The times., 1898-12-23
FRIDAY, DECEMBER %. 1898.
Cuban Gratitude.


Cuban Gratitude.
It is unfortunate in many ways that
General Garcia died before his mission
was accomplished-before he had induced
the Cubans to recognize the full extent
of their indebtedness to this country and
led them to the grateful acceptance of
1he guidance and control of the American
people There is no present prospect OF a
successor who can have the same meas
ure of influence, the same foresight and
the same calm and wise judgment in pre-
venting mere demagogues and rattle
Drained donkeys from creating or en-
couraging mischievous notions about
American administration. 1t is especial
ly unfortunate that the Junta, as the Gu
ban agents who have their headquarters
in New York are called, persists in the
idea that ii is alive and charged with du-
ties. II Marti had lived its career would
have ended with American Intervention
as he had no other aim than the over
throw of Spanish rule. II was reasonably
expected that when this nation declared
war on Spain for no other purpose than
the freedom of Cuba. the members of
the Junts. having no further work to do
here, would join Garcia in Cuba with guns
in their hands to aid in whipping the
Spaniards. Although the way was open
TO them-more open than it was to Marti
the first member of the delegation, who
met his death in gallant charge on the
enemy-they did not go. They continued
TO enjoy all the comforts and personal
safety OF this country. But as soon as
Spain was driven to abandon all claims
to Cuba by the vaIor of the American
army. the Junta began to take hand in
Cuban politics and TO foster the error
that this country intends to annex the
island regardless of the consent of the
people.
fair idea of the character and feel
ings and intelligence of the members of
the Junta, who are trying TO obtain an
influence over the people of Cuba, may
be formed from an absurd proclamation
issued by one of their number, in which
is included the only thanks the American
nation and people have received from any
= Cubans, except General Garcia. Anybody
can form a conception of proper ex-
preston of gratitude from the people of
Cuba or any representative Cuban, to the
nation that entered into war solely for
their freedom; a nation that contributed
generously TO the support of the starving
after it had compelled Spain TO grant the
necessary permission; nation that sent
an army to the island and at the cost
amount of sickness, forced the oppressor
to abandon Cuba to freedom; a nation
that has, since then, supported thousands
of Cubans and saved them from starva-
ton, and of which the President has just
issued another appeal for popular contri-
buttons, after promising to General Gar
cia loan for the payment of a large sum
to the Cuban soldiers; and a nation that
insisted on freeing the Cubans from all
responsibility for the enormous debt sad
died on them by Spain. We do not be-
Iieve the expression of gratitude by the
representative of the Junta viii be re.
garded as excessive. Here il is:
Now that Cuba is redeemed from the woke OF
Spain and the last vestige of the tyrannieal rule
of that country has been wiped from this con
tBent, | wish TO extend to our compatriots (the
Cubans in this country who have contributed
funds from frst and in fact, TO all Chat in
cludes the American people and nation) who il
the time of strife and need. furthered the cause
Of Cuba libre, on behalf of the Cuban reyolu-
tiOnary party (or Junta), my sincere thanks.
In this country a man says as much
TO another who gives a light for his
cigar. For the loan of a dollar a man
could use the same phrase without be-
ing extravagant. We do not have the
distinction of a specific mention for all
we did for Cuba. A cat is more CRATE
full for a bit of meat, for she is sincere
1t Is the policy of these Cuban enemies
of Cuba to prevent any sense of indebt-
edness among the people who have been
freed by this country. They are like Co
mez and the other self-seeking, half-ciy-
lized Cubans who can see no prospect
Of forming an oligarchy to prey off the
credulous people as long as Americans
have any authority there. 1t is their
plan to foster distrust and hatred OF
Americans and to gain a following that
will eventually enable them to set up a
the South American states before the
people knew the first steps in self-govern-
ment.
The President agreed to give to Gen.
eral Garcia enough money to pay to the
Cuban soldiers a hundred dollars each
which is more money than most of them
have ever possessed at one time. That
was well, as long as Garcia was alive to
distribute it The President will make
grave mistake if he strengthens the
misunderstanding Junta by allowing it ta
have any word to say about the money
The members OF that body should not be
recognized In any way. The funds should
be placed in the control of an American
army paymaster and its distribution de-
termined by American officers under the
general direction of General Lee or some