New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-06-19
TILE NATLON ~ TRESTEE.

The complaints of Cuban politicians have
been generally ignored by the United states,
and with reason. The appeals of Cuban busl-
ness men and property owners have not been
ignored but should have more prompt
and careful attention than they have received.
A few are absurd growing out Of the semi
barbarous customs preserved under Spanish
rule, which the people have to get rid of en-
tirely if they are TO make progress. But
Others are peculiarly worthy of attention, be-
cause they appear 10 have their foundation in
some mistake or in want Of consideration on
the part of United States officers The one
thing the United States cannot afford is to
show itself in the least degree Indifferent to
the wellbeing and prosperity Of the inhabitants
over whom for the time this Nation is com
PEELED TO exercise military authority This
has been so clearly perceived by the Admins
traton and by most of the officials in charge
of Cuban affairs that the general conduct OF
things has elected high praise from foreigners
and from Spaniards themselves. But it does
not answer to leave any peg on which to hang
hostile criticism Of the good faith and the wis
dom of the Government in acting as trustee
for people destitute of other authority.
The complaint regarding auction sales of
commssary stores In Cuba by United States
officials. II at all well founded, seems TO need
the immediate attention Of the Department.
AS the Government can buy in great quaint
ties and cheapy, and use its own vessels for
transporting the products, 1t may be expected
TO have on hand stores which could be sold
for much less than the price any merchant
would be compelled TO ask. But why should
the United States enter into competition with
him and break down his business, and prevent
IL L.
profitable trade in products OF this country, by
selling at no profit or small profit quantities
of stores in Cuba? If ii has sold, as Is alleged
large quantities Of -four AT 81 per barrel less
than the commercial cost for merchants on the
island, the question how such stores come to
be ON hand there which need TO be sold lest
they be wasted will naturally be raised first in
the Department But 1t is less important in
respect TO future political and trading relations
with Cuba than the question why the United
States should not willingly bear some loss If
any has been incurred by errors of judgment,
instead Of selling TO the injury of regular trade
between Cuba and the producers OF this coun-
try. ii is not assumed that there may not
be reasons justifying any such sales as have
been made. But the complaint Is certainly
one which should have serious and immediate
attention
SO the problem regarding enforcement of
claims against debtors is a difficult one which
many capable business men OF Cuba are anx
ious 10 have reconsidered Ii has received at
tention from the authorities. and after some
inquiry and doubt has been decided in military
orders: but there is still a possibility that al
the consequences respecting the future restora
ton Of business and prosperity may not have
been rightly weighed. There is. indeed hard
ship TO debtors who are forced to begin bust
ness again after prolonged prostratlon. 4
claims against them are enforced too quickly
capital In the island. and hence 10 tn
rebuilding of business and industries, II by
general order affecting all cases alike the en
forcement Of legitimate and just claims is TO
long delayed. The difficulty OF ascertalnin
the facts thoroughly to avoid error i
eral order or another Will be appreciated. an
II suggests the question whether in place @
an infexbe order applying 10 all alike. an
thus barring collection for long time in som
Instances where there is really no other on
come to be expected for the debtor. there ma
not be possible the creation Of some court
commission charged with the duty of hearin
such cases as may be brought before H. and n
quired 10 report what course will best scry
equity and the general public interest in eacl
1t is at least suggestion which might DO col