New-York tribune., 1902-05-21
THE REPrRLrC OF CUBA.

The deed is done The promise of the Uniteu
States is fulfilled. The flag OF the CHIle"
States is replaced by that of Cuba on the palace
and Notifications of Havana. The Ohlteu
States troops are on their way nome ine
Tinted States Governor-no. he is Ex-Governor
now-iS on his wav back to Washington. Iolhas
Estrada Palma is President of the Cuban ne
public The Cuban constitution Is IN loIce'
Free Cuba is an accomplished fact Such is the
meaning of Yesterdays dongS at havana Inc
circumstances were unique and unpreceuenleu'
Rut the deed seems TO have been done WITHOUT
untoward incident. amid popular Satisfaction
and enthusiasm. and with all the accessories
which could be bestowed by nature prodigal or
beauty and by nation of generous ana artlSllc
remperament 1t was the day dreamed OF ny
Cuban patriots for many weary year Let US
hope the fufment will permanently prove more
precious than the dream.
What was said and done at Havana was well
said and we'll done. BY no means the least
good part of it was the reference made. in ooth
the proclamation of transfer and the letter OF
the President of the United States to the fresi-
dent and Congress of Cuba, 10 the constitution
according to which Cuba is TO he governed. lt
Is 10 be believed that the Cubans are capable of
enlightened and successful elfgovernment. IL
would be ungracious TO suspect them OF ten
denotes toward such state of affairs as mas
too often prevailed in some Of the Central and
South American countries. But over and above
all that their constitution stands as the charter
of their stability and order. as we'll as of their
liberties. 1t must never be forgotten that the
United States intervened in Cuba in order 10
secure the establishment there of government
able TO perform tho functions Of government
according to the United States standard of gov
ernmental efficiency That is the dominant fac
tor of the whole problem. The Cuban consttu-
tion was expressly framed for the fulflment Of
that purpose. and it has behind IT the guaran-
tee of the United States.
In that fact there is inspiration. not humilia-
ton. for Cuba. The Cubans know that this
country does not mean to NEEDLE with their af-
fairs, but that it has in good faith surrendered
the government of the island to them; but they
realize. too that the standard of United States
stability and sobriety has been set up for them,
for them to live up TO. They realize that they
are not rudely set adrift to work out their own
salvation. but that the same power which for
three-quarters of a century exercised a semi
protectorate over them subjects of Spain
tinues TO maintain that same attitude toward
them AS citizens of a free republic The United
States flag was yesterday hauled down in Cuba;
but it remains close TO Cuba. within striking
distance If need should be- Its proximity and
the assurance of its watchfuness will be a
guarantee of Cuba's security from foreign at
tack. an exhortation against domestic disorder
and an unceasing stimulus to high endeavor IN
civic achievement The republic Of Cuba begins
its career well. And not the least hopeful feat
ure Of its Inauguration is the fact that-for pro-
/ lection If need be, and for correction though
! We may hope that need will never be-it re-
mains within the practical and effectual infu-
! ence of the United States