The age-herald., 1901-04-01
CUBAN VIEWS OF GEN. F|TzHUGH LIE Says United States Must Relin-
 quish Her Hold AS SOON AS PEACE IS HAD Porto Rico is Ours by Conquest While Cuba's Status is Fixed Under
 the Teller Resolution in
 Act Declaring War.
AS SOON AS PEACE IS HAD

Omaha, March 31.-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 banquet given in his honor at the Omaha Club. After referring to his services as consul general and in the army in the island, he said:
 More than ever must there be an eXer- else of patriotism in its 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 recently as being in its course. The Phil ippines are ours by treaty and their fu- ture so far as the United States Is con- cerned, should be duly determined by Con- gress after and not before the armed resistance to the authority of the United States has ceased. The splendid exploit of Funston throws a brilliant light upon the coming path of peace.
 Porto Rico is ours by conquest, while Cuba has its status fixed by the Teller resolution in the act declaring war against Spain. Under that resolution the United States disclaims any intention of exercising sovereignty, Jurisdiction or control over the island of Cuba. except for the pacification thereof, and when that is accomplished. the government Of the island should be turned over to its own. people That solemn declaration is binding on our government, in my opin.
 l@a x-to 11xra adh to.
 Treasure and Blood.
 "The expenditure of treasure and blood, the dead American soldiers and sailors, the geographical location of that island the large interests held by the Ameri- cans, Spanish. English. German, French and indeed the Cubans themselves, de- mand that the island should not only be pacified but be permanently pacified The pledge of the United States does not de- mand that American control or supervis- ion be absolutely withdrawn if the United States, from evidence before the proper department, believes tn the Cubans will fight among themselves before or short ly after the American soldiers now in Cuba stack their muskets on American soil
 .'The war was waged to make Spain withdraw it land and naval forces from Cuba and relinquish its authority on the island. That having been accomplished the United States is now concerned ir upholding it's solemn pledge of pacifica- ton in the interests of all.
 Cuba will agree in time to the condi- ' xio,s ir,paoad Inv tho PIatf aDopndmept in the interets of it's own independence and in order that the United States can faithfully maintain the pledged pacifica- tion of the island
 The Constitution.
 'Thirty-one members were elected, or rather selected, from the whole island to constitute a constitutional convention. When its work Is completed the organi- zation of a government should follow and when that is accomplished the juris- diction and control of the island will un- doubtedy be turned over to the Cubans. The foreign and other property holders want protection and peace. The majority of Cubans, constituting the agricultural ists, are apparently ignorant that con- vention is in session, and it is most diffi- cult to 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 of words of the convention. The ex-Cuban soldiers are active and more or less ex- cited. When the time comes to fill Ihe government offices they will be heard from often and early.
 ''Cubas future will be determined by Cubas statesmanship. Should the col lective Cuban wisdom be sufficient to keep the craft afioat on the waters of prosperity and establish a stable gov srnment strong enough to protect life and property and give confidence tc capi- tai, there will be no dlsposition en the part of the United Sta:es to interfere; but if the government problem cannot be solved after fair trial by the Cdpans the future destiny of the smile of the sea will be forever conided to the onIe of the great American republic