The Saint Paul globe., 1901-04-15
FoRBEARAxCE THE GREAT NEED.

FORBEARANCE THE GREAT NEED.
Despite it's lack Of substantial concern
to this people the Cuban problem is today
the leading topic of consideration among
them It might without exaggeration be
claimed that Americans are tired of the
Cuban question, and that they would
gladly rid themselves of all further con-
Germ in the affairs of the island if they
could do so consistently with the well
fare and protection of Their own country.
The obligation is recognized among us
to establish not only republican form OF
government in Cuba that will be accept
able to the Cuban people or that frac-
ton of them which is inactively interest
ed in its political concern; but one which
will have the inherent requirements Of en-
durance and will represent fair dis
charge of the international obligations
assumed by the United States in promot-
ing Cuban freedom.
Prof. Schurman, Of Cornell university,
whose knowledge of Philippine affairs has
been of much value in the attempts there
made to establish civil government, has
declared his conviction that we must in-
sist on the adoption of the Platt amend
ments. The Cuban convention has itself
wisely decreed that no formal action
would be taken on the amendments until
a commission has been appointed to visit
Washington and report the result Of it's
conference with the president and his
constitutional advisers The general trend
of Cuban sentiment-that is among those
who fought against Spain-finds reason
able expression in the action of the con-
vention
Whatever criticism may be rightfuny
passed on the attitude Of the Cubans to-
ward this nation, we owe it to ourselves
to act with much of forbearance and
charity These people are unused to the
discharge of serious political or social OBJ
legations They do not look with kind
ness on the military system which does
duty among them for government. The
recent conduct of our representatives
in Havana in suppressing newspapers
and making urrestrained exhibition of
the mailed fist is to them highly sug-
gcstive of Spanish methods. 1t impresses
those of them who are disposed to believe
that we seek to remain in control, with
the conviction that they have but chang
cd masters, and that the change offers
49,
conduct their own concerns in their own
way.
All this may seem absurd to the
American mind; but it is well that we
should reflect upon the totally different
view point from which the two races
regard the situation. We have the
CUbans in our power We can insist on
the fulhllment of our conditions; we are
justified in so doing; yet it is easy to in
sist in such manner as win soften the
asperities of the situation When mat
ters of existing difference have been re-
duced to their true proportions there is
hardly a doubt that even the most rad
ical of the Cuban radicals, who seek an
honest adjustment, Will adopt substan-
tally our view.
che administration of Cuban affairs
has thus far been in the highest degree
creditabIe tc US and prcmotive of ultt-
mate agreement. The few mistakes that
have been made will soon be lost sight
Of What has been done in the way OF
the suppression of Cuban prints and the
punishment of Cuban editors should be
undone as quickly as possible, and every
concession made to Cuban pre;udices
until the delegation from the constitu-
tonal convention has returned from
Washington and reported to the body
which appointed it. In this way we may
prepare for the extremely probable re-
suit Of annexation, should the Cubans
ultimately decide that the true interests
of the island and It's people demand ad-
mission 10 the American Union.