New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1900-02-19
FITNESS FOR sELF-GovERNMENT.

I beg to call attention to their general
fitness for self government. and to certain mis-
conceptions which seem to be prevalent in ref
erence to the people of these two provinces.
1t cannot be said that any political parties
have yet been organized. There groups Of
political opinion, but no political parties as we
understand it in the United States, have yet
made their appearance.
The Spaniards resident in the island until
they elect to become citizens (Which it is
derstOod they can do at any time, without
waiting for the expiration of a year, should
have no voice in determining the political future
of the island. So f>" as they have made their
opinions known, they favor either direct an
nexation. or an active protectorate, which shall
insure Il stable and peaceful condition of affairs.
large proportion of Cuban planters and mer-
chants are also supposed to hold similar views,
while the official class and the ex-oficers of the
tied calling, are supposed to favor absolute
independence
The great mass of the laboring people in these
provinces are entirely quiescent on the subject
and their opinions, when formed will necessar-
lily be shaped under the circumstances then ex-
listing, by the leaders in whom they have the
most confidence. 1t is understood that so far
as opinions have been formed. they are favor
able to free Cuba.
No particular idea has been sufficiently de-
Veloped or discussed to commit the Cuban peo-
pie a whole to any special policy for the
future. SO far as can judge. if the issue were
presented between annexation and absolute in
dependence the majority would probebIv favor
the latter; but if the issue were presented be-
tween annexation and the establishment of such
intimate commercial relations, by treaty as
neacetui government. and free entrance into the
United States for their natural and manufaCt-
ured products. my judgment is that, for the
present, they would be largely in favor of the
latter
But this 1t must be observed, is a matter
OF conjecture upon which it is difficult TO form
any certain judgment until the subject has been
FULLY considered, not only here but In the
United States. I do not doubt however, that
the Cuban people would favor any reasonable
concession that the United States might suggest
ana It's incorporation into treaty If the latter
hrnu
and commercial interests, and leave them ahsn-
lutely Independent in matters not referred TO in
the treaty.
THE WHITE RACE ACCLIMATED
So far as I can judge from close study of
the people, and from intimate association with
then Tor eight months, I persuaded that
the contention of European writer's that the
white race cannot become acclimatiZed or main
tam It's social efficiency in the tropics at least
in fact
Without going into details. think careful
investigation will show that the white race has
become accimatized here, and has In no degree
lost its social efficiency. 1t seems to be as pro
INC as Industrious and as capable as is the
Spanish race from which it is mainly descended:
and that is sufficiently proved by the fact that
the trade or Cuba, Notwithstanding it's disturbed
e0 ar edr was down to the beginning of the
ers that 1T exceeded that of any other tropical
area OF its size in the world When this is
considered In connection with the further fact
that the trade Of the United states with
tropical countries amounts to about 65 per cent
Oh us total trade with the remainder OF the
world II VIII be seen that the establishment of
proper economic conditions in this island and
OF proper trade relations with the United States
10 OF even greater Importance than the estab-
HsnHent or proper political institutions.
The solution Of the sugar question and OF the
other questions of trade affecting this island
Is the first step toward the successful solution
OF every other question, AS ii has been we'll said
ny European writer This is not question Of
Inc FeiatNe merits OF any race among civil