New-York tribune., 1900-03-25
THE SITUATION in CUBA.
SAMUEL L. PARRISH GIVES HIS VIEWS
ON THE POLITICAL OUTLOOK THERE.

Samuel L. Parrish. of this city. returned re-
Gently from q three weeks tour through the
centre of the island of Cuba for the purpose of
investigating Cuban political problems. His oppor-
tunities for obtaining the information he desired
were exceptional He said yesterday TO Tribune
reporter:
In speaking generally of the island of Cuba, it
may be said that 1t is now in transition state.
The indications of the ravages OF war are rapidly
disappearing and the agricultural sections OF the
country are settling down almost normal condi
tions the reconcentrados having returned 10 work
ments they obtain. There is. nevertheless,
political future Of the island that weighs heavily
any attempt at the creation of new Industries or
connection with the sugar estates What is known
the Foraker amendment. prohibiting the grant
no nor can there be any regeneration OF the island
Until ali this class of questions is settled on some
stable basis that will at once invite ana assure
My tour included a visit to Havana. Matanzas.
Cardenas, Santa Clara, Cienfuesos and portions OF
has created better sanitary condition i'll the cit
isted The streets are kept clean ana consloer- i
Bile sum of money is being expended on the I'M
limits. abundant supply of ca!careous stone
being used for this purpose. The road 6ufdins.
anything in the nature of country road building
is beyond the capacity Of The people at present
into political conditions. In regard To the popuia-
ford more definite information. it is generally be
lieved that the negro population M OF the island Is
somewhere between 100000 and 60cO99 The balance
of the native Cubans, though called white, are
largely OF mixed blood Inc feauon 0C o '9 n9 oe tb
can be regarded as free from the possiolllty OF
aaS was ior arsei made as up Of blacks there is
natural feeling on their part that they should re
and already the mutterings of discomfort are heard
among the negroes for what they consider their i
solve the various problems with which We are con-
an honest attempt TO carry out our asreement with
fun recognition of the fact that in the event Of O.;
the performance of our duty.
THE GENERAL SITUATION.
The general situation there is this The fourth
article of the declaration of war. generally known
States declared itself as intervening solely for the
purpose of giving freedom and independence nee to
tervening steps ultimately will he found incapable
are such as TO present problems of the greatest
difficulty. even for people whose antecedents
to battle more successfully with the intricacies
of the situation The people of the island have
ment. such misgovernment as they have had hav-
emanated from the people themselves.
The most important political organization Is that
and file of which is largely composed of the arms
bearing negro element. which practically brought
vention. They sufficiently familiar with the
history Of the United States to know that the negro
is. for all practical purposes disfranchised in this
country wherever he is a possibly important polit-
tCal factor and naturally are greatly Alarmed at
the thought of annexation 70 the United States
Recognizing the danger OF a government in any
wise controlled by this element, practically all
of the property owning class-Cubans, Spaniards
Americans. English and all other nationalites-are
anxious to have the strong arm OF the United
States In permanent control of all higher func
tions of government The substantial element
therefore, is practically unanimous for some form
OF annexation. II is useless look for the
nomic regeneration of Cuba until the political ques-
tion has been settled In manner that will insure
stability the certainty OF the continuance OF order
and the proper administration OF Justice That the
Cuhans themselves can accomplish these results
without the continuous assistance OF the United
States Is not the opinion OF tho vast majority OF
those whose opinion Is OF value
PROBLEMS THAT ARISE
In considering the problems connected with tho
tuture government OF our new possessions, one
hears so much OF the Declaration OF Independence
and the Constitution OF the United States that II
Is important TO consider the conditions under which
these instruments proclaimed. IL not
be forgotten that both the Declaration and the
Constitution We're written by and for self governing
white men living IN temperate zone. back OF whom
In the direct line OF political ascent stood only
Magma Charta bur also the principles enunciated
and successfully upheld by force OF arms agains.