New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-06-16
TO-DAY N CTRA.

It Is no exaggeration TO say that to-day is the
most important day, in time Of peace, that Cuba
has seen for many years. 1t is the day of the
islands first general election since the expul-
sion of Spanish rule and the establishment Of
United States tutelage a preparation for
autonomy The people of Cuba will have to-day
their first opportunity of demonstrating the
degree OF fitness for self-government which they
now possess. They will make this demonstra-
ton partly by their behavior at the polls and
their acquiescence in the results Of the polling
and partly in the character of the men whom
they elect TO office; and they Will do this fully
upon their own responsibility. They will con-
duct the election. The United States officers in
the island will attempt dictation, and the
United States troops will offer no interference
save to preserve the peace in case of serious
outbreak-which latter is not however appre-
hended. 1t will be a Cuban election-an cleo
ton of Cubans by Cubans for Cubans-and the
result of IT will be the best accessible indication
of Cuba's ability for such orderly and enlight-
ened conduct of her affairs would justify her
suzerain Power in committing that conduct TO
her own hands.
The elections of to-day are not, it is true. for
general but for local officers. TO wit: mayors
treasurers, municipal councillors and judges
But proper election of these would be a fair
promise of like choice of higher officers. Indeed
we may say that the local elections will form
the best possible test of general fitness. For
Cuba is not much national whole divided
into provinces and towns as il is a collection of
municipalities united into provinces and Of PROV
inces combined into a State. The local idea
has always been superior to the national This
ia natural, since almost the only political expe-
rience the Cubans were permitted TO have under
Spanish rule was in local affairs 1t is also
suspicious. since the right administration of
local affairs is the best possible foundation for
similar administration of the larger affairs of
state 1t was the town meetings" of the New
England Colonies that developed in those Colo
MES and the succeeding States so high degree
Of efficiency in the conduct of Colonial and
State governments. From every point of view,
therefore, ii is TO be hoped that to-day's cleo
tons will pass off quietly and have results
creditable TO the civic common sense of the
Cuban people.
We have said that the United States will not
try to influence these elections In any way. The
elections have no particular connection with the
relationship between the United States and
Cuba 1t may be pertinent to bear in mind
however that there will presently be another
general election in Cuba for members OF Con
stitutional Convention. Upon that election the
United States will, of course, exert no direct
influence; but its results will be Of considerable
interest TO this country as affecting the future
, relationship between it and the island Beyond
doubt the character of the United States admin
istration Of Cuban affairs will powerfully AFFECT
the complexion of the votes then cast. a series
OF scandals. whether arising from dishonesty or