The times., 1899-09-11
CUBA AS A COLONY.
DISTINGUISHED Natives Suggest An
nexation of the Island.


DISTINGUISHED Natives Suggest An /
nexation of the Island.
The reports on the commercial and in 1
dustrial conditions of Cuba made early in |
the present year by Special Commissioners !
Porter have been supplemented by an ap- /
psndix just issued by the Treasury De- /
partmsnt. This appendix is a pamphlet of i
500 pages. containing copies OF all letters /
received, testimony taken. and statements 1
submitted 10 the Commissioner from the (
beginning TO the completion of his work
me testimony, taken both in this country +
and In Cuba. formed the basis sor TIE fran
ing Of the tariff. and for the settlement Of
the currency and other financial questions
In addition to the testimony taken in regard
to proposed rates of duty upon goods enter
ing Cuba, the vo.ume contains many inter
esting statements In relation TO currency,
navigation. population. and the sanitary
conditions Of tha island Many Of the
statements in themselves give clear and
concise picture of the economic condition
OF Cuba prior 10 its occupation by Amer
lean forces
| The volume also contains brief reports
upon the sugar, tobacco and mining in
dustries of the island, with all the testi-
mony taken in relation to those leading
/ industries. In his letter of transmittaI to
4 y L
calls especial attention to the statements
of Adolfo Munoz, one of the most thought
/ ful Cubans, he says. that be has ever met,
and to that of the Marquis de Apezdsguia
president of the Conservative party and one
/ CT the ablest men in Cuba. Senior MunGz
! IN his statement in which he deals with
/ the past political and commercial history
| of the island, sums up the political status
of the island in the following words:
"A new community, part Gu ariy a small
one after long and destructive war. is
always surrounded by many Dangers. both
internal and external and the only safety
Cuba may find against them is close con-
nection with the United States, VIII ca will
afford the immediate protsction of the
I American Government. Cuba left a one
could not enjoy a high credit either public
or private; neither could she buili a re-
spectacle navy. which her geographical
position renders necessary. In these and
in many other respects, Cuba has TO de-
pend exclusively on the Tn ted States.
"The liberty which, by the aid of the
United States, Cuba has now gained will
enable her to frame an entirely new tariff.
This work, which must be done in accord
ance with other financial laws, will prove
to be rather easy task, because the COM
mereial relations between Cuba and the
United States are naturally beneficial 10
ment, both on commercial and political
grounds, would be to convert them into
coastwise trade so that the productions of
either country should be admitted free of
duty in the other, provided that the ques-
tion of the United States sugar industry
could be settled by means of some COM
pensation or otherwise. Cuba expects TO be
placed, in what respects custom duties, on
the same footing as Porto Rico, as it is
necessary to save her sugar industry from
its present depression and ruin"
| Commissioner Porter thinks that annex
alton is here clearly marked out, though
not actually advocated. \ ooIntry with
out credit, it is held. cannot start up the
machinery of government. To make the
trade coastwise for Cuba, as the United
States has already done in the case of Por-
to Rico, means ultimate annexation. II,
therefore as Mr. Munoz says, Cuba '.ex-
peets 10 be placed on the same footing as
Porto Rico, the inference is drawn that
she expects annexation. The Marquis de
ApeZteguia gives it as his opinion that
Cuba has TO be American territory and
cannot be anything else." ard gives the
following among other arguments to shox
its Importance to this country:
"In regard to the disposition OF Cuba
you have its geographical position, which
makes it OF Importance to the United States,
if there is anything in geographical posi-
ton which makes it dependent upon the
United States. Key West is not an often
sive position; it is simply a defensive po-
sition for the United States, because it
, commands the defence of the American
coasts. The defence of your coast, with the
, island of Cuba, is trebled with the same
number of vessels; as it is, $50 miles prae-
|, tiealiy makes the Gulf an inland sea, out
side of the possibility OF incursions from
foreigners. Up to Cape Hatteras, Cuba de-
fends your eastern coast. Therefore, as a
military nation and as a naval power. Cuba
, is a necessity; without Cuba you have sim
, ply Key West, and Cuba is an excellent
substitute for Key West. Having this nava
, defence, which makes the United States
-attackable from Cape Hatteras 10 tbs
Rio Grande, with how much more efieac,
2 and without danger you can move YOU
armies. Cuba is of immense value to tn,
t United States, and, therefore, from tha
point of view We will develop the others
Under the naval and military aspect in re-
gard TO the concentration of the Army, w,
command the Gulf of Mexico as an INLAND
sea of the United States, and we are tn,
principal factor in the transoceanic traffic
The Marquis de Apezteguia is now in th
: country, and in recent interviews has COM
: out more boldly for annexation than in hi
:. statement submitted to Commissioner Por
: ter