The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1901-02-23
Circulation Statement.
Our Cuban Relations.

It is with some satisfaction that we note
a determination on the part Of the Presi-
dent and his advisers 10 hold the CubanS
down to their plain duty in the matter Of
providing for themselves stable gov
eminent which shall not be a constant
menace to the dignity and safety Of the
United States. In pursuance Of this poll
cy, it is understood that the draft of the
constitution adopted by the Constitutional
Convention at Havana, and handed to Gov
ernor General Wood viii not be trans
mitted by him to Washington at present.
for the reason that it does not contain
the provisions for future relations be-
tween the new State and its suzerain
which are regarded as essential to the
peace of the continent, and to assure this
country against the risk of anarchy al
most within sight of its coast.
It is unpleasant but not surprising that
the revolutionary element which is in
control of the Cuban Constitutional Con
vention should be antagonistic to the icea
Of recognizing the rights and necessities
OF the United States in the formulation OF
the basic law for their little country. It
is quite unnecessary TO mince words IN
speaking Of the actions or purposes CT
coIored and white leaders like Gomez
Cisneros. and Giberta. They may be hon
est and sincere enough according to their
lights, but the kind Of liberty and indie
pendence OF which they dream is the IN
dependent liberty Of the successful revo-
Iutionary chief to own. run, and loot the
State for his own and his friends adyan-
tage
The Cuban question is not one Of party
No-bfng could be worse for the Democracy
than 10 take the opposite View Of 1t. The
birth Of a new nation, on territory that
God and Nature intended TO be part OF
the United States, and which will be some
day. is a matter not to be entangled in the
meshes Of domestic politics Il would be
the NEST foolish thing in the world for
Democrats in Congress TO seize the op-
portunity for sentimental gush and I'M
policy which the kystericaI Teller resolu-
ton of April, 1888, may offer when the
Cuban question shall come up for dis
cussicn in the Houses The Republicans
managers would be only too glad to put
their opponents on record as antagoniZing
try with the faintest idea of our relations
to other States knows to. be imperative
and inevitable.
1t is not 50 much what We would like to
DO as what We must do in connection with
Cuba Left to herself. il is entirely pat
ent 10 everybody that she would be pre-
cipitated into a condition Of Haitien an
archy IN six months; might in less time
become involved with European Powers,
AM be plunged in debt, which would JUS
tify foreign Interference that this country
could not safely tolerate. The United
States must have dominating naval sta
lions IN Cuba; must exact a surrender Of
the war-m1king power by the new repub-
lie: and must have supervision and the
veto over CU1a's borrowing and treaty
making powers. These things being ar
ranged. the American people will be only
too glad to fulfill their pledges. and to
give the Cubans all the autonomy and in
dependence in their home affairs that they
could reasonably ask
Cuba is the stalking horse for an ex-
traordiDary session of Congress, the con
cealed purpose Of which probably is TO &C
complish the Subsidy steal; but the ses-
sion has been decided upon, and there is
nothing to be gained by criticising the
motives of the Administration in the
premises. at present. The imminence and
seriousness OF the Cuban question would
justify an extraordinary session. were no
other object in view 1t is the duty OF
Democrats in Congress to help and not to
hinder the Government al this juncture-
They must realize that whatever action
shall be taken viii be taken for all time.
Once more they are offered chance TO
demonstrate the great truth that Ameri-
can patriotism IS above party