New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-08-14
FREE CUBA.

The war has been fought and victory won on
the assumption that the people of Cuba. If re-
heved from Spanish oppression are entitled TO
choose their own government. But 1t will be
some time before that choice can possibly be
expressed. Since American troops must for n
time occupy Cuba. until the Spanish forces have
been withdrawn-an operation which will re-
Quire some months-and since they must also
exercise military control for some months later,
until free expression of the will Of the inhab-
itants OF Cuba regarding their civil govern
ment can be obtained, government essentially
American must inevitably DE continued for tn"
greater part of year. During that time the
Inhabitants will come TO know what American
rule means and II IL not difficult TO believe
that they may decide to prefer its continuance.
The fact has to be considered now that the
inhabitants Of Cuba are not all insurgents. nor
In sympathy with the instruction. The United
States will find II impossible 10 ask that the
choice Of the insurrectionists only as TO the
future government OF the island shall be con-
adhered. They are not the only inha bitants
and in all probability not the majority OF tho
permanent Inhabitants OF Cuba. There IA no
excuse for any subterfuge or cOncealment In
the matter, and until the actual Inhabitants Of
government which the United States can honor
ably intrust with responsibility for the island.
the form Of rule will have to be exclusively
military and American.
II IL probab bly, well known to everybody that
the Spaniards in Cuba and the insurgents have
hostile interests. The Cubans are dreaded be-
cause Of their expected and not unnatural vim
dictiveness The Spaniards could not main
tain a government, because 1t would be dis
trusted by all Americans and hated by all Gu
bans. A considerable proportion Of the Cuban
nhabitants, even Of those who have been most
usalous In supporting the insurrection, would
strongly protest against turning over absolute
authority In the island to the insurgents. whose
cruelty and vindictiveness have ample excuse,
but yet render them less qualified for good gov
eminent Hence It 10 probable that part Of the
supporters of the instruction and practically
al the Spaniards. making together a considera.
bile majority Of the population, will prefer
American government
II Ia not in the power Of the United States 10
Get aside the Spanish Inhabitants and say that
they are not Cubans. 1t has proclaimed it's
purpose to give freedom to the Inhabitants OF
Cuba. and that means freedom to all the In
habitants. and not unlimited license to any one
faction TO prosecute or Cypress another. When
= vote comes the people OF Cuba may vote In
favor OF government by the United States, rea-
sonahle and conservative men OF both elements
preferring to trust this Nation rather than to
turn over control Of the island 10 the opposing
element. The whole body Of the Spannrds ana
probably a large proportion of the Cubans VIII
dread any other government. and the American
residents. who will by that time be more MI
merous than they are now. will have the same
.ho,ce. No other solution Of the problem can
40 well secure Just and impartial treatment OF
warning elements No other can 20 well defend
he property against foreign invasion. or pro-
vac means for the support Of q government