New-York tribune., 1900-03-21
BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CUBA.
SECRETARY ROOT TELLS OF HIS VISIT
TO THE ISLAND.
THE COMING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS THE
FIRST STEP TOWARD INDE-
PENDENCE

Washington. March 20.-secretary Root this
afternoon gave to President Mckinley the re-
suits of his observations of affairs in Cuba on his
recent visit to the island The Secretary con-
sented to talk for publication in regard TO exist
Ing conditions in the island and the possibilities
OF the people for self-government.
On Mr. Roots trip he visited the provinces Of
Havana, Matanzas and Pinar del Rio and
made 1t a point to note carefully the condition
of the people and their industries. and to dis
cuss with individuals and officials in all the
places at which he stopped questions affecting
their interests. His inquiries and observations
covered a large variety of subjects and gave
him a fund of information which will be of
value TO the President and to the War Depart
ment in it's future dealings with the Cubans.
On the whole. the Secretary feels that he is we'll
repaid for the time required to make the trip.
for he now has personal knowledge Of many
things which heretofore he had heard Of only
through the reports of the military authorities
stationed in the island. The Secretary ex-
presses himself as satisfied with what he saw;
the people appear to be getting along well and
peace prevails throughout the country
STEPS TOWARD INDEPENDENCE.
Naturally. the question of the ultimate indie
pendence Of the island came up for discussion
while the Secretary in Cuba, but he was
Government would be willing that this should
be a reality. Incidental this matter. which
is uppermost in the Cuban mind, the forrna-
tive steps that will bring it about The first of
these-the holding of the municipal elections at
an early date-was subject that Secretary
Root discussed freely particularly with the
United States officials in the island. and the
rangements for carrying into effect this first
step toward an independent government were
matters into which Mr.. Root looked carefully.
These elections said the Secretary, will be
the Cubans' first effort toward popular govern
ment Unaccustomed as they are 70 these
things they are as the babe unborn and have
everything to learn. The whole plan for max
ing effective the scheme of municipal suffrage
has to be carefully worked out, and the people
instructed in all the details. This involves
vast amount Of labor and takes considerable
time, but ultimately will be worked out and
the elections Will take place. l hardly believe
however, that the authorities will be quite ready
for holding the elections by the first of May"
Secretary Root not prepared to venture
opinion 10 just when he believed this
Government would grant complete independ-
ence TO the Cubans. The declaration in the
joint resolution OF Congress however. granting
them full independence. would be carried out.
He pointed out how il would be necessary that
the municipal governments should be firmly es-
tention would be given TO the election OF Con-
stitutioual Convention for the purpose of franz
ing Constitution for the island and it's adep-
ton By the people. Following this and the es-
ia bshment Of firm government in the island.
the Secretary felt would be time for the formal
recognition Of the Independence of the island
and the withdrawal of the assistance and su-
pervision Of the authorities of the United
States.
REVOLUTIONARY LEADERS PATIENT.
Mr. Root made it a feature of his visit to
talk with the leaders of what has been known
as the revolutionary element Of the population
and those who are opposed to annexation TO the
United States. and he says they not i'm
patient over what are regarded as necessary
and reasonable delays in the formation of
we'll established government realizing that
these necessity.
When a stable and settled policy of rule has
been established the Secretary believes the ISL
and will have season of prosperity. and that
outside capital we'll much remaining
there uninvested, because of the uncertainty
that exists, will find its way into the channels
of trade and agriculture.