New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-07-29
PUSHING AHEAD.

II Is an interesting evidence Of American en-
terprise that an American bank is already es-
tablished ar Santiago de Cuba, and that the
same bank has already established relations at
Manila Ii is a branch Of the North American
Trust Company. and is prepared 10 buy and
sell drafts on Santiago and 10 make payments
there under instructions from It's customers. 1t
will also receive deposits by soldiers and sailors
payable TO their families in the United States
There Is something fascinating in the spirit
which the circular of this bank exhibits. II
looks for new fields for investment in all lines
"of trade and manufacture, as well as in city
property, winter homes electric plants, rail-
'roads Industries and sugar and tobacco planta-
"tions.''
There Is American enterprise in nutshell
Hardly has the smoke Of battle uncovered the
wrecks Of Cervera's ships and the surrendered
blockhouses and ri1e-pits Of Santiago, when
Americans 20 forward to transact the business
of q sleepy old island on American principles
Cuba has been lying in narcotic or hypnotic
sleep for some centuries, Spanish extortion and
nsrule being the cause. Al the instant Amer-
can Justice and security are Insured the sleep
less and tirclcss enterprise of American bust
ness men appears TO seek for some part OF the
legitimate profits II the people OF this cOun-
try are wise there will be many and large in
yestments In Eastern Cuba within n short time
not waiting for the finnl settlement of affairs
regarding the island as a whole, because there
are powerful and rich American corporations
already interested there, with millions at stake
who will be able 10 see that fair treatment IS
given to oil American interests whatever the
form Of government may be from time TO time
Theoretically Cuba Is expected 10 form gov
eminent for itself But recent disclosures make
II clear that Americans will have TO do the
practical governing for some time, and the fut-
IRE will inevitably depend upon the number of
Americans who see At 10 settle IN that island
II they are many an American bank will have
q big business The same idea has Influenced
men who have arranged to establish banks In
Porto Rico, Honolulu and Manila. In Porto
Rico and Honolulu American government Will
undoubtedly prevail after a short time. Manila
will probably also remain in American hands.
It is the best coaliDg station In the Philippines,
the most easily defended, and also II is the spot
where noteworthy American victory was won.
But this indication Of American push and
spirit In business suggests that in q thousand
other branches as well lis In banking there are
people ready and anxious 20 take hold II the
protection OF American laws ard administration
can be secured for them. Railroads throughout
Cuba, street railways electrical plants and mp
pllances. modern machinery in plantations. mod
ern methods Of transportation, and the abound
Ing capital which can he found here for every
substantial enterprise would make Porto Rico
and Cuba worth countless millions Ia any other
owner than Spain. Whether the United States
wants 10 have that incalculable development Of
industry, and to have 1t come soon, under Its
laws and adm Illustration, will depend upon the
action of the Government There Is little chance