The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-25

Congress and the President seem to be
approaching az understanding on the Gu
ban question that will probably prove sat
isfactory to the Cubans and at the same
time do away with the necessity for an
extra session of Congress. The latter is
not highly important. the personal conven-
fence of congressman being the main ques-
ton involved. but If the Cuban question
can be satisfactorily adjusted without an
extra session II may as well be omitted.
The present proposition is to modify the
demands of the Uninu States and, instead
OF insisting on constitutional guarantees,
make them a matter Of treaty stipulation.
The new proposition embodies the following
points:
That the United States shall have super
vision of all treaties with foreign coun-
tries made by the Republic of Cuba.
That Cuba shall not undertake to pay
the debt incurred by Spain in her war with
Cuba prior to or after the Intervention OF
That Cuba shall agree either to lease or
to sell to the United States such coaling
naval stations as in the opinion of the
President of the United States may be nee
essary TO the protection OF the interests
of this country.
cient supervision of the laws Of Cuba re-
| lating TO sanitation to protect this coun-
try from epidemics liable to originate there.
These conditions are even more lenient
than those first proposed. They represent
the minimum of what the United States
should insist upon as guarantee of future
good behavior by Cuba and the safeguard
| ing of our own interests. Acceptance of
and compliance with these conditions by
Cuba will conduce to her own safety and
| prosperity, as well to the protection of
| American interests. Rejection of them will
show that the Cubans are still actuated
by a spirit that BODIES trouble.
A Washington dispatch says:
| There is more or less contention over the
| exact meaning of the word 'pacification
| as used in the Teller resolution. That resO-
| luton provided that the United States
forces should be removed from the island
| when IL should become ''pacified." The
contention is that this is word that may
| be broadly interpreted and may permit the
| United States troops to remain for long
period of time.
That is precisely the point made by this
paper in recent editorial on the subject,
which called attention to the fact that the
term qualification is broad one, includ-
ing not merely the oppression of acti
hcstilities but the establishment of con-
ditions that promise permanent peace
Congress" it was said. made no pledge
to withdraw troops within a specified
time or at a specified point of pacification
1t left for the President, or retained for It,
self, free hand in this matter" Con
gress should adhere firmly to this view
Cuba will not be truly pacifed until she
has solemnly agreed to terms that insure
the preservation of peace and the safe
guarding of the interests of her deliverer
Refusal TO do this Is anti-pacifcation.
is the duty of the United States to exercs,
the control over Cuba that Is necessary t
establish permanent pacifcation and, wher
that is done. to leave the government anC
control of the island to its people-then
and not before.