The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-04-01
FUTURE OF THE CUBANS
GEN. FITZHUGH LEE SAYS THEY
WILL GIVE sELF-RULE A TRIAL.
II They Cannot Conducs a Stable Gov
eminent Their Destiny VIII be For
ever Cared for by This Nation.

OMAHA. Neb.. March s1.-General Fitz-
hugh Lee for the first time since his retire
ment 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 re-
ferring to his services as consul general
and in the army in tina 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 its sailing. chart TO
parts of the world undreamed OF until re-
Gently as being in its 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
10 the authority Of the United States has
ceased. Tbs splendid exploit of Funston
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. Upon 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-
compl1shed the government of the island
should be turned over TO its 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,
III ucdu american SOltltrS ana 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
the island should not only be pacifed. but
be permanently pacified. The pledge of the
United States does not demand that Ameri-
can control or supervision be absolutely
withdrawn If the United States from evil
dence before the proper department be-
iieves that the Cubans will fight among
themselves before or shortly after the
American soldiers now i'm Cuba stack their
muskets on American soil.
The war was waged 20 make Spain
withdraw its land and naval forces from
Cuba and relinquish its authority on the
island. That having been accomplished
the United States is now concerned in up
holding its solemn pledge of pacihcation i'm
the interest of all.
Cuba will agree in time to the condi-
tons imposed by the Plat amendment in
the interests of its own independence and
in order that the United States can faith
fully maintain the pledged paciication of
the island. Thirty-one member were
elected, or rather selected, from the whole
island to constitute a constitutional con-
vention. When it's work is completed the
organization OF a government should fol-
low and when that Is accomplished the
undoubtedly be turned over to the Cubans.
The foreign and other property-holders
want protection and peace. The majority
of Cubans, constituting the agriculturists,
are apparently ignorant that a convention
Is in session and 1t is most difficult to
make them vote on any question. Many
portions OF China did not know a wal 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 excited. When
the time m to fill the government Of
fees they will be heard from often and
early
"Cuba's future will be determined by
Cubas craftsmanship. Should the collec-
tive Cuban wisdom be sufficient to keep the
craft afioat on the waters of prosperity and
establish a stable government strong
enough to protect life and property and
give confidence to capital there will be no
disposition on the part of the United
States to interfere; but if the government
problem cannot be solved after a fair trial
by the Cubans the future destiny of the
island will be forever conided to the care
of the great American Republic"