Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-07-21
WHICH POLITICAL PARTY
WILL FIRST GET CUBA in?

annexation. Senator Elkins. OF West VIr-
ginia, in the only speech delivered on Gu
ban reciprocity in the senate. openly
avowed that he favored annexation not in
the far distant future, but at once, be-
fore Cuba became loaded with debts which
she could not pay, before its finances fell
into deplorable condition that it's school
teachers must remain unpaid and its
scholars suffer for want of a common
school education; before the demands OF
the alleged patriot army upon the Cuban
treasury began TO drain 1t to the dregs:
before capital became timid and surveyed
Cuba with longing eyes but cautions foot
steps; before in brief, Cuba should be
placed In a position where annexation
would be its only means Of salvation.
Senator Ell1ins probably knew that four
flfths of the senate was behind him in
private opinion, II not in outspoken SEN
timent In the house, however, when Rep
resentative Newlands boldly announced
to his party that he would not support
the cause OF Cuban reciprocity unless
coupled with 1t there should be an invita-
ton to Cuba to become part Of the
union, he was roundly condemned by his
Democratic associates. 1t may be said,
however that before the adjournment of
congress the idea of annexation, as advo-
Gated by Representative Newlands, had
taken such hold on the Democrats that
had Mr.. Newlands presented the question
to the Democratic caucus, as contemplate
ed, IL is probable that three-fourths Of his
fellow-members would have stood by him.
Party policy-it being held the time had
not yet come-prevented such action.
Leaders on Subject.
Cuban annexation. therefore, has two
prominent supporters, the one q Republi-
can senator, the other a Democratic rep
wl.An 81
who have forced their way into the world,
not only to wealth. but to political posi-
ton. 1t is more than likely that each had
his eye fixed upon something higher. Mr..
Newlands is assured of a seat In the SEN
etc to succeed Senator Jones, and should
tho annexation of Cuba be postponed sew
eral years, there is a possibility that Ell
kins and Newlands will be the leaders Of
opposing forces in the senate in favor Of
the same idea. Representative Newlands
was closely associated with Hawaiian an
nexation. Senator Elkins was formerly a
delegate from New Mexico. Which of the
two statesmen will see their fond hope OF
adding a third star to the flag. that rep
resenting the state Of Cuba, realized?
The attitude which President Roosevelt
will assume toward this question IS the
cause of speculation. II is said, and on
very good authority. that the administra-
ton contemplated the presentation OF a
resolution of annexation to the senate by
one of its representatives in that body,
and that by submitting a similar resolu-
ton Mr.. Elkins merely forestalled the ad-
ministration. If this is true, II cannot be
expected that President Roosevelt, with
the political sagacity which he has al
ready manifested In the absorption of the
trust issue, will refrain from endorsing
Cuban annexation merely because Senator
Elkins and Representative Newlands have
declared themselves in favor of annex
alton. It is more reasonable to believe
tho president will decline to commit him
self on this question until the Cuban re-
public has demonstrated either it's ca
pacity or incapacity to care for itself, and
until the sentiment in the United States
in favor of annexation shall have given
evidence OF its strength, as 1t did in the
case Of the annexation OF the Philippines,
under the Mckinley administration. In
adopting a policy Of Cuban annexation,
President Roosevelt can point to a large
number of illustrious predecessors in the
executive mansion. Jefferson said,. can
didly confess that I have ever looked on
Cuba as the most Interesting addition
which could ever be made to our system
Of states" In 1S4S President Polk offered
500. 600 900 for Cuba. G President Pierce IA
vored the acquisition Of the island. Pres
ident Buchanan, then minister to England,
Mr.. Mason, minister to France, and Mr..
Soule, minister to Spain, Jointly urged the
purchase Of the island for $120, 900 900.
President Garfield indicated he was IA