Evening star., 1901-04-01
GEN. LEE ON CUBA'S FUTURE
PLAIN TALK BY FORMER consul AT
HAVANA.
Cubans Must Show the World They
Are Capable of Self-GOV-
ernmenf.
ernll lllenf.

Gen. Fitzhugh Lee for the first time since
his retirement from the army, has given
expression to his views with regard to the
future of Cuba. The occasion was the ban
quet given in his honor at the Omaha
Club. After referring to his service as con-
sui general and in the army in that island,
he said:
More than ever must there be an eXer
else of patriotism in it's highest sense by
the citizens of the United States. The ship
of state has extended it's sailing chart to
parts of the world undreamed of until re-
Gently as being in it's course. The Philip
pines are ours by treaty, and their future,
so far as the United States is concerned,
should be duly determined by Congress
after and not before the armed resistance
to the authority of the United States has
ceased. The splendid exploit of Funston
throws brilliant light upon the coming
path of peace.
Porto Rico is ours by conquest, while
Cuba has it's status fixed by the Teller
resolution in the act declaring war against
Spain. Under that resolution the United
States disclaims any Intention Of eXercis-
ing sovereignty, jurisdiction or control
over the Island of Cuba, except for the
pacification thereof, and when that is ac-
complished the government of the island
should be turned over to it's own people.
That solemn declaration is binding on our
government, and, in my opinion, will be
and should be rigidly adhered to.
THE expenditure of treasure and blood,
the dead American soldiers and sailors,
the geographical location of the island the
large interests held by the Americans,
Spanish, English, German, French, and, in
deed, the Cubans themselves, demand that
be permanently~ pacified. The pledge of
the United States does not demand that
American control or supervision be abso-
lutely withdrawn, If the United States,
ovid tha 6ana rt-
ment, believes that the Cubans will fight
among themselves before shortly after
the American soldiers now in Cuba stack
their muskets on American soil.
'The waged to make Spain
| withdraw It's land and naval forces from
| Cuba and relinquish it's authority on the
| island. That having been accomplished,
| the United States Is now concerned in up
holding its solmen pledge Of pacification
/ in the interests of all.
Cuba will agree in time to the conditions
| imposed by the Platt amendment in the
| interests of its own independence, and in
| order that the United States can faithfully
maintain the pledged pacification of the
| island.
| "Thirty-one members were elected or
| rather selected, from the whole island to
constitute a constitutional convention
| When its work is completed the organiza-
tion of government should follow, and
| when that is accomplished the jurisdiction
| and control of the island will undoubtedly
| be turned over to~the Cubans.
| THE foreign ana other property holders
| want protection and peace. The majority
| of Cubans, constituting the agriculturists
| are apparently ignorant that convention
, is in session. and 1t is most difficult tc
| make them vote on any Question. Many
| portions of China did not know a war was
In progress with Japan; SO many Cubans
pay no attention to the war ofwords Of the
| convention. The ex-Cuban soldiers are
active and more or less excited. When tn.
time comes to fill the government office.
they will be heard from often and early
"Cuba's future will be determined b,
Cuba's craftsmanship Should the collec