New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-24
PATIENCE IN ORDER

There Is room for wide and honest differ
ences Of opinion about the Cuban question.
But about few phases Of 1t honest differences
can hardly be wide. To every mind il must
be apparent that the island greatly needs GER
tainty that some good and stable government
will give full protection for life and property
for years TO come-for a period so long. at
least. that capital will be attracted TO restore
the business Of the island This is not q mat
fer OF theory or sentiment II is one Of the
cold facts of commerce, as irresistible as that
twice two are four Much capital will 90 TO
Cuba even under present uncertain conditions.
A vast amount more would 60 If those condi-
tons were such as to insure safety for some
years TO come. The island lies wasted. Its
railroads and other transporting facilities are
crippled. Many of its most productive estates
have been left by war or fire without peces
sary buildings or machinery Thousands OF
land owners are helpless because they cannot
get little money with which to start. Armies
OF men willing 10 labor are waiting idly where
no work is wanted. because they cannot raise
cent 10 take them to places where labor Is
sorely wanted and cannot be obtained II ia
really marvel that under conditions Of grave
uncertainty so much has already been done
toward recovery.
In spite OF this. the substantial property
owners and practical business men OF Cuba.
who would realize such difficulty more fully
than others, do not show the least desire for
hasty decision by the United States regarding
the future, or for any step which would revive
political excitement and controversy. That
sort OF thing, they say as plainly as men can
by their acts, would do more harm to Cuba
than continuance Of the present tiresome but
peaceful uncertainty. Nothing could be done
II Is evident, that would bring certainty with
out considerable period Of delay. To spend
considerable time now In strife would wreck
business and industry, which have barely be-
gun TO revive. This conclusion also seems to
be one Of those about which honest differences
can hardly be wide. Until the island has had
some time for rest and for painfully slow but
yet substantial progress toward recovery. II
seems TO be the feeling of the most capable
and worthy Cubans that the authority Of the
United States should be upheld and main
tained, without any attempt 10 settle the Ques-
ton regarding the future. This course gives
offence 10 the swarm of politicians. who number
more to the square inch in Cuba just now than
the grasshoppers ever did In the West at the
worst visitation, but It is not difficult to believe
that the business men and property owners
have the good OF the country at heart
One other fact appears to be established by
all the evidence, that every month Of quiet
American occupation and experience of Ameri-
can methods prepares the Cuban people to I'M
derstand better what sort Of government they
need. In spite CT mistakes, the condition of
things In Cuba has been so greatly improved
that the thoughts Of sensible and practical
people are settling upon these tangible results
Of government rather than upon its name or
form. The clamor OF demagogues gets much