ment on Cuba.
The sugar planter poured the wine, the
red claret of Spain. from the fagon inti
his glass till it was brin,ming full. .Yor
see,'' he said, 1.-The glass holds SO much; M
more. This wine glass Is Cuba. The wal
debt Is for Spain to meet. She will moi ado
to the contents. of tne already full glass.
The talk drifted back to the reforms ant
II is landed proprietor, while disclaimins
knowledge of public affairs In the United
States. said In his opinion a simple declsra
| tion from those in authority of faith IL
them would end the war. He thought tn,
| neral responsibility for the United States
would not be dangerous, because after sue
| declaration Spain would, for its owl
sake, enforce the reforms and the insur
| gents would need no formal guarantee from
| the United States. ~
l have given these views of the suga
planter without analysis or comment, be
cause he is entitled to speak for himself
What weakness there may pc in his posi-
ticn will appear later. -
| CHARLES PEPPER