The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1898-01-18
CUBA'S BAD PLIGHT.

The more familiar the American peo-
PIE become with the true situation In
Havana, the more assured they are that
If we should annex that island we
would have very serious responsible
ity upon our hands. Everything tends
TO the conclusion that the people are
not fitted for self-government, and that
an independent government would be-
come precisely like those part-Spanish
part-Indian republics. which have kept
South America in turmoil ever since
they were created.
Spain has been, perhaps, to blame for
the conditions which prevail. That
country never sought to make colonies
which should be self-supprting. Great
Britain and Spain have for two or three
hundred years been rivals for the pcs
session of foreign territory, but the rule
of one has led to the formation of great
independent communities. either sepa-
rate or held by friendly ties. while the
rule of the other has led to the demon
alization Of the native races and the
establishment of mere pretexts Of gov
eminent which reek with corruption.
Out Of the efforts of England to es-
tablish colonies have arisen the United
States. Canada, Australia. New Zealand
and Cape Colony. The efforts Of Spain
resulted only in schemes for the rob-
berry of the natives OF their gold and
silver either by seizing their mines or
by extorting their money through taxa
ton. Cuba is the most deplorable Of all
these examples. The years OF oppres-
sion and spoliation have bred a race
thriftiess and not altogether honest
We learn Of the true character of most
of the prominent leaders in the rebel
lion when any one does something
which does not please the Cuban press.
They are all patriots and high-minded
r;en as body. but Individually they
have their faults.
The physician who Is accused OF hav-
ing betrayed Maceo to his death was
thought enough of TO be trusted until
the accusation. and then 1t was re-
vealed that he had always been a ras-
cal, Only few days ago brigadier
general of the Cubans was shot and his
conipatriots now say they never thought
much OF him, and that he used to be a
high wayman.
The lawlessness In Cuba has hereto
fore been confined. SO far as known. to
districts outside Of the neighborhood
OF Havana. While weyier was in com
mand that was very safe. But the in
cideuts CT the past few days make /.
evident that the government has lost
its grip. Among the rioters were a mum
Der Of officers. and 1t was officers OF
the regular army who few days ago
tioke into the newspaper Office and de-
stroyed its type and presses. II does
| not seem that the tumuIt vas particu-
larry against the government, or be-
cause OF any particular grievance. It
is probable that the whole affair orig
mated la the turbulence OF the popu-
lacs.
Autonomy is offensive 10 the same
class n the Cuban ranks as in the
Spanish ranks 10 which these officers
belong. Cisi government is the last
thing they want With il would come
loss ~ opportunity for raiaing aud
termination 10 tie prospects Of pillage.
Tile whole island Is in a shocking con-
d!tjon. ana II Is not easy TO decide which
would be worse. government OF the Gu
bans by the Spanlards. or government
II the Cubans by those Cubans whom
the force Of circumstances would ~. III
positions q rover