Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1898-08-16

NJ Future Of Cuba.
With the signing Of the peace treaty
and the departure of the large Spanish
army from Cuba, the United States
will exercise for an indefinite period
the functions of a guardian over the
island. certainly until after full and
free opportunity has been given the
Cubans to decide upon the permanent
form OF government under which they
will live. Presumably they will Sc
lect a republican form of govern
ment, though it Is possible they
may want closer relations with this
country, even to the extent OF annexa-
ton. The establishment of orderly
government in the island requires
time; how much time 1t is now impos-
sible to say. In the transition period
the United States must preserve peace
in the country. and prepare 1t for self
rule. The Cuban question. and our
relation to 1t, by no means ends with
the declaration of peace with Spain.
To many Americans the responsible
ties to be assumed by the United
States respecting Cuba and it's destiny
will be quite astmportant as the liberia
ton of the island from the Spanish
connection. If the United States, by
hon IN
tom the Cubans to self government,
can secure the acquiesence Of minor
tiles in the rule of majorities, it will
have accomplished much for the beau
tiful island that has been so cursed by
misrule and oppression.
The interests of the United States
will be served by tranquility in Cuba.
Our trade with the island was injured
and finally interrupted by the situa-
ton. for which Spain. by bad govern
ment, was responsible. Our interests
will suffer if the Cubans themselves
shall permit anarchic conditions to
exist. The United States has UNDER
taken to keep peace in the island. 1t
must keep troops there as long as any
vestige of serious public disorder re-
mains. Unfortunately. in the majority
of the Latin American Republics dis
appointed politicians are prone to or
ganize petty instructions against the
of ha; f,,l, 10
Rebellion is brewing in some of these
republics at all times. Such a condi-
ton of affairs could not be permitted
in Cuba. Peace in Cuba is essential to
the welfare OF the United States. Our
relations to the island. the sacrifices
we have made for it's liberation, give
us the sanction to exercise discipline
airy authority over it until it becomes
a republic in fact as well as in name.
With the conclusion of the war with
Spain. the preliminary stage of our
connection with Cuba ends. What
shall be our policy as to the final dis
position of the island? American con-
sentative opinion would encourage the
Cubans to set up republican govern
ment for themselves, and to become a
distinct nationality. The American ex-
pansionists would make Cuba q part Of
an American colonial system. To some
annexation obtrudes itself as the OBJ
jective point Of our protectorate.
American political parties. and Cuban
parties as well. will take up these is
sues. They will not be decided in a
year. The war with Spain has been
brief, but it leaves to the United States
numerous legacies. The duration of
our occupancy of Cuba for the purpose
of maintaining order is very uncertain.
We cannot hold the island in perpetual
tutelage for self government; nor can
we depart from Cuba until safety for
life and property is assured. A new
problem confronts American states
manship.