The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1901-01-14
MUST NOT GET OUT
Congressman Bailey Says Uncle
Sam Must Stay in Cuba.
Has just Returned From Tour
of Investigation.
OPINION OF CUBANs.
Thinks Them Incapable Of Self
Government.
Are All Bitter Enemies of the
United States.
OPINION OF CUBANs.

Washington, D. c., Jan. 14.-@Cuba is
not capable of government" said
Congressman w J. Bailey of Kansas,
to the State Journal representative in
speaking of his 1aunt in Cuba during
the holiday recess. During his stay on
the island of two weeks Mr.. Bailey took
due advantage of every opportunity to
study the country and conditions Of the
people there in general.
In speaking of the people he said, 1.-The
major portion of Cubans have not ac-
quired any property and are as class
not worth anything, being uninteliigent
and illiterate. They are a people whose
sentiment of liberty is without any idea
of its real meaning. To have liberty
to them is construed to have license
Their only idea of government IS power;
oppression; coercion. To the Cuban,
government means a job. and an easy
one. Such a condition is the result OF
Spanish rule.
TT is my opinion that should the
United States withdraw from Cuba
there would be a revolution inside of
two or three months after It is my
strong conviction that Uncle Sam has
got to keep his strong hand in Cuba
Although ultimately it appears to me
that we are held duty bound for honor s
sake to give them self-g government. 1t
was an unfortunate sentiment that
dominated congress when the Teller res
olution was passed. But it is a condl-
ton, not a theory, that confrontS US
and we have promised them self-goVern-
ment. But pending that the United
States would make a grave mistake,
prove false to those people who have
gone there and made investments, and
prove recreant to the great trust inn
posed upon US, by turning them over
again to riot and revolution. That is
what it means at this time.
what is the meaning of our flag in
Cuba ?' was asked Mr.. Bailey "I have
never realized before just what our flag
meant I fully appreciate its meaning
now" he replied. I wouldn't consider
myself safe in Cuba today if the flag
were taken off the MORO Castles and
postoffice buildings. It was with the
greatest satisfaction and ease that I
felt when saw the stars and stripes
streaming in the breeze A proud sense
of feeling would come over any Ameri-
can at it's sight in such placer any
where abroad for that matter.
1.-THE very moment that you place foot
on Cuban soil you feel you are in hos
tile country. It is in the air. The Gu
bans are our most bitter enemies while
the Spaniards are our friends. The lat
ter are the substantial citizens of the
is1and-the business men. They repre-
sent the business interests there almost
90 per cent The SpaniardS would well
come United States control Of Cuba:
in other words, would gladly welcome
any stable government that would
guarantee to them their property and
personal rights 1t is a business pro-
position to them, and not a question OF
sentiment
In speaking of General Wood. Mr.
Bailey says: There is one man there
who commands my admiration, and that
is General Wood He is holding the
most unique position any American ever
held. He is the executive, the judicial
the administrative-an of these func-
| lions are embodied in him. The natives
make a pretense of doing business and
counseling with him, but he is the su-
preme power in Cuba He is thoroughly
a commoner, and does not feel puffed uI
| in any sense on account of his high Off
| cial position. He isn't like the average
army fellow, who is possessed of one
| idea that all things revolve around
hirn-or the army. He is a practical
comprehensive business man, and I be-
lieve him thoroughly and absolutely
honest. He is as bold as a lion. Any
vacillating fellow holding his office
wouldn't last longer than an angleworm
would for a railroad tie
my judgment is that we are not go
ing to get out of Cuba-that is. clear