The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1898-08-25
FUTURE OF CUBA.
A Resident of the Island Thinks We
VIII Have Our Hands Full.

Washington Letter in Pittsburg Dispatch.
What do you think will be the condition
of Cuba after evacuation by the Spanish
and the establishment of military rule by
the United States?' / asked of a Cuban
who has been frank to say that since the
declaration of war by the United States,
and especially since the war has been fought
to successful finish, there is no longer
hope for the establishment of the long
dreamed of Cuban republic.
THAT is a question l do not like to think
Of was the reply when the Cubans who
have been engaged in the war for three
years are fully convinced that they are
merely to exchange Spanish for American
rule. which knowledge will come to them
when the Paris commission has finished it's
labors, if not sooner. do not doubt that
there will be bitterness of disappoint-
ment and discomfort that will give rise to
very serious condition of affairs If your
own South revolted against the carpetbag
governments that were instituted in the
seeding States after the war of the re-
bellion, you can easily imagine that we
Cubans, who are not of your language or
race, will be incensed that you should have.
in a spirit of philanthropy, assisted us 20
obtain our freedom from Spanish thralldom
only to take into your own hands what we
have been struggling to secure for a long
and distressing period Astounding with in
ceseribable privasion and suffering
1t is terrible perspective for us to CON-
front. While we do not doubt that under
even a military rule of the United States
there would occur a development OF the
beautiful island such as could never have
been reached under the bighting domna-
ton of the Spaniard, we demanded and
fought for the opportunity for independent
administration and acknowledgement, which
is the only means by which any people can
arise to their best altitude.
Il do not want to be an alarmist. but
frank answer to your question impels me
to say that do not believe the Cubans will
quietly submit to any extended occupation
of the island by the forces, political and
military, of the United States 1t would be
a condition anomalous in the face of all
history that we. who have fought for in
dependence should exchange one alien ruler
for another, no matter if the latter be bet
ter than the former. OF course, we could
a power as the United States. But to the
mass of the loyal Cubans the sover-
eighty would be so odious that it is newt
able some violent protest must result.
Every DISCONTINUED and outlaw element
will unite to harass and annoy the new
dominion The mountains and sparsely set
tied provinces will become peopled with
brigands. Small but fierce and active pred
atory and revolutionary bands will overrun
the regions where it will be impossible to
reach them with soldiers and II you hold
them in check and protect property, and the
new and illimitabe investments which ii is
boasted will be the result of American adj
mnistration, you will be compelled to es-
tablish army posts all over the island and
maintain a guerrilla warfare for heaven
knows how many years
while / regret to think that such Is the
prospect, L. can make no other prediction.
knowing, as ! do, the spirit of the Cubans
and their determination to have absolute
independence or nothing. II is indeed, a
serious problem which is offered for the So
| luton of the administration of the United
| States, and l do net believe that anyone
rot in thorough touch with our real Cubans
| can understand its gravity.
1--WE have suffered untold sacrifices that
we might drive the Spanish thieves from
our beautiful island, and in turn you are
| forcing us into another revolution which
| will SAVIOR for a time at least of general
| reprisals and brigandage."
These are almost the exact words of a
| Cuban who has worked without ceasing for
years in the interests of free Cuba. why"
said he in closing brief conversation
| look at the change in your attitude toward
u.s. A year ago all your people were hold
| ing mass meetings and demanding the rec
| Cuban flag was flung TO the breeze by the
side of the American flag. The colors inter-
mingled.
How many do you see now? | venture
| to say that in the general rejoicing at the
homecoming of your soldiers and sailors
| you will not In "A single instance see a
| Cuban flag unless IL be displayed from the
| residence of a Cuban. The transformation
scene is che of the strangest in all history.
1t merely means that now that you have
crushed the Spanish you intend to proceed
under the cloak of friendship to crush the
| Cubans."