Evening star., 1898-09-20
THE FUTURE OF CUBA
Much Study Given the Subject by the
President.
'OR STABILITY and INDEPENDENCE
Would Welcome a Conference of
the Leaders.
GARRISONING THE ISLAND

NOIneZ would De OppOTlune mas DetH ldNOT-
ably commented upon at the White ouse
and it can be stated positively that should
General Gomez General Garcia any
other Cuban leader come here he would
receive a cordial welcome from President
Mckinley.
1t is said that the President could not af-
ford to invite any of these leaders here as
that would be an official recognition which
might Complicate affairs. He would, how
ever, be glad to see and talk with them.
The assertion is made on high authority
that the President is as sincere a friend of
the Cubans as he ever was, and that he is
determined to carry out the expressed Will
of Congress that a stable and independent
government be established for the people
This is so certainly the Presidents inten-
tion at this time that should Gomez. Garcia
and others come here they could go back
to their homes and their people without a
suspicion of double dealing the part of
the head OF the government of the United
States, and with nothing but confidence in
the future.
ness that the President will do all in his
power to assist in the establishment of an
independent government. If it is seen that
this can be done he will insist on only one
thing. That is that the government of
Cuba shall be one which can at no time dis
pose of the island to some foreign country
The United States cannot afford in years to
come to engage in another war over an ISL
and so close to its doors and with which il
hopes To maintain the most friendly and
close relations.
Discussing the Islands Future
The subject of the future of the island
is giving the President and his cabinet
much study at this time The matter has
rot advanced to a point where a decision
must be reached, but that does not prevent
serious thought. When the Spanish SOL
diers have left the island and there is no
longer d vestige of Spanish authority left
the question of government will be the
most mpmtutpuS to come up for solution
I.cJkIHS to that time. it is readily seen by
the President and his cabinet that the first
government VIII be a military one Affairs
Will then begin TO adjust themselves and
soon aiterW ard 1t is expected that the lead
ing Cubans of the island will meet in con-
Nention and decide what they desire
Cuban~ to Be Given Places
Even before this convention, it is said TO
be likely that the President will begin bv
appointing Cuban leaders TO positions as
governors of the provinces. He will also
recommend that citizens of the island be
elected mayors of the cities. In this way
the Cubaus will demonstrate their ability
to carry on stable and independent gov
ernmenI
Then will follow a great convention of the
cuban people. Exactly how this coaven-
ton Will be held and how the delegates will
be elected VIII probably have to be deter
mined by the United States. This conven-
ton Will largely decide the future OF the
island. If it declares that the people want
independence it can proceed with the or
EaniZatOn Of Il government. In the mean
time the United States will keep garrisons
throughout the islands These NAV be les
sened as IL IS seen that the people are cap
able Of Self-gOVernment. If peace and or
der are restored and business proceeds
with ease, the government viii be recog-
nized BY the President as an independent
one, and the forces Of the United States
VIII be withdrawn.
Depends Upon the People
What Will be the future Of the Islands
depends much on the conduct of the people
between now and the critical point which
Will determine for them. The President
viii at all times keep informed as to the
progress of affairs. With each session of
Congress he VIII make suggestions and
recommendations. If he finany concludes
that the people are Incapable of setf-gov-
ernment he VIII lay his opinions before
Congress. and that body Will have to de-
eide the form OF government. At this I me
there is no better friend of the Cubans
than the President, and they will learn tnIs
II they desire to do so.
Garrison for the Island
1t is the present intention of the admin
istration to send to Cuba. as a garrison
force for the island. about 10000 troops in
addition TO the force now in Santiago un-
der command Of General Lawton
The organizations which are to comprise
the Cuban garrison have not all been des-
lgnated. but it is assured that at least half
Of them Will be volunteers.
Within two weeks orders will be issued
for The movement TO Cuba of the first 10
90 oi the permanent garrisOns, and it is
the expectation now that they Will sail
from the United States about October 10
4Lese troops Will be followed quickly NV
o'EeFs until the entire force of 10000 has
been established on the island
1t Is not the intention OF the administpa-
t4ch 10 await the evacuation of the island
by the Spanish forces before sendine IrniraI
States troops TO Cuba as The InHicaI,o,-
now are tLat it may he several n1onfhs he
iore the Cuban commissioners cornniete
thelr 'FcIk quite naturally, a consideraFIa
number OF Spanish troops will remain on
'Ie Island unlIl the arrangements for tho
ieiLh4UIH lheht u Spanish sovereignty over
i Lo!iLd-!E have been concluded
The RAINY season in Cuba * nearly, at
an enc. anu the most delightful season of
the year on the island is about to bec,iD
During the late fail ana winter - -,
tie climate IN Cuba is not only eniovahte
but heaI'hIui. and with such care as viii
% 'ahth Ier Inc health and comfort OF
we AhlefiCSn forces to be stationed in
Cuba officials of the War Department bat.a -.
no lyaT that serious illness among the men
VIII follow The occupation of the Island -e'i
employment OF the Cubaps
General Lawton has made a general
recommendation to the War De,ar,r,ar,,
for the utilization OF such Cuban troo,s
as may relinquish all connection with ,ba
Cuban army. by employing them upon vari-
Gus works Of the United States ar SaptI-
ago. General Lawton has not recommended
that tney be used 10 police the city OF
province of Santiago. but directly contrary
Last winter an attempt was made 10 mass
bill allowing the recruiting of Cubans In
the army Of the United States, either in III.
volunteer or regular service limiting the
number 10 10000, but the bill was CHANCE
to allow only fifty to each regiment
and to be enlisted scouts and guides
II is probable that the bill for recruiting
regiments from Cubans will meet with
mere favor in the future as these men will
oe available for garrison duty in the is
land 1t is also thought that large num-
Der of Cubans who have been serving in
some capacity with the Cuban army will
become better satisfied with the changed