The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1899-01-19

Che two commissions. This Cubans.
too, conducted themselves in becom-
Ing manner. Any disagreeable in
cidenta that occurred wore OF purely
personal nature. 1t Is probable that
some rows and fights took pleck be-
tween Cubans and Spaniards, but thew
were always the result OF drinking.
and there was nothing like organized
Violence by either faction. Th. Gu
bans are very much elated that the
Spanlards were sent from their land.
and jubilatiOns were to be expected.
Ihe SpaniarSs were, on the other hand,
crestfallen and easily provoked, but
both nationalities held themselves
we'll in check, and are to be congratu-
lated on their behavior In trying times,
Tne evacuation could not have been
accomplished with more expedition or
satisfaction, and the commission ia
we'll pleased with its work, and homes
1t will meet with the approval of tho
administration and the people at large.
suppose that as soon as the report of
the commission is handed to the Pre-.
sldent that the body will be dissolved
Tor lack OF occupation. 1t was cras.el
LOT a SPECIFIC purpose, and that pur-
pose being accomplished tho nee es,ity
Tor the commission ceases"
Gen. Butler speaks In the highest
terms OF the Cubans, and does not ioin
In the general fusilade that Ia being
hred at them Tor incompetency, shift
lessness and other bad qualities which
they are supposed 10 possess in u stroog
degree. In speaking on this subject
he said :" do not agree with the
wholesale charges of incomrotency
that have boon made against the Gu
baus by prominent men. The fact is,
we do not know whether they are
capable of self government or not
They have mover been tried and should
not be convicted before given chance
to demonstrate thoir ability Or inubili-
ty. Tho Cubans are, at present,
thoroughly demoralizcd as the result
OF very weakening and devastating
war. These people have lived in the
home, have given over civil law for o
military life. The Cubans have been
leading wild career and should be
given time to adapt themselves again
to civilization and the restraints in
cidents thereto. 1t Is absolutely as ua-
fair to judge their capabilities for this
or that undertaking just now as it
would be ridiculous TO endeavor to size
up the social status Of some OF the
ragged patriots by their wearing ap-
parel and general appearance as tney
emerge from the woods into the cities.
I will say this for tho Cubans. Some
OF the most refined and intellectual
people | have ever encountered wee
born and brcd on the island. There
Is. OF course, a large ignorant class,
and Cuba Is not alono in this regard.
We have them in America aud every
other country has them. Cubans have
Of late years been ut q disadvantage
regarding education, and In my opinion
they should be given time to recupc-
rate, montally and physically, before
being even tried, much less condemned.
Americans can afford to be generous,
in the matter of criticlim, to tho Gu
bans. 1t ia not SO very long ago that
we were accused of being guincapable Of
self-gnvernment, and many eminent
not passed the experimental stage as
yet. | have no unfavorable opinion to
express Of the Cubans. They have
been sorely oppressed and depleted
they should be encouraged, not cen
sureI for condition Of affairs for
which they were not responsible"
When questioned as to the way in
which the Cubans accept the condi-
tions OF the present, Gen. Butler said:
The most rational OF the Cubans are
thoroughly satisfied and even pleased
VIII IL1elF preSenG COnQltlOnS, and |
think those who are now disatfected
wil! faaly como to regard matters as
they now stand rs the best that could
possibly have been done under. tho
circumstances. There are MANY
different opinions among the leading
Cubans as to what the ultimate form OF
government should be. Some favor
annexation to the United States, others
want kind of colonial government,
and still others clamor for absolute
independence and self-government.
Time alone can develop how these diff
ferant contentious will result The
majority OF the Cubans want a stable
government apd peace-they want it
right away, too, so that they can 60 to
work with security and recoup the
losses occasioned by the war. Good,
firm government will work wonders on
the present condition of the Cubans.
They are naturally well disposed peo.
pie, but are somewhat distrustful as
the outgrowth Of years Of oppression.
Let them know that this state OF affairs
is over for good, encourage them to go
back to their former pursuits, educate
the generations that are growing and
those to come and the Pearl Of the
Antilles" will become land Of pro-
gress. happiness and culture"
did you see tn, I'd South Carolina
before leaving Cuba, General ?"
No, did not, and it is source OF
regret to me. l should have been
pleased to have shaken hands with my