New-York tribune., 1901-08-26
THE NEGRO IN CUBA.
IN THE EYES OF THE LAW HE STANDS
ON AN EQUAL FOOTING WITH THE
WHITE MANA SUGGESTION To
BAR HIM FROM THE FIRST
ARTILLERY RE
SENTED.

Havana, Cuba, August IA
1t is noticeable that persons OF color are barred
from enlistment in the LIST Cuban artillery. 1t
is also noteworthy tnat this purpose has met
with more opposition among white persons OF
all shades Of political opinion than among
groes.
The plan for the enlistment and organization
ot the first army Of the republic conceived
by General Wood who before he recently sailed
for the United States left everything arranged
as he desired. The proposition to provide
opportunity for Cubans 10 practise the necessary
exercises in order that they might have the be-
ginning OF a regular army we'll broken in by the
time OF the establishment of the new govern
ment. II was also foreseen that there would
otherwise he one in cuba TO care for valuable
ordnance on the withdrawal OF the American
troops. and il would be necessary for the United
States to leave the property in good hands.
One hundred and fifty "Cubans" will be en-
listed All must be twenty-one years old or
more and white. Negroes will not be received as
candidates for enlistment. Enlistment will be
made similarly as in the United States, and
viii be for a term of two years The same quail
i1cations and conditions which applied in
recruiting soldiers for the United States Army
viii he avsled of I'm this case. with the probable
exception of an inch lower chest measurement
The troops will be enlisted recruited and trained
by American captain OF artillery. They will
he stationed in the Cahala fortress adjoining
the MORO. across the hay from Havana. They
viii be called the Artillery Corps" They will
he instructed first in the school OF the soldier
and later in the care of artillery defence. The
Cuban uniform VII differ only slightly from the
American. and Will consist Of khaki. with dis
iinctive red insignia and cap similar 10 the cap
of the existing Cuban rural guard Leggngs Will
he Siu bz-- he HAY
The Artillery Corps will receive the same pay
the American soldier, from insular funds.
The enlistment has already begun. and more
than sufficient applications have been received
TO make up the total number required
One OF the first questions 10 arise concerning
the enlistment was as 10 who are "Cubans" with
in the terms Of the order In the absence OF
General Wood. Acting Military Governor Scott
explained that lin order TO be eligible the can
didate must be a Cuban citizen by birth or
option" This explanation has not sufficed 10
clear the doubt and has opened the question
again as 10 who are "Cubans' Certainly there
are no Cuban citizens" until the new consti-
tuition is promulgated and the new government
organized and running. II is also pointed out
that while the requirement Of birth in Cuba
may be easily satisfied II is somewhat more
difficult Ia know who is q Cuban. or a Cuban
citizen by option" Will il be necessary 10 wait
until the government is established ana
take out citizenship papers. there being no way
20 become a Cuban citizen now? How must the
option be expressed? Does II mean naturai=a- "
tion7 II so, the whole number Of soldiers wiz
be recruited before naturalization can be effect
ed. Are Spaniards eligible the new Cuban
artillery corps If they registered under the
Treaty OF Paris? How about those Spaniards
who did not so register. but who have said they