Evening star., 1899-03-18
The Party Spirit Developing in Cuba

Inc farty spirit Developing In Cuba.
1t is probable that this row in Cuba pre-
cipitated by the action of the military
assembly is no more nor less than the first
step toward the formation of rival political
parties. Already the people seem to be
dividing along the lines of Gomezism and
anti-Gomezism. 1t matters not that as far
as can be ascertained Gomez has the call
on the bulk of the people. that he is far
in the lead as a popular idol. There is no
one man in opposition sufficiently COM
manding to be termed real rival. yet the
fact remains that thus is formed the line
of division which may prove to be the
cleavage point for the early days of the
first Cuban republic.
This is by no means an unwholesome
spectacle. 1t must not, of course, be per-
mitted to interfere ir the least with the
process of organization now going on in
Cuba under the auspices of this govern
ment. Steps have already been taken to
insure that it will not retard the progress
of events. But it is inevitable. that when
the time comes for the Cubans to take
charge Of affairs they should arrange
themselves into groups. or parties, for the
sake of effective political procedure. No
country can manage it's business without
divisions. They are by some considered az
attendant evils, by others as desirable fac
tors, by others still as prime essentials to
popular government.
Parties formed in the main upon
issues. representing the division of the
people concerning some important policy of
state. They may. however. find their origin
in personal disputes among leaders. They
may be based upon mere traditions. 1t is
somewhat difficult to conceive how stable
yfy- ,y,iz tin frII ,bn
schism among the Cubans, when the con-
troyersy is considered singly, for no great
principle is at stake. Yet from this per-
sonal quarrel between the men who assume
to lead the army are sure to come tradi-
tions which may soon develop into policies,
thus affording substantial ground for divi
sions.
1t Is fair to assume, indeed that the
most momentous question in Cuban politics
as soon as the state is settled and the
people assume command themselves will be
that of annexation to the United States.
1t is already considerable item in the
public discussions in the island and some
of the factionalism is slightly tinged with
It In advance Yet 1t is. of course, too early
for parties to form along this line until
the question approaches the stage of practi-
cability. The United States cannot at pres
ent tolerate the assumption that annexa-
ton is desirable, for until it has served its
announced purpose of establishing govern
ment in the islands it is bound morally and
almost legally to repudiate the idea that
Spain was driven out of Cuba in order that
the island might become American terri
tory.
Just where the factions which have re-
Gently been formed on the Gomez question
yx-;u
haps be foreseen in the light of the official
treatment of the assembly. 1t may be that
from the action of the administration in
refusing 10 recognize that body will spring
a dislike for the United States among
Gomez enemies leading to partisan issues
in later days. This is largely premature
speculation in the face of the fact that
there are serious problems to be solved in
the adjustment of the islands affairs. New
ertheless 1t is an interesting spectacle in
government making to note the germina-
ton of the parties which may henceforth
contend for the supremacy.