The times., 1898-11-23
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER %, 1898.
Our Intentions in Cuba.


General Garcia, who comes to this
country with number of other Cuban
commissioners to confer with the Presi-
dent on the immediate needs of the
island and the best means of disbanding
and disarming the Cuban army, is re-
ported to be opposed to annexation.
That is a subject that can wait. 1t is
by no means certain that the American
people would consent to annexation in
any circumstances. Surely they have
no present desire in that direction and
are not engaged in a campaign TO win
supporters 10 any scheme of the kind.
Even if the resolution of Congress deny
ing any intention TO acquire the island
should not be considered binding, it is
far from obvious that Cuba would be
desirable addition to our territory.
What the American purposes are re-
garding Cuba is well known and beyond
all doubt. in spite of the alleged ex-
cited state of the Cuban mind. The
same considerations that led US TO in
terfere between Spain and her island
subjects force US TO administer Cuban
affairs until good order is established
and the people are abundantly able to
support themselves and every citizen
enjoys the same rights as all others.
BY our Intervention we have become re-
sponsible to the world and to every
class of people in Cuba for the institu-
tion of a substantial and enlightened
system of government that will afford
protection to every interest. How long
ii will take to accomplish this no man
can say. 1t depends on many things,
but chiefly on the people themselves
When everything that is required has
been done and the Cubans have. under
trial, demonstrated their capacity for
government, the Americans will
withdraw. unless they choose to listen
to appeals for annexation.
The suggestion that the Cubans will
demand a declaration of intentions is
absurd. II is thought to be the desire
of the President 10 appoint civil gov
ernors, but it must depend on the at
titude of the inhabitants. AT this mo-
ment ii looks as though "a system of mil
itary administration would be neces-
sary. There must be absolute freedom
from all political disorder. II may be
deemed wise to organize a military
police or even to enlist Cubans to gar
rison the different towns under Amer
lean officers, as suggested by General
Garcia This, also. viii depend on the
attitude of the Cubans. 1t is neces-
sary that the Americans should admin
lister the finances and also to effect san
itary reforms that will protect this
country from the ravages of diseases
that are developed in the unwholesome
communities of the island
To persons who are best acquainted
with the people there, it does not seem
practicable for the Americans. on
given day, to turn over to Cuban gov
eminent all the official power and re-
tire with thanks. 1t is more reasonable
to think that natives will be employed
wherever they are capable. first in the
municipal offices, and viii gradually as
sumo an increased responsibility. No
one class can be said to have special
claims 10 office. II is the duty of the
Americans not only to protect every
class. but also to watch over the inter-
ests of foreigners, including Americans
who have made heavy investments
there. 1t is the part of wisdom for the
Cubans To settle down in determined
purpose TO study the duties of citizens
and TO enjoy the freedom and the op-
portunities which American adminis-
tration will secure, without hankering
after the spoils of office. There is a
great deal Of happiness to be had in
going TO work in country where one
is not robbed of the fruits of his labor
This the cubans have never known.
Their chief danger is that they will be
misled by demagogues who want office.