Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-10-27
Withdrawal of the United States from
Cuba.
TEE REQUIREMENTS OFTHE SITUATION
Congress Will Have to Pass Upon
the Matter.
INTER ESTS OF N1SH

The withdrawal of the United States from
Cuba is not likely to occur for several
years. This statement, which may be
somewhat surprising to those unfamiliar
with the necessary steps. Is not based upon
any purpose to remain after the creation Of
Cuban government, but upon the require
ments Of the situation. President Mckin-
ley is not likely to arrogate to himself the
decision whether the time has come for
withdrawal He will leave the question to
Congress-, and even Congress Is not likely
to act with precipitation. The constitu-
tional convention to which the Cubans re-
Gently elected delegates is expected by the
administration to require several months for
the completion Of its labors. This will carry
its sessions over the next session Of Con-
gress, which ends on March 4, 1901. The
new Congress will not meet in regular ses-
sion until December, 1901, and will not do
much business until the spring Of 1902.
1t may not be found practicable even then
to pass vote at once for the withdrawal
Of the American forces from Cuba. 1t will
be necessary for the representatives of the
new Cuban government to present evidence
to the appropriate committees of Congress
that they have a government completely or
ganized upon sound principles and capable
of maintaining treaty obligations with other
powers. Such government can hardly ex-
erciSe its functions until authorized by Con-
gress. Whether 1T shall be permitted to ex-
ercise them without the supervision of the
United States. or whether American adj
visers, backed by force, shall remain in the
island until the quality Of Cuban govern
ment has been tested. will be for Congress
to determine. The President is not likely
to assume the responsibility OF putting the
new Cuban government in operation, even
under the tutelage of the United States.
without the direct authority of Congress.
Not Before Summer of 1902.
1t would appear therefore, that the new
Cuban republic could not begin to exercise
its functions until the summer Of 1902. 1t
Is probable that delays may occur even be-
yond that time. for the purpose Of choosing
officers under the new constitution, unless
the American military authorities should
decide to permit a tentative election, sub
ject to the approval Of Congress. The
United States could safely surrender Ameri-
can and Spanish interests In the island to
the mercies of government which had
never yet exercised executive power and
whose character and qualities had never
been tested. The United States are pledged
to protect the interests Of Spanish subjects
in several particulars. but this pledge is
modified by the declarations of the sixteenth
article of the treaty with Spain, that any
obligations assumed in this treaty by the
United States with respect to Cuba are
limited to the time of it's occupancy there
of; but 1t will upon the determination Of
such occupancy advise any government es-
tablished in the island to assume the same
obligations"
"Advice" to Cuba.
The vital question for Spaniards who de-
sire to be protected in life, property and
civil rights, will be the degree of intensity
of the American advice. If it Is purely
perfunctory, Spanish subjects are not likely
to take their chances with the revolution
airy government. If. on the other hand. the
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