The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1898-03-12
THE CUBAN QUESTION
Projects for It's Final Settlement
Under Consideration.
me PLAN MEETS WITH APPROVAL.
Cuba Is to Have the Same Right,
Enjoyed by Canada.
INTERVENTION MEANS WAR
Claims OF Both sidcs to De Duty
Considered and Genuine Anton-
onhy 10 he Proposed.

Washington March ll.--Proieots for the
settlement Of the Cuban question are num-
erous. but most of them are regarded In
official circles as unworthy of serious con-
sheraton. One plan however. has been
presented to the president. which has re-
ceived the approval in a general way of
leading men whose counseis have weight
with tho administration and there is rea-
son to believe 1t is the subject OF studious
reflection in the cabinet. The proposed
plan gives to Cuba all of the rights privi-
leges and immunities enjoyed by Canada,
Spain rcserving to herself only such rights
as England exercises over her colonies
The statement as presented to the president
is as follows:
Constantly recurring untoward incidents
in the relations of Spain and this country
and the overwhelming evidence OF shock
ing condition of affairs in Cuba, which in
themselves Justify some interference, have
brought the country to a state # feeling,
which, while most anxious for pace, do
mands such speedy action as Will bring
the whole matter to a close. Can we bring
1t to close and avoid clash with Spain?
But one way seems to be opon.
IF we insist upon Immediate Cuban
Independence we must back the demand
with any sclf-respect would tolerate such
interference in what we must recognize
as her domestic quarrel without rescnt-
ment and resistance While we should
doubtless succeed it would involve terrible
loss to us and still further suffering to
Cuba aud would, at this junctnre. be OF
questionable benefit to her. That she Is
the opinion Of many intelligent and many
impartial outside observers aho have stu
died her people and prevailing conditions.
There exists. too, a very considerable party
in the island composed of the, most en-
Iightened inhabitants who favor trying au-
tonomy This is evidenced bv their being
able TO maintain In New York city a news
paper OF their own. which presents their
views
III we are to intervene as a compulsory
arbitrator, are they to be left wholly out
OF the account together with Spain aud
only the insurgent party considered? Fair
arbitrations are not conducted on 30 one
sized a basis Suppose now we say to
Spain that In the interest OF humanity
and aeace and for the preservation Of our
commercial interests we insist upon cess
sation Of hcstilities and that we will TAX.
advantage of 1t to inform the Cu5ans that
for the sake OF the same compelling con-
siderations they must conceds something.
Spain's plight is unquestionably critical
one AID she could honolably listen to such
a proposal. Cubans, on the other hand,
would certainly hear respectfully any views
we present to thein IN regard to settle
ment and would not fai, to follow them.
THE precise terms can be worked out
later. But 1t is not unreasonable to expect
that should Spain offer such self-aoyern~
ment as the whole world would recognize
as fair, putting cuba in the condition a.
the island ns soon as quiet Is restored a
but nominal military force we migDt
properly insist upon its acceptance. This
would be substantial victory for Cuba,
would leave Spain TO retire with self-re-
speut and would leave Cuba better on
than though now made independent. Span
has vaiDly tried 10 put down the iDsur.ec-
tion; the Insurgents have yaiply tired u
drive Spain out and establish government
and the only way TO bring about speedy
peace is 10 take into consideration tn
claims, rfghtn and feelings OF both PARTIES.
We are In a position TO insist that tn
terms offered Cuba be fair and generous,
such as would enable htr 10 make her own
laws. lay and collect her own taxes and
provide in every way without let or
hIadrance for her own prosperity and
growth. 1t Is expected that STa.n VIII
never carry out such an agreement. but u
we see 1t inaugu.atcd 1t would be imp s.
sihle for the old conditions ever to return.
Inasnuch al Spain would retain at least
rominal sovereignty such an agreement
would he much less humiliating to her than
TO be compelled to relinquish at cnce al
right and claims upon the leland.
THE time may possibly come when b.
the operation of the Law OF our political
existencs Cuba will fall to us peaceably.
II this prove correct the method suggested
paves the way for that by giving Ter al
opportunity TO gain some experience In
self government first. II she Is TO be inde-
pendent. as very possibly may turn out
TO be the case bye and bye. preliminary
stage OF genuine autonomy would be bst
TO prepare her for that Nor is It desirable
at this time for the United states TO up-
dertake the responsibility OF governing
her. II Is unwise and urnacefssry for the
United States to assume political fr nm
anclal responsibility In case either or both
OF the plans 30 far advanced should evolve,
III it should be shown that ire spanish
government and its officials ara Innocent OF
any completely in the disaster 10 the Msins
and prompt disayowsl Is made with an
expression Of regret and 81 offer be m'ds
States could hardly resist the prin1l,ie OF
arbitration. The Maine disaster. however.