The evening times., 1900-01-06
In Cuba.

Notwithstanding the brightness of Cuba S
political sky at the beginning of the new
year. another cloud has appeared on the
horizon. The suffrage restrictions pro-
posed by Governor-General Wood have
aroused that fervent opposition which has
| doubtless been the source of all the petty
disturbances reported since American oc-
cupation.
Tidings from Santiago de Cuba convey
| the information that excitement has been
caused throughout that province by Cen
eral Woods proposed limitation of suf-
frage to those who read and write, who
own two hundred and fifty dollars worth
of property, or who were in the in
! surgent army prior to August. 1t is
contended by those who resent this policy
| that il is plan of disfranchsement mimi
cal to ultimate independence. The des-
patches declare that it has caused a loud
outery against the Governor General.
The genuine reasons for this impeiuous
denunciatory outbreak are fully as appar
ent the nasal appendage of Cyrano de
Bergerae. Ii has been admitted repeatedly
that General Wood is very familiar
with the conditions in Cuba, and conse-
quently with the evils that menace her
future, unless the course to be pursued is
literally permeated with common sense.
The small politician in the island, whose
good fortune has placed it under American
military control. longs for the day when
universal suffrage will obtain, because he
thinks he sees in that future an opportu
nifty for successfully manipulating the
densely ignorant element TO his personal
advantage The postponement of the occa-
sion when the masses are to be permitted
TO participate in popular government
means death to the schemes and plans OF
the Cuban politicians, whose latest howl
has been transmitted to the United States
through the medium OF the press telegram.
Consistent with American influence, edu
cation is al work among the Cubans. un-
der a modern system, and the spread OF
knowledge promises the extension of the
habit which brings about individual thought
and opinion. When the average islander
begins TO think for himself TO have ideas
of his own he slips from the grasp Of the
small politician. The latter is sufficiently
wise to appreciate the fact. and also TO
realize that the delay of general suffrage
renders him impotent Thus, the future
which he had counted upon as rich with the
harvest of spoil. looks barren and unre-
munerative He is scarcely to be blamed
for bowling and imprecation, for the sit
uation to him is certainly one to provoke
high temper
In the mean time General Wood may be
counted upon to pursue the intelligent
course of reconstruction. In this almost
formative era of Cuban affairs, the con-
trolling influences must be held well in
hand. Wisdom cautions the executive au-
thorities to proceed carefully. The power
to be distributed should naturally go to
those who have property interests as well
as intelligence both of which will influence
them to exercise their privileges in the
most commendabe directions
The small politician may be expected to
make considerable noise. and his endeavors
may be used to excite others to become
denunciatory. if not disorderly But he
Will probably content himself with vocal
disturbances and unless he becomes abso-
lutelv vicious. will furnish only ludierous
spectacle