New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-15
TNSATISFTED CTBiNS.

The suggestion some weeks ago that General
Gomez seemed TO he getting ready TO play poll
tics, and might cause the Government some
trouble. does not appear TO have been mistaken.
His early declarations after the so-caed AS
sembly had evaporated were reasonable and
his promises excellent but he seems to have
difficulty about keeping his mind or his word.
The second phase of his progress was SEEM
ing desire 10 receive some honorary appoint
merit which would give him opportunity to use
General Brooke as a clerk or an agent. He dis
covered rolls of Cuban soldiers which were as
badly inflated as those of the Assembly but
after graciously saying that he would reduce
them 10 reasonable size he next replied that he
found it impossible to correct them. He pro
posed to raise a national guard composed Of
former Cuban soldiers, but when assured that
the United States could not support or authorize
such force proceeded to repudlate his promise
about payment and disarmament of the men.
His course has seemed to indicate a desire to
retain with color of law or without any, body
OF armed men under his personal direction and
in no way subject to the authority OF the
United States
It would be difficult for a Cuban leader to
make more serious mistake. If he wishes 10
that it may he possible to take steps toward
the establishment of an independent civil gov
eminent at an early date. he Is now doing all
that he can possibly do TO render such a con-
summation distant or impossible. II need not
be said that the United States will not for If
1t would it cannot leave the island at the mercy
Of unauthorized armed forces without any evi-
dence that they represent the wishes of any
mil nv ~ iph
matter in the least what the United States
might desire TO do. since It's solemn obligations
TO other nations. TO the peaceful inhabitants Of
Cuba OF all sorts TO Americans who have IN
vested means on the island. and most of all
to the whole body Of American people who
have borne sacrifices and losses in order TO
secure justice. and who would be dishonored
by REIMBURSEMENT Of Cuba to a government not
worthy nor free nor stable, make It simply i'm
possible 10 allow a substitution of the will OF
some soldiers for the will Of the people.
General Gomez seems 10 be n strangely i'm
practical person In some Of his mental states
he must he aware that body of troops cannot
be maintained without payment food or brig
andage The United States forces have no au-
thoritv 10 hire an armed body for which there
is no need II brigandage begins in any local
ity they will be compelled TO exterminate the
br,gands and cannot begin 10 consider the
creation Of civil government for the island
until order has first been established Dis
trbution Of ratlons and the prospect OF a dis
tribution OF money have doubtless kept many
Of the former Cuban soldiers from returning 10
peaceful employment. But II the United
States stops gratutous feeding uses its money
only TO hire willing workers in public improve
ments throughout Cuba. and suppresses every
form OF lawlessness with strong hand It
IS clear enough that a body OF Cubans will
have 10 choose between open and armed re-
sistance or dispersion. II must he plain enough
to every Cuban leader that resistance to United
States authority by irresponsible bands Of
brigands would drive the peaceful and indus
trious inhabitants OF the island 10 dsnand
annexation as their only chance Of order and
safety
Thus II does not seem possible that General