New-York tribune., 1900-09-03
SPANIARDS IN CUBA.

Some surprise and some regret will be caused
by the announcement that no fewer than &c, ,S31
householders in Cuba have registered their
names at the Spanish consulateS as remaining
Spanish subjects in preference to becoming Gu
ban citizens. Precisely how large a proportion
Of the Spanish population Of the island they are
is not accurately to be determined from present
data Doubtless the proportion is a large one
Nor can we tell how many the number includes
Of those who have migrated from Spain to
Cuba since the war. The Treaty Of Paris. 1t
Will be remembered, made special provision of
time in which the Spanish born residents Of
Cuba might consider the question before they
finally chose between continued allegiance to
Spain and citizenship in the new Cuban State.
1t was hoped and by some expected that the
great majority OF them would choose the latter.
The exactly contrary result will, therefore,
cause surprise and regret though due reflection
upon the case will materially modify both these
emotions.
The refusal of the Spanish to renounce their
allegiance to Spain seems indeed only natural
when we consider the circumstances of the
case. At the close Of the war the island passed
under the control Of the United States and it is
putting 1t mildly to say that the United States
was thoroughly disliked by the Spaniards Of
Cuba as well as Of the peninsula. To become
ClIAeuS OF CuDd WOulQ nave Deen 10 IOrSdKe
the Fatherland for the country which had lust
Inundated and despoiled that Fatherland. That
was, in human nature not to be expected. Nor
was their feeling toward Cuba-toward the
Creole majority, victorious in rebellion against
the Fatherland-more kind. The hopes and ex-
pectations that they would elect to become Gu
ban citizens were, therefore, i'll founded. Nor
is that ali. Cuba has been and is still in q
transition state. It's future is by no means de-
termined. And it is easily supposable that
| thousands Of Spaniards have preferred to wait
| until a constitution is adopted and permanent
| Government established apart from the United
States, so that they can see what sort of a State
! Cuba is going to be- before casting In their lot
| with it
| If thus surprise Is modified, so will regret be;
partly because there is good ground for hope
that in the near future, when animosities have
| subsided and the Cuban State has proved its
stability and worth, many Of the Spaniards will
reconsider and reverse the choice they have
now made and will seek, though late, a share
in the Cuban Commonwealth and partly also
| because by their present abstention from be-
| coming citizens the Spaniards have freed the
Constitutional Convention and the formative
period Of Cuba from a disturbing or at least
suspicious element. Had they become citizens
and taken part in the elections and sent their
representatives TO the Constitutional Conven-
| ton, the various Creole and Negro factions
would have regarded them with anirnosity as
| hostile marplots. General GomeZ's letter to his
countryInen the other day made that fact plain
! AS it is, there Will be no such trouble. The
Convention win be composed entirely OF Cubans
who can do their work without thought of ad
verse Spanish influences And If they are duly
thoughtful and regardfu1 of the best interests
! of the island they VIII be inspired TO do their