The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-02-26

The Cuban Compromise.


ious to please the Beers by emitting all
mention of suzerainty in the last treaty
between Great Britain and the South
African Republic all the recent and pres
ent trouble in South Africa might have
been avoided. But the Beers were SEN
sitive. and SO the treaty contained no
direct reference to the matter of suze-
rainty. which had been expressly recog-
nized in the agreements and practice of
the two countries before Majuba Hill.
On this account the Transvaal burghers
have insisted ever since that they were
completely independent. and their State
fully sovereign. In this they have been
mistaken, according to the rules of inter-
national law. because, although it is true
that the Objectionable word "suzerainty''
was carefully evaded in the AngIo-Boer
Convention OF London, what meant Pre-
cisely the sane thing was inserted in the
clause which provided that the South
African Republic should not make treaties
with aoreign Powers, the Orange Free
State excepted. without the consent Of
Great Britain.
One of the first of our efforts in formu-
lating the terms of our future relations
with Cuba should be to avoid the slight
est ambiguity. In view of this consilerl-
ton. We hardly think that the amendment
TO the Army Appropriation bill. reported
by Senator Plat of Connecticut yesterday.
on behalf of the Committee on Relations
with Cuba, of which he is chairman. s
sufficiently clear and to the point The
amendment seeks to define certain condi-
tons to which it is desired that the peo-
pie Of Cuba shall subscribe as conditions
precedent to autonomy and their indie
pendence in internal affairs 1t reads as
follows:
That the Government Of Cuba shall never
enter into any treaty OF other compact with
any foreign Power or Powers which will tend 10
impair independence OF Cuba nor in aay
manner authorize or permit any foreign Power
or Powers 10 obtain by colonization or for mill
tary or naval purposes or otherwise lodsmcnt IN
or control over any portion of said island.
That said Government shall not assume or
contract any public debt to pay the interest
upon which and to make reasonable sinking fund
provision for the ultimate discharge Of which
the ordinary revenues Of the island after defray-
ing the current expenses OF government shall be
inadequate.
H.
THAT the Government of Cuba consents that
the nited States may exercise the right to in
tefFene for the preservation Of Cuban indepen-
denee, the maintenance q government adequate
for the protection Of life. property, and indi-
vidual liberty and for dischzrgiEg the obliga-
tiOns with respect TO Cuba imposed by the
Treaty OF Paris on the United States. now to be
assumed and undertaken by the Government OF
Cuba.
That all acts Of the United States in Cuba
during it, military occupancy thereof are rati-
Al ussA s-affA 81 a,.I all 81 f,I,sa
quired hereunder shall be maintained and pro-
tected.
That the Government Of Cuba viii execute
and far necessary extend. the plans al
ready devised other plans to be mutually
agreed upon for the sanitation Of the cities Of
the island. to the end that recurrence OF cpl
deinic and infectious diseases may be prevented.
thereby assuring protection to the people aud
commerce Of Cuba, well the commerce
of the Southern ports Of the United States and
the people residing therein.
VI
That the Isle of Pines shall be omitted from
the proposed constitutional boundaries of Cuba
the title thereto being left to future adjustment
by treaty.
VII.
That to enable the United States to maintain
the independence Of Cuba and to protect the
people thereof well for its defence,
the Government Of Cuba will sell or lease TO the
United States lands necessary for coaling or
naval stations at certain specified points 10 be
agreed upon with the President of the United
States
That by way Of further assurance the Gov
erTment Of Cuba will embody the foregoing pro-
visions in permanent treaty with tie United
States.'
While we recognize the difficulty which
our Legislators encounter in trying to
keep the gratuitous pledge of the Teller
resolution of April, 1928, and at the same
time to guard the interests Of this country
against the risks Of anarchy within Cuba
and possible foreign interference. it does
seem as if the provisions of the first article
quo.ed above might be made less liable to
create differences due to varying con-
struction. Why not say at once that the
Government of Cuba shall not make treat
les or other engagements with foreign
countries. contrary 10 the rights or inter
esis Of the United States. or without its
consent? That is what the necessities Of
the occasion demand. How are they to be
lodged and at the same time, recognized
and provided for? The second article is
equally open to objection. 1t leaves too
much to be measured By different views
regarding the financial condition, revenue
resources, and financial standing of the
protected Government The other clauses
and provisions do not offer anything which
strikes US at present as being particularly
ont of the way. We should say that il
would be a mistake TO adopt the amend
1nent without the Insertion OF a plain
declaration that Cuba is not to assume
nr exercise any war making power without
the consent Of this country.
In short, it should be carefully borne in
mind that major part OF the trouble in
international relations, often leading TO
suspensions Of diplomatic intercourse, and
sometimes 70 hostililies, IS caused by
anxiety on the part of those who nego-
tate agreements between States TO avoid
the use OF terms and expressions likely
TO wound the dignity or vanity Of one or
both OF the high contracting parties.
Thus, matters which ought to be definite
Is settled In advance are left open TO
doubt, and very regularly result in dis
agreement. friction, or worse. Our forces
are in Cuba and can be kept there until
tie people OF the island shall be ready to
ofier a satisfactory settlement That they
will come around to the proper frame of
mind in due season ought not TO admit
of much question.
The Piatt amendment is also open TO
criticism on the general principle that IL
fs a vicious practice 20 attach such seri-
Gus and all-important legislation as