The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1900-12-06
THE cUnAN CONSTITUTION.

The first indication thus far given,
however slight as to the structure of the
constitutional system most likely to be
adopted by the Cuban constitutional
convention, has just appeared in a very
brie press dispatch from Havana The
proceedings of the convention thus far
have not offered any very strong as
surance that the much-needed conserva-
tism which should guide the delegates
will find anything like adequate express
sion in their work The decision to hold
open sessions has already robbed the
convention of much of its usefulness,
and has made the adoption of -hurtfuI
provisions in different directions much
more likely than would be the case were
the delegates acting away from the pup
lie view.
Americans must not judge the conven-
ton too severely, however The circum-
stances attending the political and social
life of the Cuban people could hardly
be more unfavorable TO the exercise of
political restraint. They have had but
few opportunities for political training.
The absolutism of Spain, and the brutal
ity manifested toward the people in the
exercise of that absolutism, naturally
operated to prevent popular thought
turning seriously on the great problems
Of government Underlying the organiza-
ton of a constitutional system best
adapted to the requirements of the peo-
pie
The American people, when they were
called on to formulate a constitutional
system had had experience for genera
tons in the conduct of their own local
political concerns. Yet. while an in
finitely less ardent people, and with all
their political experience to guide them.
their constitutional representatives in
the first instance erred grievously on the
side on which the Cuban convention is
almost certain to err-that of unre-
stricted popular control of all the
agencies of the constitutional system
adopted.
1t is the most natural thing in the world
that the Cuban delegates should have
yielded to the temptation of having open
sessions held. But the worst probable re-
suits Of the open sessions are nitigated
by the regulation to refer all proposals to
appropriate committees. The several
plans outlined in the press dispatches of
yesterday offer at least a splendid variety
from which to choose. 1t is not easv for
Americans unacquainted by actual touch
with Cuba or the Cuban people to form
an Intelligent understanding as to the
most appropriate constitutional system
for their government But it is perfectly
safe to say that that system, which will
concentrate responsibility in few hands
will at least for the time being, be the
most successful in operation.
The division of the islands into states
or provinces according to existing terri
torial division seems to be a first re-.
qutrement of any system which j.
adopted. With strong central govern
ment organized something on the plan of
our own, and divided into judicial. 1eeis-
IatIVe and executive functions, giving to
the several provinces the largest measure
of control over their own local concerns
there is no reason why the Cubans should
not be able to tide over the greatest dan
gers which attend the successful launch.
ing of their government. The various
proposals now before the body, SC far az
they have been made public, show more
or less disposition to magnify the inn
portance of official station. That. too
is doubtless according to the bent of
Cuban society. But, keeping the fear Of
disintegration, which must be a serious
one unless central authority is serious1v
strengthened. in mind, the closer the
Cubans adhere to democratic usages and
models in the investiture of their pubic
officials with power and prestige, the bet
ter it will be for their political future.
No safer model can be offered for fbeir
guidance, notwithstanding the strong
racial divergence, than the one of the
constitutional system of the United
States. With such notifications Of that
plan as will naturally suggest themselves
to any convention of thoughtful men. the
Cuban people will be well served if the
work of their convention places their flu
ture government on the same essential
constitutional principles on which our
own rest.