The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-10-08


great deal of attention has been d.
rected of late toward what is called
the race Issue in Cuba. Public men and
newspapers alike have taken the subject
up, and the general tendency is to criti-
else Cuba and the white Cubans unmer-
cifulIy for the disposition shown to
leave the negroes of the island out Of
view in determining the plan of future
government.
Whatever be the immediate object Of
the agitation in this direction, there
seems to be really but little occasion
for concern. The negro population Of
Cuba has not been heard from on the
subject and is not likely to be. Race
distinction, even race prejudice exists
in the island, but not to the extent or
of the character in which it shows IT.
self among US. BY mutual consent the
races remain separate, each showing for
the other a surprising degree of consid-
GRAFTON. The members of the two races
united in their antagonsm to the Span
ish regime and fought side by side in
the patriot army of Cuba.
There is deal of ignorance prevailing
on this general subject, even among those
who should have some Intelligent IN
Outstanding of the situation, Thirty per
cent of the population of Cuba in 1896
was COlored. There has been no greater
Intermingltng Of the races relatively as
to number there than has prevailed here.
Miscegenation is looked on with scarcely
less disesteem among Cubans than among
Americans. During the administration
of Martinez Campos, and later under
Weyler, the women and children of white
Cuban soldiers in vast districts had
their only protection afforded by the col
Ored people Of the island; and they dis
charged their trust quite as faithfully
as did our own colored men during the
war
The former head of the civil govern,
ment of the Cubans during the last
war has declared on this subject that
the negroes of Cuba are much superior
to the Americans of the same race, and
are animated by no such disposition to
take active part in political concerns as
are those Of our country. This It is
easily seen. IS quite natural in view
of our extraordinary action in investing
the unlettered negro with the right Of
franchise.
There will be no difficulty In Cuba on
the score Of the civil rights of the col
ored people, except such as we ourselves
create The two races have lived In alb
solute peace and good will since the
abolition of slavery on the island. They
will continue to do 80. The only posi-
bic pretext on which difficulty can be
created IS through this disposition TO
include the negro In the voting popuIa-
ton. He IS content with his condition
In Cuba. He has never given the slight
est Indication of desire to be placed
on level with his white fellow on
this score. 1t Is doubtful, even, whether
any agitation which may be maintained
by American politicians will affect him
in the slightest measure.
AS a people we are disposed to ba
quite unjust to the former Cuban SOL
diers. We take our notions Of them
from those who play at politics in and
around Havana, just as, during all the
Cuban rebellions, we accepted the span-
ish standards of judgment of the native
character. The fact that a few add1a-
headed ex-officers in Havana have been
making fools of themselves since the
Spanish evacuation proves nothing. In
the provinces, as testified to by all
American administrators, the people have
shown themselves worthy of our high
est confidence. They are willing to work
and have continued to do so even when
weakened by lack of nourishment. They
are peaceful, Industrious and patriotic.
and they seek the independence of their
country In peace, as they did in war.
1t must be a white mans government