New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-11-27
CUBAN FEELING ABOUT A BISHOP.


1t appears that many Cubans are intensely
displeased because native Of the island has not
been appointed Bishop Of the Catholic Church.
The Cuban priests, according to reports, are re-
solved not to meet the Italian Bishop selected,
and solemn delegation of the Cubans has gone
to Washington TO protest against such an ap-
pointment Apparently they imagine that the
President, who Is Of the Methodist denomina-
ton, has In some mysterious way acquired
power to select for the Holy See the head Of the
Catholic Church in an island which is not and
may never be part of the territory of the United
States. How much self-goyernment people of
such a grade of intellect are prepared for every
one can judge for himself, and yet the protesting
leaders consider themselves and by many are
considered the ablest and worthiest champions
Of free Cuba.
AS President Mckinley has never even so
much as recommended or requested the appoint
ment OF any officer Of the Catholic Church in
the United States, he will look with amazement
upon delegation which expects him 10 inter
fere in Church appointments for Cuba. But
II he had power of selection it is possible
that he might consider eminently wise the
choice OF an Italian rather than a Cuban or a
Spanlard For the truth is that the bitter hatred
war have produced would assuredly render any
Spaniard, however worthy unacceptable TO Gu
bans. and would seriously impair the influence
OF any Cuban with Spaniards. The Church has
the wisdom to see that there can be no future Of
prosperity for the people of Cuba without
genuine peace, in feeling as In actions, and
general emancipation from the hatred and blood
feud which war leaves behind, Its first object
hrip nn1pr
religious influence those who have been long
separated by fiery gulf of passion. For direct
ing and leading such a spiritual reunion any
resident OF Cuba of either side would be OBJ
vlously crippled In comparison with an Italian.
But this incident illustrates the difficulties
with which all have to contend who seek the
establishment Of government by the inhab-
tants of Cuba Hostility SO intense that it
prompts Cuban priests 10 refuse TO meet
Bishop sent from Italy, because he is not one OF
them and cannot share their bitterness OF feel
ing, must inevitably affect every step toward the
formation of civil government, with its power
over the property and even the lives of nhab-
tants. 1t is not readily conceivable that men
fired by such feelings could become absolutely
Just and upright magistrates or rulers in deal
ing with Spanish Inhabitants. The knowledge
Of that state of mind would inevitably shape the
Judgment of Spaniards about all acts or de-
eisions, however justifable. No government can
stand without willing support from the property
owning and business classes, but of these the
spaniards form 80 large a part In Cuba that a
government not trusted by them would have 4
hard life.
The impartiality and justice Of American rule
have been appreciated by spaniards and Cubans
alike II is a serious question whether any
other can maintain order or command the neces
sary resources for continued existence until with
lapse of time the bitter feelings have disap
kpeared which cause this trouble about the selec