The Dalles daily chronicle. [volume] (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948, 1898-10-04
NEW PARTIES IN CUB4.

from various SectlOnS OF OuOa InaG
the inhabitants are beginning to
think seriously of the future govern
ment of the island. They are satisfied
that Spanish rule is at an end, and
are studying the situation. Three
leading parties are outlined. One is
for republic of Cuba, accepting the
Insurgent government which claims
to have long had name, if not a
habitatlon. Another element is for
independence, preserving, as far as
free state may, the old Spanish tradi-
tions and trade affiliations. These
two parties are extremely hostile to
each other and wholly irreconcilable.
Neither could be induced to submit
to the other. A third party is for
immediate annexation to the United
States. 1t has the advantage of Of
fering at once a stable government,
absolute protection, and the largest
commercial and industrial develor-
ment. To be part of the United
States is to be clearly defined and
universally respected. The annexa-
tionists are likely, from time to time,
to have accessions from both the
other parties when they realize the
difficulties that beset Cuba as a SOW
ereign state. In that direction OBJ
stacles as yet unseen will crop up in
increasing number and the right
course to pursue will become plain.
Those who favor a government to
be controlled by the insurgents and
their sympathizers speak of the sub
ject in generalIties and with more of
abstract emotionalism than is con-
sistent with practical affairs. There
is no proof that this party includes or
could ever attract majoriay of the
inhabitants. They were unable, un-
aided, to drive out the Spanish. If
Weyler's policy had not aroused this
country the native Cuban population,
with the exception of some scattered
bands in the mountains, would have
been exterminated. AS it was, tens
of thousands perished. No assurance
can be had that the insurgents are
equal TO the task of organizing and
conducting q republic successfully.
They made persistent fight for
liberty, but get it through the armed
Intervention and resources of the
United States. If they can show a
majority at the ballot-box, which is
very doubtful, a powerful minority,
largely representing the wealth of the
island, is arrayed against them, and
viii employ every device to wrest
the reins of authority from their
hands.
AS for the Spanish pathizers, it
is out of the question to allow them
to set up pretense called republic.
1t would be but return, as far as it
could be managed, to former condi-
tions. and civil war would again
break out. In two, if not three, of
the provinces the population is more
Spanish than insurgent. The United
States can not undertake to prop up
any sort Of independent government.
If it can not stand alone it is self
condemned. If it should fail to give
peace. and prosperity. to Cuba it
would be abortive, renewed care to
this country, responsible for its birth.
Annexation will come in the end. It
should come at once. Every Cuban
who labors for it is serving the best
Interests of the island and his own as
well. Lasting pacifcation can be OBJ
tanned in no other way. Events will
plainly reveal this fact before the end
OF the year. Left to itself, Cuba will
be torn by factions, but as territory
of the United States will at once be-
come tranquil and go confidently to
work. In one case is stability, a
firm foundation; in the other Spar