The times., 1898-08-14
The FUTURE. OF CUBA
The Nest Important Question for
Harmonious adjustment.
NAY REQUIRE YEARS TO DO 1T
The Strong Arm of the American
Government Needed to Make 1t n
Peaceful md Prosperous Repub-
lc-TaIk of Gen. Fifzhugh Lee for
Temporary Military Governor.

The future of Cuba is becoming a topic
of absorbing interest, and one which will
presently engage the earnest attention of
the Administration
1t is generally understood that Gen.
Fitzhush Lee will be made military gov
ernor of the island pending more definite
arrangements preliminary to the estab-
lishment of a stable form of government.
Ii is deemed advisable TO appoint a mill
tary man to administer Cuban affairs for
a time at least, and Gen. Lee is more IA
miliar with the exigencies of the situa-
ton than perhaps any other official who
has thus far been identified with the war
He is thought to be peculiarly fitted for
the task of establishing provisional gov
ernment in Cuba
A Cabinet 0mcer's Views.
| In view of the delicate complications
| that are likely to arise out of the rela-
| tions now existing between this country
and the island the subjoined interview
with a Cabinet officer. as forecasting the
| policy of the Administration, is possess
ed of much interest.
"'To begin with" he said. "no one sup
| poses for minute tnat Cuba will be
| handed over to the revolutionists until
| they have demonstrated their ability 10
| govern themselves We have pledged our
word to establish in the island a stable
and independent government, and the ae-
complishment or this IS likely 10 become
| the work of years.
| Military Administration Desirable
1.-The first step is to assume control of
! Cuban affairs. and direct them In all fair
! ness to the people. To this end a mill
tary governor will probably be installed
at Havana with subordinates in the va
rious principal cities throughout the ISL
and. This much has been decided upon,
but the details are yet 10 be arranged
| Our troops will be withdrawn gradually.
! and the handing over process IS likely
to consume considerable time and diff
/ Guilty.
TT is a situation without precedent.
| Not in any sense of the word shall this
| country establish protectorate over the
| island We agree 10 assume a disnter-
! ested responsibility for its future and re-
linquish our authority when the natives
have given proof OF their capacity for
| self-government -
There is certain to be dissatisfaction
and numerous complications are likely to
arise. but as for serious difficult there
is little fear of 1t. And yet the cooler
| heads may experience considerable trou-
| BILE In managing natives of the ilk of
Garcia 1t is believed that Gen. Gomez
and the diplomatic representatives of the
future Cuban republic will cooperate in
| the work undertaken by the United
States, and much will depend upon the
harmony and scope of their efrorta
Help for the Needy.
meanwhile. this Government will con-
cern itself with relieving the deplorable
condition of the Cuban non-combatants;
likewise the active revolutionists, who
will be treated with The same consider
alton shown the American army of oc
cupa,ion Supplies in great quantity will
! be sent into the island. Food will be
Systematically distributed. and distress
| will receive Immediate attention wherever
found
After so many years of war. strife,
and suffering the Cubans will have 60
| surmount numerous obstacles lying in the
way of a life Of peace and it may take
years TO readjust their disordered affairs.
The Disbanded Cuban Army.
'sThe volunteer army, when disbanded.
will scatter over the island. to find itself
without means of support. and the re-
sources of the country will be heavily
| taxed in consequence.
But the future is hard to anticipate
American capital win speedily invade the
| island and American enterprise will de-
velop her riches. The annexation senti-
ment may be expected TO assume proper
tions vitally dangerous to the mainte-
nance of an independent republic. In
Cuba and at home an overwhelming clam.
or for the permanent retention of the
country may exercise an influence which
| I-l,u h, 4