New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-11-16
cuRANS FOR ANNEXATION.
CONTINENT AMONG BUSINESS MEN
STRONG AND GROWING
-ury THINK THE PEOPLE NOT PREPARED
FOR ELF-GovERNMENT-TU
ELEMENT IN CONTROL OF THE
CONVENTION

frRoM SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TR1BuNE.l
Havana Nov 12-Despite the apparent lack OF
,,+erest in the Cuban Constitutional Conven-
,ion among the Cuban people themselves, and
the inclination on the part Of the Cuban press
IN make light of that body. there is deep
feeling in business circles which promises to eff
feet commercial interests to a great extent
Those who are engaged in extensive business
enterprises on the island, or who are associated
with firms and corporations contemplating max
ing investments, beginning to manifest
deep interest in the proceedings Of the conven-
ton
Heretofore II has been we'll understood in
business circles that the United States was in
absolute control here, and that property was
safe even if the inconpetency of courts made 1t
necessary to appeal to the Military Governor
direct. The policy of the United States here has
always guaranteed the utmost safety, and no
interests have suffered without the right Of ap-
peal to those higher in authority and in whom
the business men lad confidence.
THE BUSINESS MEN AROUSED.
Now that the convention has met and there
is a prospect of the early independence of the
people Of Cuba the business men Of the island
are giving the matter much thought Heretofore
they have taken no part in the elections. The
business element has had absolutely nothing to
do with politics in the last two years feeling
secure in view Of United States control. They
have held aloof and to-day they realize their
mistake and know that the members OF the
convention do not represent the people OF Cuba
ae whole but that turbulent, troublesome ele-
nent which has alone figured in the campaign
Now that there is q prospect Of the convention
taking some action and paving the way for alb
solute independence, the business men Of Cuba
are expressing themselves with more freedom.
Ec T7STl DIR la h11S
Cuba who does not appreciate the fact that in
the event of absolute independence business in
terests are to suffer greatly in all parts OF the
island. The great majority of them Of the
opinion that Cuba is not prepared for self-gov-
eminent. owing TO the least responsible element
having control Of the preliminary arrangements,
and knowing that the influence that these men
exert will be against those who have the great
est interests in the island. Others say that it
matters not whether the people are prepared
for self-government or not, the very fact that
the world discredits them will destroy all con-
fdence and will surely result in great loss TO
all property holders and enterprises.
OPPOSED TO INDEPENDENCE
Those who study the matter carefully and who
look on the situation from business and not
selfish point of view are unequivocally opposed
10 Cuban independence, and will make an effort
when the time comes 10 prevent it. The annexa-
ton sentiment never stronger than il is to-
day. There has not been a time since the war
when the better element of Cubans were dis
posed to study the conditions as they to-day.
They say that il is purely a commercial prob
lem and they have every argument on their side
They know too well that without a market in
the United States for their products such as
sugar, tobacco. fruit and vegetables. they are
at the mercy Of the business world and will not
be in position to develop the island as it should
be. With high tariff against Cuban products
in the United States. Cuba is doomed. Her
sugar and tobacco. nearly all of which go
the United States. her chief products. and
unless market can be had for them the bust
ness interests and the prosperity Of the island
will suffer beyond relief.
These are the views which the business men
taking Of the situation, and as this element
is largely in the majority among those who
eligible to vote the greatest Importance is TO be
attached to opinions which are being expressed
by those who heretofore have been silent.
DIsHEARTENING EXPERIENCE IN HA-
VANA.
On the other hand the experiences which the
United States authorities have had with the Gu
ban people who have had charge Of civil matters
have been disheartening, far as a desire to
see Cuba free is concerned. Havana furnishes
a striking example. It the last city election
there were elected Mayor and a City Council
besides various other officers. The City Council
was put in absolute possession of the city gov
eminent In fact, General Wood gave the city
a more autonomist form of government than
the majority Of the cities in the United States
enjoy. The result has been anything but favor
able, and the City Council has displayed in
competency which is appalling
The budget for the city should have been pre-
pared and sent in TO the Finance Department
the first day Of last July This budget should
include careful estimate Of all the expenses
Of the city for the fiscal year and should have
served basis for levying taxes. This budget
has not been prepared General Wood has called
the attention Of the Council to this delay several
times. but TO avail. Not a thing has been
done; the preliminary steps have not even been
taken.
This is not all. Notwithstanding the fact that