The herald., 1898-03-12
PLANS FOR CUBA
Now Under Consideration by the Cab
s.-, met Members

WASHINGTON, March u.-Projects for
the settlement of the Cuban question are
numerous, but most of them are regarded
in official circles as unworthy of serious
consideration. One plan. however has
been presented to the president, which has
received the approval in a general way of
leading men, whose counsels have weight
with the administration, and there is rea-
son to believe it is the subject of studious
reflection in the cabinet The proposed
plan gives to Cuba all the rights, privileges
and immunities enjoyed by Canada, Spain
reserving to herself only such rights as
England exercises over her colonies. The
statement as presented to the administra-
tion is as follows:
"Constaniy recurring untoward Incl
dents in the relations of Spain and this
country, and the overwhelming evidence
of shocking condition of affairs in Cuba,
which Of themselves justify some inter-
ference, have brought the country to a
state of feeling, which, while most anxious
for peace demands such speedy action
as will bring the whole affair to close.
Can We bring 1t to close and avoid the
clash with Spain? But one way seems to
be open.
IF We insist upon immediate Cuban in
dependence we must back the demand by
force, for neither Spain nor any country
with any self-respect could tolerate such
interference in what We must recognize
Is her domestic quarrel, without resent
ment and resistance. While We should
doubtless succeed, it would involve terri
BILE loss 10 us and still further suffering to
Cuba, and would at this juncture be of
questionable benefit to her
THAT she is unfit as whole for self
government just yet, is the opinion of many
intelligent and impartial outside observers
who have studied her people and prevailing
conditions
IF we are to intervene as a compulsory
arbitrator are they to be left wholly out
of accour., together with Spain, and only
the insurgent party considered? Fair ar
bitrations are not conducted on so one
sided a basis. Suppose now We say to
Spain that in the interest of humanity and
peace, and for the preservation of our own
commercial interests We insist upon a ces-
sation Of hostilities and that We will take
advantage Of Ii TO inform the Cubans that
for the sake of the same compelling con-
siderations they must concede something.
Spains plight is unquestionaby a critical
one, and she could honOrably listen to
such a proposal. The Cubans, on the
other hand would certainly hear respect
fully any views we present to them in re-
gard to a settlement and could not fail to
follow them
THE precise terms can be worked out
later But it is not unreasonable to ex-
pect that should Spain offer such self-gov-
orr the whole world yy0IId
nize as fair putting Cuba in the same con-
dition as an English colony, and with
drawing from the island, as soon as quiet
is restored, all but a nominal military
force, we might properly insist on its ac-
ceptance. This would be substantial vic
tory for Cuba, would leave Spain to retire
with self-respect and would leave Cuba
better off than though now made indepen-
dent. Spain has vainly tried to put down
the insurrection; the insurgents have
Vainly tried to drive Spain out and estab-
lish a government and the only way to
bring about speedy peace is to take into
consideration the claims, rights and feel
ings of both parties.
1.-THE time may possibly come when, by
the operation of the law of our political
existence, Cuba will fall to us peaceably
II tnlS prove correct the method SuS-
gested paves the way for that, by giving
her an opportunity to gain some experience
in self-government first. If she Is to be
independent, as very possibly may turn
out to be the case by and by, preliminary
stage of genuine autonomy would best
prepare her for 1t Nor is it desirable al
this time for the United States to under
take the responsibility of governing her.
II is unwise and unnecessary for the United
States to assume political or financial re
sponsibility in the case, in either or both
of which most of the plans SO far advanced
involve us.
IF it be shown that the Spanish govern
ment officials are innocent of any com
plicity in the disaster to the Maine, and a
prompt disavowal is made, with an ex-
preston of regret and offer to arbitrate
the question of responsibility and the
amount of indemnity, if any was found
due, the United States could hardly resist
the principle of arbitration in settling the
question.
"The Maine disaster, however, is a dis
tinct incident and should be considered by
ITSELF