Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1898-01-10
SPANIARD AND CUBAN
CONTINUED from First Page)

gun to modify that trait. They realize that
whatever comes in the future, the planta-
lions will not yield their fullness to prodi-
gals. Experience is teaching some harsh
lessons in political economy. At the same
time, the qualities which adversely brings
out are beginning to shine. Reverses are
horne With fortitude. In many Cuban
homes occupied by proud families hunger
has crossed the threshold. Family plate,
jewels, herlooms, have gone. The pawn
shops OF Havana are choked with these ar
ticles. But the suffering is endured without
murmur Most of these families have some
enc in the field Out of their poverty they
contrive something for the insureent cause.
Mothers. wives, daughters and sisters make
light of their own distress and seek to al
leviate the hardships of those who have
gone out from among them to fight. If the
American public men who are puzzled to
understand why autonomy has made SO
little progress in quelling the instruction
could see the inmates of these homes, they
might De enlightened The Cuban women
do not accept autonomy.
Antasonisms are not lacking among the
Spanish classes toward one another. The
Galatians predominant everywhere. 1t is
said that Catalonia Is Spain in Cuba, but
this is not strictly true. They have, how
ever, done more to transplant the institu-
tons OF the peninsula to the island than
has any Of the remaining provinces. They
have prevailed in business and in politics.
Barcelona has dominated trade relations.
customs duties anu regulations nave DeeH
shaped to further their ends and In pub
lie administration they have had the pref
erence Their societies the most nu-
| merous throughout the island, and their
memorials are to be seen everywhere.
They have a high opinion of their own
capacity, end this opinion is not a base
less one. 1t is the Catalan merchant espe-
cially who does not conceal his contempt
public affairs. The Cuban reciprocates
with a hatred that is robust and hearty.
Politically the Galatians are intransigentes
intolerant upholders of Spanish sovereignty
and of their own special privileges. Many
of them go back to Spain when they have
become rich and send out younger men,
bers of the family to continue the bust
ness in which they are engaged.
The Asturians form a considerable ele-
n,ent especially in Havana, where they
have snare in the retail trade They
are not quite SO aggressive the Cata-
!ans. Their loyalty to their own province
is strong. Asturia means more to them
than does Spain. The quick-witted Cali
clans are everywhere. They vaunt their
wines ard themselves. and they like a
row. They would as soon have it with
Catalonians or Asturians as with Cubans
The Canary Islanders form a numerous
class The majority of them are engaged
in tobacco raising in Pinar del Rio. But
whether of Catalonia, Astura, Galicia or
the Canary Islands, the Spaniard in Cuba
thinks he has been having hard time of
it. and his forebodings for the future are
grave. He talks piteously about his losses
since the instruction began and paints
gloomy picture of his prospects in the fu-
ture, either under autonomy or independ-
ence. l have not been able to weep with
the Spanish merchant or for him in listen
ing to his woeful tale. The gainful in
stinct is strong within him. Though he
may not believe it now, he will be- able
to adapt himself to future circumstances.
Cuba offers him opportunities for profita-
BILE business, which he cannot find in Spain.
He will not let the Cuban elbow him out
of trade or off the island.
The Official Spanish Class.
The official Spanish class has to be con-
sidered apart. 1t will never accept au-
tonomy or independence, because under
either system its occupation is gone. This
class has profited Dy the misgovernment
and corruption in Cuba. 1t has plundered
Spain with one hand and the colony with
the other Honest administration is be-
yond its conception. The privilege of plum
derins Cuba has always been a special
privilege. The Spanish officials have sneer-
ed at the Cubans for wanting to be doctors
| and lawyers and professional men who took
part in politics. That was encroachment
on their prerogatives. the new order
would leave them without employment.
They will have none of it and will desert
| The island sooner than reconcile them
selves to the change The leech must
have blood. 1t cannot reconcile itself to
the skeleton. While the official hierarchy
thus refuses to asSimilate or amalgamate
with the Cuban body polite, the loss is
trade begin to assimilate the elements
which are necessary to the future gov
eminent of Cuba will be in process of So
luton. CHARLES M. PEPPER.