Evening star., 1898-08-18
THE CUBAN PROBLEM
Commission Expected to Leave for
Havana in Two Weeks.
PART OF The PROGRAM
Conflicting Elements in the Island
to Be Conciliated.
HUMANIZING INFLUENCES
HUMANIZING INFLUENCES

The Cuban commission, consisting of
Generals Butler and Wade and Admiral
Sc mpson, will leave, it is expected, for Ha-
vana in about two weeks and begin work
of solving what II is generally regarded as
an intricate problem. The character of the
men comprising the commission assures
their approaching the question with
thoughtful care and wise discretion. The
first matter that will engage the attention
CT the commission will be- of course, the
arrangements for the evacuation of the ISL
and by the Spanish troops. as it was for
this specific purpose that tie commission
was created.
There is little doubt, however, that the
commission will BE- equipped with further
responsibilities in the way of investigating
the actual conditions in the island far
as the population is concerned and report
ing to the administration its opinion on the
most advisable manner in which to harmo-
nize the differences existing among its ele-
ments. The people of Cuba are not divided.
by any means, iEto two classes, comprising
the ultra-Spanish and the ultra-Cuban SYM
pathizers. There is a large proportion of
them who may be placed in the category of
cn-combatants-people of property and re-
sponsibility, who have not taken active part
in the rebellion On either side. 1t is thought
this element will have much influence in re-
1t is believed that after its chief purpose
is accomplished the commission will make a
study Of the question of conciiating the
now discordant factions, and it is regarded
as highly prcbs BILE that the commi ssiOn
will hold conference with President Maso
and Generals Gomez and Garcia, with a
view of impressing upon them me ne
cessity for compelling all their act
i've followers to accept the situation
peaceably. to lay down all their arms and
to be patient ard give confidence and sup
port to the United States in the effort of
this country to make Cuba as much a
hcme of freedom as any state in the
Union.
1t is believed in well-informed quarters
| that order will be quickly brought out of
chaos in Cuba if the contendins and con-
fiicting elements of the population are
made to thoroughly understand that it is
the policy of this country to make the
PEOPLE of Cuba as free and independent as
our own, and consequently all attempts to-
ward establishing any form of government
in the island until all these elements are
conciliated will be vigorously opposed.
Like England and Egypt.
1t is felt that the problem of Cuba to
this country is very much like the problem
of Egypt to England, although the motives
of the two nations are different. The ma
tives of Egypt not comparable to ;he
natives of Cuba in their ability fer self
government, but their advancement since
England took control of Egypt has been
little less than wonderful.
The education of the masses has been
proceeded with: countless leagues of land
have been reclaimed and given to the peo-
pie, who Were also employed in the work
of reclamation, and it is believed that these
two tremendous civlizers-education and
improvement-will be broadly used in the
ameiioration of Cuba OF course England
| never intends to give up Egypt. The prob
abilities are that less selfish motives will
actuate this country in its policy toward
Cuba. 1t is probable that Generals But
Ter and Wade and Admiral Sampson
will be relieved of their present commands
within a few days I'm order to prepare for
the important work before them.