Omaha daily bee., 1899-04-16
SHALL We Do WITH IT
Eminent Americans of Every Shade Of
Opinion Give Their Views,
CUBA THE GREAT PROBLEM OF THE YEAR
Military Occupation. Annexation,
Methods of Evacuation and Future
Disposition of the Island
Discussed by

/ lAbl VI 'AbNH NA' A'AAN
propounded to them:
1. What do you think OF the alleged pur-
pose Of continuing the military occupation
Of Cuba until the Cubans in despair ask
for annexation?
2. Is annexation desired by the American
people? Or by the Cubans?
3. Should the Cubans be permitted to en-
Joy recognized independence before the
question of annexation is agltated?
4. When and how should Cuba be evacu-
ated?
General Butler speaks.
General NJ. C. Butler of South Carolina,
| who was a member of the evacuation com
mission and who is thoroughly informed on
| Cuban affairs. writes as follows:
I'm regard to the allegation that 1t is
proposed to continue the military occupa-
tion OF Cuba until in despair the Cubans
ask for annexation i will say l was not
aware that such an allegation had been
made, and that so far as my
goes, there is no foundation for 1t.
MY understanding is, The United States
forces are there with the consent and APP
probation of the Cubans, to aid them in the
preservation of public order and the estab-
lishment OF a stable and durable govern
ment' and for other purposes.
'As to whether annexation is desired by
the American people or the Cubans, there
is no basis upon which an intelligent an
swer can be formulated. The American peo-
pie have had no opportunity TO express an
opinion on the subject. My individual opin-
ion is that when thoroughly informed they
would desire the annexation Of the island
in an orderly. legal manner. 1t would make
one or two of the wealthiest and most pros
porous states of the American union.
Whether the Cubans desire annexation 1t is
equally difficult to give a satisfactory an
swer.
There are three classes to be reconciled
on this or any other proposition relating to
the future of the island. They are: First.
the large property owners, professional, bus
mess and manufacturing classes, embracing
Cubans and Spaniards. Second, what might
be termed the middle classes, embracing
small farmers and manufacturers, and, third,
the laboring classes.
"These may again be undivided into the
practical and sentimental classes.
81. the decision of the question is left to
the first, my judgment is, annexation would
prevail. Whether this class can influence
the others for annexation it is just now i'm
possible to say. AS a rule, they may be
depended on to do so and | believe when
tho obligations and responsibilities of Il
small, independent nation are fully realized
these will prefer and seek an alliance with
the United States.
After we compelled Spain to relinquish
her sovereignty we are pledged to permit
the Cubans to establish such a government
as they see it-the United States authorities
whether the government thus
established is of stable and durable char
acter.' l assume it must be republican in
form.
III the Cubans set up such a government
as can and will be recognized by the ma
lions OF the earth, ours among the number,
they ought to be permitted to enjoy their
independence, as long as they choose, and
are able to do so. I do not believe, how
ever, that any government ought to be per-
mitted that is likely to involve this govern
ment in trouble with foreign nations or inn
peril the safety and welfare of our own
people.
Il take it for granted our troops will
evacuate the island when our pledges and
obligations have been carried out by simply
withdrawing them to our own shores. The
time for evacuation will depend on the
Cubans themselves. When they have dem
onstrated their ability for self-government
and to manage their own affairs in an or
derby, enlightened manner our troops should
be withdrawn. M. c.