New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-19

of the ultimate business relations of Cuba with
the United States, and with the rest OF the
world.
Obviously annexation under the Constitution
of the United States, whether Cuba becomes
a Territory or State, would settle all economic
questions, because it would entitle the Cubans
to the free and unrestricted exchange of their
natural and manufactured products with the
United States. but this course for the present
at least seems to be absolutely prohibited by
the terms of the Joint Resolution of Congress
which resulted in the war with Spain. 1t would
therefore appear to be the duty of those in au-
thority and especially of the Congress of the
United States to settle upon some other method
of nsurng a condition of peace, and the re-
establishment of agriculture and commerce IN
the island.
LOCAL INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT.
From the best study have been enabled to
give to the subject strongly of the opinion.
as fully set forth in my official report OF June
90 that the line OF least resistance will be found
in the establishment of local independent gov
eminent, republican in form. and, soon there
after practicable, in the negotiation or a
| treaty of alliance and commerce between cuba
and the United States, which shall give pfac-
tcal effect to the Monroe Doctrine, define the
rights, privileges and duties of both the con-
tracing parties on all subjects of common inter
est and leave Cuba free and independent In all
other matters. That such an arrangement as
this would give almost instantaneous relief to
Cuba hardly be doubted. That 1t would
put matters on the best possible footing for the
ultimate absorption of the latter into the Union
by natural, voluntary and progressive steps
honorable alike to both parties, seems to be
Cubans to show that they not tropical and
revolutionary, not a mongrel and vicious race
and not disqualified by religion or impaired
social efficiency from carrying on peaceful
and stable government or becoming American
citizens.
In my opinion. whatever may be their merits
political condition, they will never reach the
highest freedom and independence of which they
are capable till they are free to enter the Great
Republic on a Just and equal footing; and that
will depend not altogether upon them, but upon
the American people, who are justly Jealous or
t0niy off nT1=tiT and oft a
leges which the Constitution guarantees to Ter
ritories and States, as we'll as to all their in
habitants.
Further reflection convnces me that nothing
is to be gained for the United States. for the
Cubans themselves by further delay in the con-
sideration of this important subject
GOOD RESULTS ACHIEVED.
From the foregoing statements and the facts
and information set forth in the previous re-
ports from these headquarters, it appears
First-That when the United States occupied
the provinces of this Department, there existed
apprehension and anxiety as to the maintenance
of order and the re-establshment OF civil gov.
eminent, which was converted into state OF
confidence and hopefulness by the presence OF
the American troops.
Second-That from a condition of suspension
or paralysis, due to the arbitrary exercise of
Spanish authority, the municipal authorities
throughout the Department have been placed IN
charge of their legitimate duties, and assisted
to re-establish municipal government upon
sound and efficient basis.
Third-That the administration &C law was
found to be in a demoralized condition, due
partly to the fact that the courts were broken
up by the resignation or departure of Spanish
officials and partly to the system of arbitrary
arrests and the great delay in bringing accused
persons to trial. All political prisoners were
released. and the cases of such as had not been
brought to trial We're, as far as possible, in
vestigated, and the accused were discharged
from confinement But there many prison
ers charged with violating the criminal laws yet
awaiting trial Vacancies in the courts have
been filled by the Military Governor of the ISL
and. BY the same authority changes in the
laws have been made, and measures have been
adopted which it is believed will result in a
great Improvement in the administration of
justice. This branch of the public service is
however, the most complicated and the
most difficult for military men to deal with. 1t
is therefore the last to receive full benefit from
the changed condition of affairs,
Fourth-That a state of great suffering. pow
erty and sickness existed with widespread need
of medicines and food, which has been entirely
relieved by rations issued under the authority
of the Military Governor that few issues will
nave TO be made hereafter, and they mostly to
the sick and inhrm in the hospitals, and to or
phans in the asylums.
Fifth-That the most of the "ReconcentFados'
ard farmers driven from their homes have
returned to the country, and are recOnstructing
their cottages and growing sufficient vegetable
food to prevent suffering from hunger. and to
except as above.
SfXth-That a police service in every mu-
nicipality has been established and is efficient
for the maintenance of peace, good order and
quetude, which prevail throughout the Depart
ment
Seventh-That the cities and towns, from
condition of filth and unhealthiness, have been
perfectly cleaned and put in first-class sanitary
condition. Cesspools have been emptied, yards
and foul places have been cleansed, holes and
badly drained localities have been filled and
dtches ana drains opened until the sanitary
condition of the towns and cities is good as
1t is in cities of like size and situation in the
United States or elsewhere.
FRIENDLY RELATIONS ESTABLISHED.
Eighth-That good relations have been es-