New-York tribune., 1900-03-05
TIE QUESTION At BOTTOM

DO you want inhabitants of the Spanish ISL
lands, about a third Spanish, many negroes
'and as many more of mixed blood. all brought
up under Spanish laws and methods and wholly
ignorant Of Anglo Saxon ideas of justice and
personal freedom, TO be presented as free gift
with as large share in the government Of the
United States as belongs to an equal number
''of white Americans, born and trained under
free Institutions Had that question been
asked two years ago this month of any audience
in this country, In Congress or out of 1t, North
East, South or West, rich or poor, educated or
ignorant, ali instant and emphatic NO would
have been the answer. Everybody knows it
who can clearly recall TO his mind the state of
public feeling al that time. Neither Democrats
nor Populists nor Republicans would have hesi-
tated. All would have agreed that the priceless
boon OF American freedom. by the blood
and heroism and seven years endurance of
colonists. preserved by the heroes OF the War
of 1872 and the great Civil War, was not to be
lightly bestowed upon Inhabitants not in the
least educated TO comprehend il. All would
have agreed that the people of this country
wanted no help in governing it from the
natives, mestiZos Spaniards or negroes of Cuba
Puerto Rico.
Why is ii that men drift away from this vital
question. imcUmparably more important than all
attitude Of mind was precisely that described two
years age. and who know beyond doubt that
it was also that of nearly all Americans of any
party or section. if they now think otherwise
do not honor their own American citizenship
unless they consider that change of mind most
seriously and satisfy themselves and others
why they have changed. Have they seen In the
conduct of Cubans or Puerto Ricans surprising
evidences of an Unborn fitness TO govern this
country which not all Americans attain after
twenty-one years Of training under free nsttu-
tons and equal laws? On the contrary all are
aware that the most friendly and appreciative
reviews of recent events whether by military
officers or by statesmen or business men who
have visited the islands. always embrace the
kindly apology that the people are children yet,
and have everything 10 learn. When the yaga-
ries and chickering's and small jealousies of their
active politicians are observed, Americans have
INDUCED the generous hope that these wards of
the Nation would in time better appreciate the
blessings Of American justice and freedom. But
has anybody found in all these things evidence
of present fitness TO take part In governing the
United States?
Nov, this is exactly the question on which
everything else must turn. However much men
may wish 10 avoid it, the people OF this country
are perfectly right in asking themselves
whether they desire such help in making laws
for the United States They have some trouble
in educating public opinion to act wisely even
now. Let nobody be deceived by the plea that
It Is only proposed TO admit these islands as
Territories, but not as States. All know that
there would instantly begin a race between the
sharpegt and least scrupulous of the dema-
Gogues In any OF the States. who may seek In