New-York tribune., 1901-09-05
CUBA'S CRYING NEED.
NOT THE SETTLEMENT OF HER POLTTI-
CAL STATUS. But THE RESTORATION
OF HER MATERIAL PROSPERITY

To the Editor Of The Tribune
Sir: The mastery paper published in your issue
Of August 81 under the head of Cuban Consttu-
tion Defects" merits the careful attention of all In
terested in Cuban politics, II throws powerful
light upon the conditions under which Cuban IN
dependence. If established, is likely be governed.
Probably any member Of the so-called Latin
branch of the family OF nations might cricise this
paper as being written under too preponderatinG an
influence OF AnElO-Saxon ideas. They would
claim. and perhaps with reason, that some Of the
defects pointed out such simply from the
AnElo-Saxon point OF view From a rather init
mate knowledge Of the prevailing traits OF the
Latin race. somewhat inclined 10 think this
just criticism. / disposed think that II Cuba
Is TO exist independent republic. France
would be a safer model for imitation than the
United States. Almost everything in our manners.
customs laws and diosyncrasies goes against the
grain Of the cuban timber on the other hand.
France, the undeniable head of the Latin
tions. affords the natural and conEeuia model for
all the smaller members OF that family. But IL
would lead TOO far dwell longer upon this topic.
which I frank admit that there may be-
much 10 be said. both pro and con. regard 70
my above expressed Views.
The paper referred 10 calls attention 10 the fact
that the proposed constitution would erect purely
central government. leaving the provinces. which.
II says. correspond 70 the States OF the American
Union. practically without power. But 10 must be-
borne in mind that the whole island has smaller
area than many-perhaps most-Of our States. and
=
millions. Surely II would SAVIOR Of comic opera TO
erect the six provinces into six States. each with
a State government similar 10 The
tendency OF each would be according Latin iu-
stncts 20 drift into an exaggerated development Of
the States rights idea Any successful govern.
mcnt in Cuba must be central
One point OF the utmost Importance IS brought
out toward the close Of the paper. OF such impor-
tance. indeed. that by itself alone coufers
signal value upon the whole communication. II is
this Nc provision Is q ree
merce between the provinces nor between different
cities Of the same province Failing such pro-
vision, all commerce and reciprocal treaties be-
tween the United States and the republic of Cuba
could be practically nullihed by legislation
the part of Cuba This is, indeed the greatest eye
opener OF the entire paper in respect TO prospective
business relations between the two countries
The crying need Of Cuba at the present day is not
the settling Of her political status but the
tion Of her material prosperity. The Improvement
in her sanitary conditions under American rule is
marvellous and encoura ginE. The Improvement in
the condition Of the laborng classes is also marked.
owing to the employment OF large numbers In the
various public works carried on since the Amer
occupation But It safe say that com
mercial enterprise laEs and that the condition Of
the middle classes is far from prosperous In
ply. may be told that material prosperity cannot
be advanced till the political status is determined
True. if persist in looking at cuba through
Saxon spectaces. not true II regard cuba
she is and more particularly Cubans they are.
From long personal experience | feel luStlpeu IN
wing that the Cuban is Indifferent his political
status. long his material welfare Is secured
and his tastes gratihed. do consider that this
Cuba Is entirely under American control
than if actually annexed to the Union. II liberal
commercial relations be granted at to Cuba
under satisfactory guarantees of a least relative
permanenCe. and capital is thereby enticed into
Cuban investme general prosperity all over the
island would spring up as by magic, and the best
Cuban elements would little whether Amer-
Intervention maintained indefinitely. or
whether they were annexed, declared indepen-
dent. They would adjust themselves any given
rule, and be happy. For choice they would prob
ably prefer the first named.
cannot close this letter without referring TO "A
subject which you have repeatedly treated of. with
great good Judgment in your columns. mean the
Indies and all South American States for the
United States OF America. You right every
time in emphasizing the Pan-American idea. Right
here, this continent is the natural theatre for
: play commercial drama. But, strange
say effort seems TO be to crowd into the
European market while abandon own, or
what should be to European enterprise
We can never permanently beat European manu-
facturers OF Europe but and should be
supreme own continent. Our manufactur-
ers NAV for a while. by disposng of surplus stock
a throat rates drive foreigners to the wall IN
their home markets, but those who antagonize and
attempt to conquer all Europe generally end up at
St Helena The. contract is too big Let us rather
trade and secure and keep the commercial su-
prenacy Of the Western Hemisphere and leave
EIrope TO the Europeans. +. 3 q.
Y. Sept. .