The morning news., 1899-04-16
WHAT TO DO WITH CUBA?
r,IINENT AMERICANS GIVE THEIR
VIEWS ON THE SUBJECT.

Cen. Nj. C. Butler of the Evacuation
commission Speaks for the Army,
Bfshop Potter for the Clergy, t.
Estrada Palma of the Cuban jun
IN for the Cubans, Henry CIews
for wall street, Senator Chandler
and Ex-Governor c. IL. GrOsvenOr
for Congress, Edward Atkinson for
u the Anti-Imperialists, Booker t.
n washington for the Southern Ne
rro and w. }. Bryan for the West.
New York, April 16-In order to obtain
tbe opinion of a number of eminent Amer
icans on the disposition of Cuba, the fol-
owing questions were propounded to
3 them:
j. What do you think of the alleged
purpose of continuing the military occu-
patton of Cuba until the Cubans in de-
spair ask for annexation?
. Is annexation desired by the Ameri-
can people? or by the Cubans?
8. Should the Cubaus be permitted to
| enjoy recognized independence before the
question of annexation is agitated?
4. When and how should Cuba be evac-
uated?
Gen Butler Speaks.
Gen. NJ. C. Butler of South Carolina,
who was a member of the evacuation
commission, and who is thoroughly in
formed on Cuban affairs writes as fol-
lows:
IN regard to The allegation that it is
proposed to continue the military occu-
patton of Cuba until in despair the Gu
bans ask for annexation l will say l
was not aware that such an allegation
had been made, and that, so far as my
information goes, there is no foundation
for it.
My understanding is, the United States
forces are there with the consent and
appreciation of the Cubans, 10 aid them
in the preservation of public order, and
the establishment of stable and durable
H government and for other purposes
LAS to whether annexation is desired
. by the American people or the Cubans
there is no basis upon which an intelligent
answer can be formulated. The Amerl-
can people have had no opportunity to
express an opinion on the subject. NV
Individual opinion is that when thoroughly
informed they would desire the annexa-
ton of the island, in an orderly, legal
manner 1t would make one or two of
the wealthiest and most prosperous states
OF the American union. Whether the Gu
bans desire annexation il is equally diff
cult to give satisfactory answer.
There are three classes to be recon
ched on this or any other proposition re-
lating 20 the future of the island Thev
are: First, the large property owners. pro
fessional, business and manufacturing
/ classes, embracing Oubans and Spaniards
Second, what might be termed the middle
classes, embracing small farmers and
manufacturers, and, third, the laboring
| classes.
These may again be sub-divided into
the practical and sentimental classes.
| If the decision of the question is left
to the first my judgment is, annexation
would prevail. Whether this class can
influence the others for annexation, it is
just now impossible to say. AS a rule
they may be depended on 10 do So and 1
believe when the obligations and response
bi,ldes Of a small, independent nation are
l fully realized, these will prefer, and seek,
an alliance with the United States.
After we compelled Spain to relinquish
her sovereignty, we are pledged to permit
the Cubans to establish such a govern
ment as they see fit-the United States au-
thorities determining whether the govern
ment thus established is of stable and
durable character l assume 1t must be
republican in form.
If The Cubans set up such a govern
ment as can, and will, be recognized by
the nations of the earth, ours among the
number, they ought to be permitted to en-
JOY their independence, as long as they
choose and are able to do so. do not
believe, however, that any government
ought to be permitted that is likely 10 in
volve this government in trouble with for
egn nations, or imperil the safety and
welfare of our own people.
Il take 1t for granted our troops will
evacuate the Island, when our pledges and
Obligations have been carried out by sim
ply withdrawing them to our own shores.
The time for evacuation will depend on
the Cubans themselves. When they have
demonstrated their ability for self-govern-
ment, and to manage their own affairs in
an orderly, enlightened manner, our troops
/ shOnld he pVifhdra ur NJ C. Rutler."