Kansas agitator. [volume] (Garnett, Kan.) 1890-1905, 1899-12-08
The Transvaal War.

Great Britain and the Boer states OF Africa.
We have remained faithful to the precept OF
avoiding entangling alliances as to Affairs not
OF our direct concern. Had circumstances sug-
gested that the parties to the quarrel would
have welcomed any kindly expression OF the
hope OF the American people that war might be
averted, good Offices would have been gladly
rendered. The United States representative AT
Pretoria was early instructed TO see that all
neutral American interests be respected by the
combatants This has been an easy task IN
view of the positive declarations on both Brit
fish and Boer authorities that the personal and
property rights of our citizens should be OBJ
served.
Upon the withdrawal OF the British agent Mt
Pretoria the United States consul was author
lied, upon the request OF the British govern
ment and with the assent OF the South African
and Orange Free State governments, to exer-
else the customary good offices OF neutral Tor
the care OF British interests. In the discharge
OF this function am happy to say that abundant
opportunity has been afforded TO show the I'M
partiality OF this government toward both the
combatants
Wants n Cable to Manila.
The Japanese government has shown lively
interest in the proposition OF the Pacific Cable
company to add to its projected cable lines TO
Hawaii, Guam and the Philippines branch
connection with the coast of Japan. 1t would
be gratifying consunmation were the utility
of the contemplated scheme enhanced by bring
ing Japan and the United States into direct
Geographic relation. Without repeating the
observations OF my special message of February
&C. 1892 concerning the necessity OF cable TO
Manila, 1 respectfully invite attention to 1t. L
recommend that in case the congress should not
take measures to bring about this result by the
direct action Of the government, the postmaster
general be authorized to invite competitive olcs
for the establishment Of q cable; the company
making the best responsible bid to be awarded
the contract: the successful company to give
ample bonds to insure the completion OF the
work within reasonable time.
The Problem in Cuba.
The withdrawal OF the authority OF Spain
from the island Of Cuba was effected by the first
OF January, so that the full re-estabishment OF
peace found the relinquished territory held by
us in trust for the inhabitants, maintaining, I'M
der the direction Of the executive, such govern
ment and control therein as should conserve
public order, restore the productive conditions
of peace so long disturbed by the instability
and disorder which prevailed for the greater
part Of the preceding three decades and build
up that tranquil development OF the domestic
state whereby alone can be realized the high
purpose as proclaimed In the joint resolution
adopted oy the congress on the 10th OF April,
1898 By which the United States disclaimed any
opposition or intention to exercise sovereignty,
Jurisdiction or control oyer Cuba, except for the
pacification thereof and asserted its determi-
nation when that was accomplished to leave the
government and control OF the island to its peo-
pie. The pledge contained in this resolution Is
OF the highest honorable obligation and must DC
sacre3ly kept.
believe that substantial progress has been
made in this direction All the administrative
measures adopted in Cuba have aimed TO fit it
for regcnerated existence by enforcing the
supremacy of law and JUSTICE by placing wher-
ever practicable the machinery OF administra-
tion in the hands of the inhabitants; by nsti-
tuting needed sanitary reforms; by spreading
education; by fostering industry and trade By
intoxicating public morality and. IN short, by
taking every rational step to aid the Cuban peo-
pie to attain to that plane of self-cohsclous re-
spect and self-reliant unity which ITS an en-
lightened community for self-governmcnt with
in its own sphere, while enabling it to fulfill all
outward obligations.
This nation has assumed before the vorld
grave responsibility for the future good gov
eminent of Cuba. We have accepted trust
the fulfllment of which calls for the steynest
integrity of purpose and the exercise OF the
highest wisdom. The new Cuba yet to arise
from the ashes Of the past must needs be bound
to us by ties of singular intimacy and strength
IL its enduring welfare is to be assured.
Whether those ties shall be organic or conver-
tional, the destinics OF Cuba are in some right
full form and manner irrevocably linked with
our own but how or how far is for the future to-
determine in the ripeness of events. Whatever
be the outcome, we must see to 1t that free Cuba
be reality. not q name, a perfect entity. not
hasty exper ment bearing within Itself the elc-
menls of failure. Our mission, to accomplish
which we took up the wages of battle. is not to
be fulfilled by tuning adrift any loosely framed
commonwealth to face the vicissftudes winch
too often attend weaker states whose natural
wealth and abundant resources are offset by the
incongruties of their political Organization ana
the recurring occasions for internal riva!rleS to
sap their strenqth and dissipate their energies.
The greatest blessing which can come to CUBA
is the restoration of her agricultural and indus
trial prosperity, which will give employment to
idle men and re-establiSh the pursuits Of peace.
This is her chief and immediate need
BY the treaty OF peace the Spanish people on
the island have until April II, 1910, TO elect
whether they will remain citizens OF spain or
become citizens of Cuba. Until then it cannot
be definitely ascertained who shall be entitied
to participate in the formation Of the gov
eminent of Cuba BY that time the results of
the census will have been tabulated, and we
shall proceed to provide for elections which
will commit the municipal governments OF the
island to the officers elected by the people. The
experience thus acquired will prove OF great
value in the formation of u representative con-
vention of the'people to draft constitution
and establish general system OF independent
government for the island. In the meantime
and so long as we exercise control over the
island the products OF Cuba should have n
market in the United States on as good terms
and with as favorable rates Of duty as are give IL
to the West India islands under treaties of re-
ciprocity which shall be made.