The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-10-30
LAW AND ORDER IN CUBA.
GEN. LEE SITS CONDITIONS IN THE
ISLAND ART INPROTING.

Life and Property Are sscur" md the
People Are slowly hut surely Rebuild
Ing Their Whr-Wnsted Homes-United
| states Protection should Continue just
| as Long ms such Protection Is Necessary.
| WASHINGTON. Oct. 2o-Major Gen. Fitzhugh
| Lee. commanding the province OF Havana.
! arrived in Washington late last night. Dis
| GUESSING with reporter for THE SrN the social.
/ political and industrial conditions of Cuba.
| Gen Ice said he believed the island under the
| existing protection OF the United States was
| improving every hour There was little frc-
| ton OF any kind in Cuba. and the people
were slowly but surely rebuilding their war
wasted homes and repairing their Grip
nIed fortunes. Life and prosperity was now
secure in the island and the tubans generally
were not abusing the. newly acquired freedom.
This happy condition OF things was due largely
to the salutary restraint exercised by
American military authority. and he believed
that long period Of prosperity would follow il
wise counsels prevailed and the protection Of
the United States was continued throughout
the island until the people had time to adapt
themselves to tho change in their condition.
Tho native population. however. was quito in
experienced in both the theory and practice OF
self-goverrment
Cuba on the whole is doing we'll" he con-
tinucd. and the condition OF the island is i'm
proving. The Cuhhns are tractable aud quiet
and the revolution has given them sef-respect
| and self-reliance They have come out OF their
fight hopeful and confident. The people OF the
island are to-day eager to make the
most OF their opportunities. / am in
clined to think that their impulses arc
generally in the right direction. But. of course.
in tho theory and practice of self-govern-
ment they nre wholly without experience
Great care should be taken that this people do
errors which will set them back for years.
littl. caution now will stand them in good
active. but wanting the balance wheel of nm
Ie%Se o G"h The a Sts nnasr ths
secure in Cuba There is little friction
among tho inhabitants. The people are
authority, without in any way being intimi-
dated or dcrresse or made to feel 50. They
simply recognize that it is best for the inter
etts Of oil concerned to respect the laws and to
aid in the general development.
Among crrtain Cuhans there Is n deep
Cu6ans think-whether reasonably or not |
T AND gyn tn" T@e'9 nnd der
would inquest onably make short work ot
them, Then Of e3H In there might follow
dec ls strong to-Gay and general throughout
4 am aware that the United States Govern
ment is pledged definitely to grant indcrend-
cnce to Cuba after the island has been pncned
1 belloNt mat the promise should be fulfilled
Just assvifty as we can fulfill It in reason and
In Justice. This government has IN
measure, taken upon itself the resronsibility
We are cnIoincd 10y every consideration |
OF duty and expedtency to vourhsafe to the
naturally and without unnecessary obstacles. |
For that reason the United States should con
tlnue TO protect life and property il the island
and TO insure for the people the blessings of |
e.vliiHatlon. !ust SO lorg as the protection is
political condition of the DeODle
It is'nrediesa to say that the industrial pros
nsr'iy OF Gnoa DEFENDS wholly nno4 the man
tants A state is no better han its people make |
it. and it's Prosperity is determined 10y its |
to DO prosperous. she must recognize and |
abide nv those standards which obtain in civil |
uure. and TO keep what is honestly acquired. |
must be recognized throughout Cuba as fixed. /
u me great resources OF the island are to !
The industrial situation is improving To-
tn" future sugar crop will depend largely on
the amount OF capital which goes to the island !
to rebuild the machinery DESTROYED hv war,
is required to Operate sugar plantations. |
Capita is going into Cuba gradually. but moth
ing like as last a. it would II Investors |
were sure that property would remain SAT" for |
years and be protected by II government |
order The sand i. an exceeiineiy attractive |
field for inyestmept. The Cubans seem to he !
b1dTqG t ana thirty Thoy are 8peaay re"
homes and repairing their crippled fortunes. |
and will continue. 10 do this patiently |
and perseyerIngly II given a fair chance and |
not disturbed toy political agitation Nothing |
but unwtSe and iIliheral administration ~ lis !
government can rctard the sure DEVELOPMENT I
OF the island. Win fixed conditions and the
assurance that law will be respected aud life
and property mad secure, the Cuban people
VIII under the wise protection OF the United
States. Stea lilly IMPROVE their social political
and Industrial status
Whether or not they desire indepe dencc
whether or not they are in favor OF annexation
TO the nited States. and whether or not il |
would tie wise for this country to annex cuba
and incorporate it within our political system
are quest, Ons which do not wish To discuss
As soldier have no inclination to make any
recommendations along the line. ! am only
stating n condition md expressing my personal
opinion IN regard to certain facts which have
Gen Lee was then directly and pointedv
ask ed the following question Do You think
tho people of Cuba would 10 capable OfseIf-
government If the United States should re-
deem its pledge and permit them to organize
The General laughted and said Il am not
conundrums"
BRYAN FACING DEFEAT ~ NEBR4ykt