New-York tribune., 1900-03-16
ROOT TALKS OF CUBA.
CUBANS CAPABLE OF SELF-GOyERN-

Havana, March 15.-Secretary Root said to-
day that he had come TO Cuba for two reasons.
In the first place, he desired to for himself
the working Of the various departments, civil
and military. and to investigate. so far pos
sibe, the character Of the work accomplished.
In the second place, he desired to many
representative men possible including all
the business interests, in order TO feel that he
was in personal touch with the requirements of
the island.
He went to say that he had at all times
closely followed all the reports regarding Cuba,
but he had always felt assured that in respect
of many matters definite knowledge called for
personal contact. He now felt that the Cubans
had done wonders, considering the nature Of the
strife that had devastated the country for so
long time Their conduct and amia biltty had
greatly impressed him, and he satisfied
from all he had that they were capable of
self government
1T is necessary, Of course. to prepare for
this said Mr.. Root by practical experience.
Nor should ii be a cause for surprise if the first
municipal elections should not bring to the
surface all the best elements Of the country.
Even in the United States many who would
naturally be supposed to take an active inter
est in politics are often found attending to other
matters on Election Day. This work Of prep
aration is deemed necessary even by the most
radical Cubans. AS soon proper eXplana-
tions are made to them, they recognize that time
must elapse before race unacquainted with
the simplest forms of government will become
able to manage public affairs absolutely with
out assistance.
UNITED STATES WILL 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 carried out. But
just exactly when it is impossible to say. The
May /, will prove the first lesson. The object
is 10 give municipalities home rule in the very
broadest sense making each seIf-supporting
and making the elected officials answerabe to
their own people only for the proper expenditure
of funds 1t is desirable far possible to
decentralize all municipalities from Havana
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 mill
itary department of the city would be abolished,
and this would enable the elected municipal
government of Havana to take the necessary
steps to refund the debt, to obtain loan
and to carry out the works of sewerage and
paving which are necessary and which should
be begun as soon as possible. Probably this
work will begin in the early autumn
Referring to the reports Of possible trouble
in the island Mr.. Root said:
HYsTERIA OR MISCHIEF MAKERS.
These reports are the result of hysteria or
are circulated by those who for personal ends
wish TO see turmoil There is close analogy
between these Cuban agitatOrs who talk about
taking TO the woods and the American brag-
CARTS who insist that the United States viii not
give up Cuba Both classes are equally unrep
resentative OF their countries
Abiding to conversations he had had with
many Cubans representing the various indus
tries, he said he thought he had seldom met
with people more deSlrous or learning the meth
ods of government, and that he could see they
| recognized the difficulty of the task, since gov
ernment, like painting, art. He referred
TO the fact that Presidential elections in the
United States required several months of prepa-
ration in order that they should be carried to
successful conclusion, and he pointed out that
the difficulties in Cuba were very much greater.
What desired. he said that the peasant
in Cuba should have equal rights and facilities
with the loud talking with the machete.
Il have been agreeably surprised he con-
tnued, lin visiting various points in the prov
inces of Pinar del Rio, Matanzas and Havana TO
find so many evidences of rehabilitation. Every
where the men were apparently working clean
houses were in evidence. and there was a gen
eral air of approaching prosperity which I had
not expected TO detect. In the tobacco districts
I found that common laborers were receiving
more than 81 a day in American money and
this. although the work is only temporary.
proves the falsity of the statements Of general
distress. The Mayor Of Guanajay told he
had in his employ more than one thousand men.
AMERICAN TROOPS IN GOOD HEALTH.
Another thing that I particularly noticed
while travelling through the provinces was that
everywhere the American troops were in good
health. Their robust appearance and excellent
cooring show apparently that the climate agrees
with them"
Passing on 10 the question of prisons. Mr. Root
paid high tribute TO the work OF General Wood.
adding: Some months ago I had personal
ports made TO regarding the condition Of the
prisons and such sights were then 70 be seen
do not exist now, for I have inspected the
prisons myself I consider the cleanliness of
the city another remarkable fact l wish
million Americans could witness not only the
cities that are occupied by United States troops.
but also many towns that have long since been
left absolutely TO the care of the Cuban popu-
lation. Even in the latter cases the streets
kept scrupulousy clean, and I feel that the
Cubans deserve great credit for carrying out
this work begun under American auspices. 1t
augurs well for the self-government OF the
future.
The growth of the school system is another
feature deserving Of special notice. More than
one hundred and fifty thousand pupils are now
enrolled I heartily in accord with the idea
of taking s many teachers possible for
summer stay of several weeks in the United
States and ! will personally do all I can TO as
sist such a plan.
exceedingly pleased with my visit to Cuba, and
I feel that I have better grasp of the sit
uaton."
At a meeting Of the Society of Planters to-day
it was reported that Secretary Root had agreed
to uphold q reduction by Congress of the duties
Cuban sugars.
AGUINALDO'S WAR SECRETARY CAUGHT.