Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1898-06-11
SPANISH sELFIsHNEss.
Something About Their Ancient
Policy Towards Cubn.

To the Editor of the Dispatch:
l take the liberty of commencing e
those who now that manifest destiny
| points to the occupation of Cuba) are
eager to study Cuba and its commercial
social. and political possibilities. to con-
| suit the pages of the Cyclopedia of Com
mcrce. edited by T. Smith Himans, Jr.,
h. s., New York. Harpers. royal Svo.
| 1855 pages 20O7.
This writer is without political bias,
and strictly commercial. The article on
Cuba details at length the efforts made
by the United States 10 induce Spain to
enter into relations OF reciprocal trade,
without result This remarkable predic-
ton is ventured by the politico-econo-
mist: Great as Is the productiveness of
Cuba at present QSGW. some writer's as
sert that under good government 1t
would be increased fivefold;. its mineral
resources would then be developed, and
ii would be able fully to take advantage
OF its admirable position TO develop its
trade. The continuance Of the present
line Of policy in reference 10 Cuba must
In time lead to revolution, which
Spain Will be unable to quell.
This Is a wonderful prediction, which
lowing shortly after ii was made.
The trade of Cuba .haS been monopo-
liked for ages by Spain. The friendly
suggestions Of the United States nave no.
been needed; the aspirations Of the white
men of Cuba have been spurned as idle
dreams the reforming spirit Of the age,
which has power even over the Austrian
bourbon. fails 10 impress Its warning on
the brain of the stultified Spaniard.
BE IL so. The experience or mlschlef is
a sad teacher; but Spain will learn from
no other Let the student consult also
an article I'm the Southern Review Tor
August and November, 1879, Vol: ":
1t transcribes at length the following
passage, which tells US why Cubd Is more
white than colored:
CUBA. with all its advantages, was for
long time neglected by the Spaniards.
The settlements on the island were early
they date from the year 15ll. When, III
pursuance Of the orders Of Don Diego
Colomb. Valesquez landed at Puerta de
Palmas, near Cape Maysi, and subdued
the Cacique Hatuey, who, a fugitive from
St. Domingo had retired into the SOUTH
eastern part of Cuba and become the head /
Of a cOnfederacy Of native chieftains.
'Baracon was commenced i'm 1872. San
tiago de Cuba in 1914 and San Cristobal
de la Habana, in its present situation, IN
1919. But for many years the Island re-
manned almost without culture, and when
the search for metals was diverted into
new channels. was divided and distributed
into hatos and protreros or cattle-farms
Of different descriptions and to which the
Spaniards have always manifested much
attachment.
"To this circumstance Cuba Is, perhaps
at this day. indebted for the comparative
~ large white population which II pos
sesses. and also for the number of free
,olored people which the enumeration of
is inhabitants discIosss. although this !
after class of ite inhabitants is rather the |
production of cities than of the country.
THE hybrid which dominates Mexico |
IS not encountered in Cuba-not en-
i'm excess.
''The whites of Cuba are OF right capa-
Die of self-government. and will eventu-
lIly proclaim the republic 'one and indi-
visible" G. NJ. W.