The Houston daily post. [volume] (Houston, Tex.) 1886-1903, 1899-12-06
CUBA,
"Duty" Demands n Long Occupation
of the Islund.


of the Island.
My annual message OF last year was
necessarily devoted in great part to a
consideration of the Spanish war and OF
the results 1t wrought and the conditions
1t imposed for the future | am gratIhed
to announce that the treaty of peace has
restored friendly relations between the
two powers. Effect has been given to its
important provisions. The evacuation of
Porto Rico, having been already accom-
piished on October Is. 1895 nothing re-
manned necessary there 10 continue the
provisional military control OF the island
until the congress should enact "A sui TIA
hie government for the ceded territory
Of the character and scope OF he meas
ures to that end | shall treat in another
part OF this message.
The withdrawal of the authority of
spain from the island of Cuba was eff
s'cted by the LIST OF January, so that the
full establishment of peace found the
relinquished territory held by lis in trust
Tor the inhabitants, maintaining under
the direction of the executive. such con-
troll therein as should conserve public
order, restore the productive conditions of
peace SO long disturbed by the instability
and disorder (Which prevailed for the
greater part OF the preceding three de-
uades. and build up that tranquil develop
ment of the domestic state whereby alone
can be realized the high purpose as pro-
claimed, in Tie joint resolution adopted
by the congress on the 18th OF April. 1898
by which the. United States disclaimei
anv disposition or intention to exercise
sovereignty, jurisdiction or control over
Cuba, except for the paciiication thereof
and asserted Its determination. when that
was accomplished, to leave the govern
ment and control Of the island TO its peo-
pie. The pledge contained in this reso-
luton of the highest. honorable obiga-
ton must be sacredly kept.
believe that substantial progress has
been made in this direction. All the adj
ministratiYe measures adopted in Cuba
have aimed to At 1t for a regenerated ex-
istence by enforcing tue supremacy of law
aud justice, by placing, wherever practi-
cable. the machinery OF administration In
the hands OF the inhabitants: by iustitu-
ting needed sanitary reformA: by spread
ing education; by fostering industry and
trade; by intoxicating public morality, and.
in short, by taking every rational step
10 aid the Cuban people to attain to that
plane Of sclf-couscious respect and self
relian, unity which Ats an enlightened
community for self government within its
own sphere, while enabling II to fulfill
all outward OBLIGATIONS
This Nation has assumed before the
world grave responsibility for the future
good government OF Cuba, We have ac-
cepted q trust, the tulhllment OF which
calls for the stcrnest integrity OF purpose
and the exercise of the highest. wisdom
The new Cuba yet TO arise from Tho ashes
OF the past must needs he bound to us by
ties of similar energy and strength II its
welfare is TO be assured.
Whether those ties shall he or
Hnnic or conventional. the destinies
m rs In f-{fs n, ftsl fsnr.y
linked with our own, hut
how much aud how fur In for the
future To determine in the rfpeuess
nj events.
Whatever he the outcome, we must see
10 IL that free Cuba be reality not a
name; perfect entity. not hasty en-
pertinent bearing within Itself the ele-
of failure Our mission, TO accom-
plish which we took Zip the wage OF bat
tie. is not to be fulfilled by turning adritt
a loosely framed commonwealth TO face
weaker states whose natural wealth ami
resources are offset by the In
congruities OF their political organ zati5n
and the recurring occasions for internal
rivalries to sap their strength and dis
sipate their energies. The greatest bles-
sing which can come TO Cuba is the rector
alton of her agricultural and Industrial
which Will give employment TO
idle men and re-establsh the pursuits
Of peace. This is her chief and immediate
need.
On the 10th OF August last an order was
made for the taking OF the census In this
Island. to he completed by the 10th OF
November. BY treaty OF pence the Span
lsh people on the island have until April
II. 1900. to elect whether they will remain
citizens OF Spain or become citizens OF