Arizona republican., 1899-05-24
CUBA TO BE ANNEXED
Island Will Join This Nation Some
 Day, Says Palma.

New York, May 23--T- Estrada Palma is in the ctiy, closing up the last details of the labors of the late
 Cuban junta Next week, when his work is completed, he will retire to his country home in Central valley. this state, there to spend the re- mainder of his days in peace and quietude.
 My work is almost done now,' said he, when seen in the office of the junta
 in New street. today, and all that I
 ask now is that be permitted to re- turn to my home and rest in quiet. l
 have been away a long time. I shall be~glad to spend the rest cf my days with my family That is all the re- yard I ask.'
 Although the Cuban statesman Is growing old, his intellect is just as clear and b. I.ght 5 ever. He has no wish to enter politics, but he is keenly alive to all that is tFanspiring in the island to which he has devoted so many years Of his life. There is prob ably no one in the Unit d States to- day whc has 50 profound an insight into Cuba's affairs and Cuba's EOssi% bilities. He is by nature an Optimist and in Cuba's future he has unSwerY- ing faith.
 SenOr Palma has consistently de clined to make public utterance of his private and personal views cn the subject. but today he spoke entertain ingly of the matter that will always be next his heart
 Cuba will some day be one Of the United States he said; but net nOw-nOt until the Cuban people them selves wish it. They should be per mitted to learn the lessons of self government f1rst-to learn the rev erence for law and Crder that prevails in the United States. I entered car the other day. Presently another man entered and he was smoking a cigar. But as socn as he saw the sign that smoking is not permitted in the car he stopped smoking. That is what ! mean. It was the law-and it was respected and obeyed.
 |<The Cuban people by many persons are greatly misunderstood. At heart they are gentle and courteous. Gain their confidence and no better people exist. treat them right and let them know that it is for their good that you strive and truer, kindier race can net be found anywhere.
 ''Of course the Cuban army should .disband and yield up their arms" Senor Palma continued. for why should we have an army? The dis armament does not mean that the people may not have arms in their homes. They may do that even as we do here in the United States. But the army should cease to exist, fCr now it's duties arc over. Nor is an army of occupation needed. As soon SsS the people again fully resume their peace ful pursuits-and that at a time which is not now far off-they will also make great strides in civil government and the great work will be well under way.
 And in the meantime" he said with enthusiasm, yellow fever will be fast disappearing The day is al- most here when it will be wholly un- known. One by one the infested places that have caused all the trou- bIe in the past are being purified. From the Americans the Cubans are learning the meaning of conditions that are sanitary. They are learning what it means to have hygienic sur, roundings. Then, by and by, when the beautiful island is healthful place at all times of the year, the business men and financiers will see there the great opportunities. Millions of dollars will find rich investment there. and the superb resources of the island will be made the most of. That will mean wealth and prosperity and also good government