Virginian-pilot. (Norfolk, Va.) 1898-1911, 1899-12-06

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by taking every rational step to aid the
Cuban people to attain to that plane Of
setf-conscious respect and self-reliant
unity which fits an enlightened COM
munity for safe government within its
own sphere. while enabling 1t to fulfill
all outward obligations
CUBA MUST BE FREE.
This nation has assumed before the
world a grave responsibility for the flu
ture good government OF Cuba. We
have accepted trust the fulhllment OF
which calls for the sternest integrity
of purpose and the exercise of the high
est wisdom. Tie new Cuba yet to arise
from the ashes of the past must needs
be bound to us by ties OF singular In
timacy and strength IL it's enduring
welfare Is to be assured. Whether
those ties shall be organic or conven-
tional. the destinies of Cuba are in some
rightful form and manner irrevocably
linked with our own, but how and how
TAR Is for the future to determine i'm
the ripeness of events. Whatever be
the outcome, we must see to II that
free Cuba be a reality! not n name, n
perfect entity. not hasty experiment
bearing within itself the elements OF
failure. Our mission, to accomplish
which we took up the wager OF battle,
is not to be fulfilled by turning adrift
any loosely framed commonwealth to
face the Vicisstudes which too often
attend weaker States. whose natural
wealth and abundant resources are Off
set by the incongruities Of their politi-
cal organization and the recurring oc-
casions for internal rivalries to sap
their strength andI dissipate their en-
orgies. The greatest blessing which can
come TO Cuba is the restoration of her
agricultural and industrial prosperity,
which will give employment 10 Idle men
and re-esta blish the pursuits of. peace.
This is her chief and immediate need
THE CUBAN CENSUS.
On the 10Th of August last an order
was made for the taking of, the census
In the island, to be completed ON the
aoth of November. BY the treaty of
peace the Spanish people on the islaM
have until April II, 1900. to elect
whether they will remain citizens of
Spain or become citizens Of Cuba. I'm
til then it cannot be definitely ascer-
tanned who shall be entitled to particle
pate in the formation of the Govern
ment of Cuba. BY that time the re-
suits of the census will have been tab
ulatcd, and we shall proceed to pro-
vide for elections which Will commit the
municipal governments of the island to
| the officers elected by the people. The
| experience thus acquired will prove Of
great value in the formation of n rep
cDINcHllOI vi lilc Ilttltc ~
| draft n constitution and establish a
general system of independent govern
mens for the island. In the meantime
| and so long rs we exercise control over
| the island. the products of Cuba should
| have n market in the United States on
| rs good terms and with as favorable
| rates of duty as are given to the West
India islands under treaties Of reciproc-
| ity which shall be made
THE SICK MAN.
In the Turkish empire the situation of
our citizens remains unsatisfactory.
The arbitrary treatment In some in
stances of American productions In
Turkey has attracted attention or late,
notably in regard to our -four. This
| Government will use its earnest efforts
| to secure fair and equal treatment for
| Its citizens and their goods, Failing
this, 1t will not hesitate to apply what
ever corrective may be provided by the
| statutes,
THE PEACE CONFERENCE.
Referring to the work of the Peace
Conference ut The Hague last May, the
| message says:
While earnestly promoting the idea of
establishing a permanent international
tribunal. the delegation of the United
| States was unmindful of the inconven-
fences which might arise from an OBJ
trusive exercise Of mediation, and In
signing the convention carefully guard
ed the historic position of the United
States by the following declaration:
"Nothing contained in this convention
| shall be so construed MS to require the
| United States OF America to depart
| from its traditional policy Of not in
| truding upon. interfering with, or en-
tangling ITSELF in the political questions
or policy or internal administration of
! any foreign state; nor shall anything
| contained In the said convention be con-
| strued TO imply n REIMBURSEMENT by
the United States of America OF its
| traditional attitude toward purely
| American questions"
| Thus interpreted, the convention for
the pacific settlement Of interna tional
| conflicts may be regarded as realizing
| the earnest desire of great numbers OF
| American citizens. whose deep sense of
justice, expressed In numerous resolu-
! lions and memorials, has urged them
to labor for this noble achievement. The
1 general character of this convention, al
ready signed by the delegates of more
than twenty sovereign states, further
! commends 1t to the favorable action OF
| the Senate of the United States, whose
ratification 1t still awaits.
| The President recommends that Con-
gress provide n special medal of honor
for the volunteers, regulars, sailors and
marines on duty in the Philippines who
| voluntarily remained in the service at
ter their terms of enlistment had eX-
| pired.
OUR FORCE IN MANILA.
The force now in Manila consists OF
a05 officers and 30,57S regulars and 594
officers and 15,3SS Of the volunteers,
making an aggregate of 1,499 officers
and 1906 men. When The troops now
under orders shall reach Manila the
force in the archipelago will comprise