Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-16
Mr.. ROOT DISCUSSES CUBA
War Secretary Pleased at the Evidences Of
Progress.
Cities Are to Have a Chance at
Self-GOvernment
Soon.


terday Secretary Root said he had
come to Cuba for two reasons. In
the first place, he desired to see for him.
self the working of the various depart
ments, civil and military, and to investi-
gate, SO far as possible, the character Of
the work accomplished. In the second place.
he desired to see as many representative
men as possible, including all the business
interests, in order to feel that he was in
personal touch with the requirements of the
island
He went on to say that he had at all
times closely followed all the reports re-
garding Cuba but he had always felt as
sured that, in respect of many matters,
definite knowledge called for personal con-
tact. He now felt that the Cubans had
done wonders, considering the nature of the
strife that had devastated the country for
so long a time. Their conduct and ama
bility had greatly impressed him, and he
vas satisfied from all he had seen that
they were capable of self-government.
IT is necessary, of course to prepare for
this said Mr.. Root, by practical exper
lehce. Nor should it be cause for
prise II the first municipal elections should
not bring to the surface the best elements
of the country. Even in the United States
men who would naturally be supposed to
take an active interest in politics are often
found attending to OF her matters OH election
day. This wcrh of preparation is deemed
necessary even by the most radical Cuhans.
AS soon as proper explanations are made to
them. they recognize that time must elapse
before a race unacquainted with the SIM
plest forms of government will become able
to manage public affairs absolutely with
out assistance.
United States VIII Keep Faith.
There is no doubt that the United States
will keep faith with the Cuban people, and
the joint resolution of Congress will be car
R11t i,rct
possible to say. The municipal elections,
which will take place on May 1, will prove
the first lesson. The object is to give NIL
inequalities home rule In the very broadcast
sense, making each self-supporting, and
making the elected officials answerable to
their own people for the proper expenditure
of funds. 1t Is desirable as far as possible,
to decentralize all municipalities from Ha-
Vana control. The American officials would
then have only advisory and supervisory
duties.
The city of Havana would then come
INTO the same category with other cities
the military department Of the city would.
De abolished, and this would enable the
elected municipal government of Havana TO
take the necessary steps to refund the debt
TO obtain a new loan and to carry GU, the
works OF sewerage and paving which are
necessary and which should DE commenced
as soon as possible. Probably this work will
commence in the early autumn"
referring to the reports of possible
$500 III tiit iSIdllu, MI Root said.
These reports are the result of hysteria
or are circulated by those who for personal
ehdS' wish TO see turmoil. There is a close
analogy between these Cuban agitators who
tax about taking to the woods and the
American braggarts who insist that the
United States will not give up Cuba Both
classes are equally unrepresentative CT their
countries
Cubans Anxious to Learn.
Abiding to conversations he had had with
iiidhy NuDahs representing the various in
dustries, he said he thought he had seldom
met with people more DESTROYS of learning
the methods of government, and that he
could see they recognized the diei,uI,v 80
the task. since government. like naiotirg
was an art. P'ie'
He referred to the fact that nras;5o,+,.I
eIeGtioils IN the United States required sew
eial months or preparation, in order that
they should be carried to a successf,11 con-
ciuslon, and he pointed out that TIE Difficult
ties IN cuba We're very much greater. What
was desired he said, was that the neasarts
in Cuba should have equal rights a. "a f;It
ties with the loud-talking man with the ma
chete. ~ 'iie ma
ooI.,I nave been agreeably surprised" he
continued, lin visiting various noin+s nc
the province of Pinar del Rio. Mafonzas
ana Havana to find so many evidences of
reha billtation. Everywhere the men were
apparently working; clean houses were in
evidence, and there was a general air ~ ~
approaching prosperity, which l had not
expected to detect. In the tobacco dis riots
round That common laborers were receiv
ihs more tnan 81 day in American money.
and this, although the work is only temno
rary, proves the falsity of the statements
OF general distress The mayor of Guana
Jay tod me he had in his emnlov me-
than 900 men. oie
another thing that I particularly NO.
liceu Winnie travelling through the provinces
was mat everywhere the American troops
were IN good health. Their robust annesr
ance and excellent coloring show apnar-
entity that the climate agrees with them"
Praise for Gen. Wood.
Passing on to the question of prisons.
Mr.. Root paid high tribute to the WORK.
OF Gen. Wood in this direction, adding:
some months ago I had personal re-
ports made to me regarding the condition
OF the prisons. and such sights as were
then to be seen do not exist now. for
have inspected the prisons myself. 1 con-
| slider the cleanliness of the city another
remarkable a fact 1 wish a million Amer
leans could witness not only the cities
that are occupied by the United States
troops. but also many towns that have
long since been left absolutely to the care
OF the Cuban population. Even in the
latter cases the streets are kept scrunI-
lously clean. and 1 feel that the Cuban.
deserve great credit for carrying out this
Work, pegun under American auspices It
augurs well for the self-government of the
future.
The growth of the school system is an
other feature deserving of special notice
More than 10000 pupils are now enrolled.
l am heartily in accord with the idea of
taxing as many teachers possible for a
summer stay Of several weeks in the United
States. and l will personally do all 1 can
| to assist such a plan.
Taking into consideration everything.
| am exceedingly pleased with my visit to
| Cuba. and feel that have a better CRASH
| of the situation"
|
sch1ey to Proceed to Bahia, Brazil.
! To avert danger of injecting any of the
ShinS of the South L.