New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-09-28
THE CUBAN ALTERNATIVE.

There IS nothing surprising IN the SlaielHcHt
that many Cubans of influence who were FOR
merly impatient for independent government
and the withdrawal of American forces are now
leaning strongly toward annexation or some
provisional government through which the prac-
teal control Of the United States VIII be pro-
longed for years. Months ago when the cries
for independence were loudcst The tribune
pointed out reasons for expecting them 10 Sud
side Everything has worked as was then an
tcipated. The Cuban leaders have made clear
TO their own people the fact that they cannot
agree upon such 4 wise and upright course rs
might insure prosperity for the island. The OPP
erations of United States authorities have shown
the peOple something Of the great dement's when
continued American control would secure. The
sober and practical people who have a stake i'll
the country find that they do not dare TO risk
their own interests and the future Of the coun-
fry upon the outcome Of controversies between
Cubans and SpaniardS. between factions of Gu
bans and between races. 1t is not 10 ne denleu
that these are reasonable apprehensions and
they grow stronger with every days experience
But what outcome is in that case possible: If
the question were to be decided by the free vote
Of all the inhabitants of Cuba it seems fairly
uendence for years to come But the alternative
toward which most Cubans turn with strongest
desire Is lust that which the United States is
least disposed to grant. TO their minds anneXa-
ton il the end Of trouble To the American 1t
is the beginning. Let it be supposed that Dill
were pending IN Congress to organize Cuba with
view to admission as State in the Union.
necessary addition would be bill 10 reconstruct
the tariff and provide more than $1OOO0OOO ad-
ditional revenue. It's mover would refer to the
constitutional provision that "all duties shall be
uniform throughout the United States, 50 that
# Cuba were one of the United States no other
duty could be imposed on sugar from Cuba thah
on sugar from Louisiana. 1t would not be nee
essary to explain that under such circumstances
Cuba would be able 10 supply free Of duty the
worlds greatest market for sugar, and that the
consequences TO beet culture and also to cane
growing In Louisiana would be important. but
| especially the consequences TO the revenue OF
! the United States. which now includes over
$50 100000 raised by duties on imported sugar
Held rs property owned by the United States
or under some form Of provisional government
directed 10y the United States Cuba would snip
sugar to this country exactly rs It has done. ana
az any foreign country would do, subject 10 dll-
ties Once admitted a State in the Union,
Cuba could claim for lis sugar free admission.
The whole system of revenue laws would there
fore have 10 be altered as consequence OF any
step providing for the admission Of Cuba. The
same principle applies to Porto Rico though lis
territory would not suffice 10 supply the wants
Of this country. and To prevent dutable I'M
! norris and 10 cut off the whole revenue from I'M
ported sugar Without doubt. Cuba and Porto
Rico together would quickly cut of all revenue
| from that source If their product were admitted
free ANY step looking toward Statehood for
them. therefore. would involve general revision
Of the tariff.
II would not be unnatural II this motive should
strongly influence ;he planters and property
owners OF Cuba 10 desire annexation. To then
II would give free access 10 the largest sugar
market in the world. a rush OF American CAPT
tai TO occupy and develop Cuban estates higher
prices for land and buildings and for the sugar
produced With that they would gain freedom
from all anxiety about the security and strength
of their government, certainty that other Powers
would not interfere with IL. and sound reason I,
believe that under the Constitution and laws o
the United States full protection would be SO
cured TO peaceable inhabitants. whether Cuban
or Sparards white or black They would hav,
everything 10 gain and nothing 10 lose But TO
the people Of the United States the question
would have different phase. The inhabitant
of Cuba are not precisely those who would b.
selected by Americans to take share in gov
| errhng this country. The United States w0u'
be called upon 10 undertake entire responsibility
I for the protection Of Cuba and the establish
: ment and maintenance Of good government
n there and at the same time give up the revenu
y which has been derived from duties on importe
sugar and some other products. II is safe t
( say that In the present temper of the people ar
t nexatlon would not be approved. and the Cuba