Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-03-09

sno,,ylip0 increase in the pOF01atioh OF
the island through immigration OF wide
" diversified and Heterogeneous ele-
ments. ignorant of and inexperienced IL
republican institutions, and among
whom jealousy and dissension are bound
to arise. This would mean fresh dis,
turbances and open revolt. involving the
destruction of property and the loss OF
canital invested in the islands develop
ment.
The blending and welding Of these
discordant elements into one harmoni-
ons whole will occupy such q great
length Of time III indeed it is ever suc-
oassfully accomplished) that meanwhile
the habits and thought Of the people
will have SO far eravitated toward the
American standards as to virtually
Americanize the island. Political annex
atom will follow as . matter OF course.
Today very large proportion Of the
population is in favor Of immediate an
nexation, and it will be found that that
proportion represents the country . back
bone, its wealth. its commerce and its
industry.
The Spanish element, which, a. be-
fore explained. represents the industrial
wealth Of Cuba. il solidIy in favor OF
annexation, and for obvious reasons.
The hitter feeling existing among the
Cubans toward their old time oppresacr.
will never die out, and the former will
undoubtedly attempt BY every possible
means to seek revenge, il only BY dam
aging the latter 3 business. in an EFFORT
10 drive them ont Of the country. This
ID principally what the Spanish resi-
dants fear and il the main reason why
they are such earnest advocates OF an
nexation.
If. Oh the other hand, this selfeame
Spanish population felt safe from at.
tacks and reprisale on the part of the
Cubans, they would be stanch sepa-
ratists, the most ardent advocates Of alb
solute Independence. Paradoxical as
this may seem, an easy explanation lies
in the fact that they fear American
competition with . wholesome dread
and only favor annexation az the Lesser
evil.
The foreign population Of Cuba IA
yors immediate annexation Ell masee.
No foreigner on the island believes the
Cubans capable of administering any
kind of government for themselves, nor
will they condescend to view such .
possibility with any seriousness.
OF the Cubans themselves q very
large proportion desire annexation at
heart and will no doubt demand it
when the moment arrives for them to
give an entirely free expression of opin-
ion and aspiration. The we'll to do Gu
ban-the landowner and sugar planter
has lost too much during the last three
years at the hands of the insu -gents to
view with complacency or support
cheerfully protraction of tho evil. as
would undoubtedly be the resulr il Cuba
were given absolute independence.
The great mass Of Cubans returning
to Cuba since Aug. is, having never
before left the island, having rever be-
fore seen or dreamed of such a tremen-
dous difference between their civiliza-
ton and ours. go back bewildered, ell
thusiastic admirers of American insti-
tutions and amazed at the evidences of
wealth and refinement on all sides.
With few exceptions Of course the
independent, separatist party in Cuba is
made up from the ranks of the NAL
contents. The voice Of the Cuban an-
nexationist has not yet been heard, as
he certainly prefers keeping his opinion
to himself, lest by any chance Cuba be-
come free and independent republic
too not for his comfort. and it is not
likely he wiill ever express it until
plebiscite shall be taEssg under condi-
tions assuring an absolutely safe and
sincere expression Of opinion.
1t is probable that the ballot box
would show the Cuban separatists to be
in the minority. 4. G. GoUDIE.
INDIAN FIRE WALkERc.