Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-04-02
LOOKING TO INDEPENDENCE
WHAT SENATOR PLATT SAYS OF THE
FEELING TN CUBA.
Observations of the Senators who Re-
can CAPITAL Hesitating.

The subcommittee Of the Senate. consist
ing of Senators Plat Comm. Aldrich and
Teller, which went to Cuba for the purpose
of personally investigating conditions on
the island with a view to Intelligent action
by Congress with respect to Cuba has re-
turned to Washington. Senator Plat, chair
man of the subcommittee, has authorized
the following statement concerning the sub
committees observations:
I'VE inquired as carefully and complete
ly as we could. with the limited time at our
disposal, into tfs condition of the people
of the island. tfz,ir needs. and the prospect
of the establishment of an Independent, sat
isfactory and stable government by and
for the people of Cuba. We were in Ha-
vana in all five days. We also visited the
provinces of Pfnar del Rio, Matanzas and
Santa Clara. being unable to go to Santiago
and Puerto Principe as we very much
wished. We saw and eonversed with a
great many prominent and leading men
from all portions of the island men who
represent different ideas and interests. from
intense conservatism to decided radicalism, .,
and returned with much better under
standing of the problem to be solved and
the steps to be taken In its solution than
we could possibly obtain otherwise than by
a personal visit.
Looking to Independence.
1T may be said of all classes in Cuba
NAie@s my oAc iVohiiiS " lilS
of an Independent government, a Cuban
republic. A few are impatient and wish
for immediate and complete independence.
Others are less impatient believing that
sufficient time should be taken to avoid
mistakes and to set up the new govern
ment upon such firm basis as to insure it's
success and permanence.
Coming Municipal Elections.
All are looking forward to the municipal
elections that are to take place in the lat
ter part of May, regarding such elections
as the first step toward the establishment
of the new government. Much will depend
upon the result of these elections. If they
take place without disorder and good off,
Gals are elected. that will go far to prove
the capacity of the people for self-govern-
ment, and steps can be taken without great
delay for further progress In that direction,
The problem is complicated by the fact that
self-government is untried experiment,
by people who have had little opportunity
to study Its principles or its details, it's ne
cessities or its responsibilities. Many of
the more conservative citizens and business
men, unfortunately, show too much dispo-
sition to hold aloof.
Gen. Woods Administration.
1--WE were much impressed by the evil
dences of good administration of the af-
fairs of the island under Gov. Gen. Wood
He has had very difficult and compli-
Gated problem to deal with; conditions
growing out of 800 years of Spanish mis-
rule and the consequent character of the
people of Cuba make every step in its So
luton embarrassing, but We are convinced
that he is the right man In the right place.
and that his administration, though firm.
is as gentle possible and calculated to
lead the people wisely to the establishment
Of an independent government which shall
have close relations with our own and in
which the interests both of the people of
Cuba and the United States shall be surely
subserVed. 1t is not too much to say that
the people of Cuba. in respect to the forma-
ton of stable and beneficent govern
have to be taught and led. They regard the
United States as their friend and teacher
and as a whole are quite willing to be
guided
The Islands Future.
There are great possibilities in the is
land. 1t Is fertile, has great natural re-
sources and is capable of supporting a
population four five times larger than 1t
numbers at present. On the whole there
has been marvellous recuperation since the
declaration of peace, but it needs American
capital and American enterprise, which
hesitates as yet to go there. English and
German capital seems more confident and Is
being invested. Surely our own people
ought to have as much confidence in the
future of Cuba as foreigners have. On the
whole We were much pleased and encour-
aged. The people of the United States and
of Cuba should alike exercise patience, be-
Ing assured that thereby progress will be
most certain"