The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1902-06-30
Mr.. ELKINS URGES
ANNEXATION OF CUBA

7 tIaLlouS have induced Spain to SuTreI-
/ der sovereignty over Cuba and Porto
Rico
II was clear that only through the in
PREVENTION OF the United States -
peaceful means or war could the people
Of Cuba ever have hoped TO end Spanish
rule OF the Island Ncthiug short Of
the annexation OF Cuba would have
justified the United States in interven-
Ing and paving Spain 5000 GO0 geo for the
island. The people Of Cuba would have
welcomed annexation, as it offered the
0nly. escape from Spanish domination
on the island
Criticises Teller Amendment.
Even with the war. had it not been
for our declaration that tie war was
not waged for conquest or aggrandize-
meEt- known as the Teller amendment.
Cuba would today be a part Of the
United States. inst as Porto Rico and
the Philippines are. This amendment
has proved both mischievous and IN
wise There was no need OF the United
States, on the eve of war. declaring
what It would OF would not do during
OF following the war Wise men. and
a nation governed by wise men in en-
tcrins upon great transactions should
never make unnecessary declarations
and pledges.
The difficulties trials and troubles
we had IN Cuba, Porto Rico. and Hawaii.
and are now having in the Philippines
are but the pulse beats Of expansion.
the growing pains OF the Republic.
natural and logical in the progress and
development Of a great nation. They
VIII soon pass away and be forgotten
and we viii look upon our island pes
sessions with pride and satisfaction and
rs useful acquisitions necessary to
holding and increasing our trade and
commerce IN the Pacific Ocean and the
Orient. and FOR our national defense.
Annexation Logical.
When Cuba shall become q part Of the
American Union and the Isthmian Canal
shall be completed, which is now as
sured, Porto Rico, Cuba. Hawaii and
the Philippines viii be the outposts Of
the great Republic. standing guard over
American interests in the track Of the
worlds commerce IL its triumphant
march around the globe. Our people Will
soon see and feel that these island pos
sessions belonging TO the United States
are natural and logical, and IN the great
part we are 70 play IN the, affairs Of
the world We would not only mt give
them uD, but wonder how IN the work.
Ing out Of our national destiny. We could
set on without them. This splendid
chain Of island possessions. reaching
h4H around The world, would not be
complete without Cuba, the gem Of the
Antilles.
The provisions Of the act OF Congress
demanding that Cuba insert the condi-I
Ions IN her constitution. commonly
known as the Plat amendments. pre-
vent CUBA from being an entirely free
ailc independent nation. We have put
upon her conditions which NAV. in 2
sense. be 10 the mutual interest 0f both
countries, but while insuring a certain
security TO Cuba, ma kes her, in effect q
dependent nation, and as long as these
conditions stand as part OF our laws and
Undecided in her constitution she can
never be free and independent nation
This furnishes one Of the reasons whv
her people VIII prefer giving I'D na-
tional existence and becoming q part of
the Great Republic.
Tendency to Consolidation.
There is tendency in all human af-
fairs IN government, trade, and com
meTce to concentration and combination.
Meteors go TO the sun: small nations
are becoming parts OF great nations.
and Cuba in her present environment.
situated as she is, cannot be expected
to resist this tendency. Thoughtful and
intelligent people, both in Cuba and the
United States, believe that it is mani
Test destiny that Cuba should become q
part OF the United States. Why not an
iicipate the sure workings Of time and
DO now what the people of both nations
VIII welcome later on with Joy, unan-
Unity. and enthusiasm? Now is the /
most oPDoTtune time for annexation be-
fore Cuba contracts debts and strains |
her credit TO start in the race of na- /
'ional life, and before the United States |
II order 70 further help Cuba makes |
more sacrifices by abandoning her eco
homie traditions and breaking down the /
Eol-cy Of protection, which has brought /
such great prosperity and success 70 our /
people. In the long future, yet not long
IN the lives o. nations. Cuba would be- 4
come one Of the richest and most Dro- 4
grcssive StAtes Of the Union.
ONLY the beginning OF the history Of /
the relations between the two republics
has been written. che brief chapter. z !
chapter. however, unparalleled in the
world history. for what the United 4
3
did for another Both countries can
BOW agree upon and write down what
hey wish and what Is to their mutual
Interest before difficulties embarrass-
nents. OF hindrances to annexation come
about Cuba can now act freely before
Individuals and combinations. for selfish
Eake action The future trouble
come Prompt and untrammeIed action
lcw VIII safeguard the interests Of both
Juba and the United States
Tariff Reciprocity.
Americans have always had an AZ
ectionate interest IN Cuba's welfare,
hey gave their blood and treasure freely
O eEpeI the Spaniard from this beautiful
sland and to secure her people the lib
rites they now enjoy. Our honored
resident testified his interest in and
4ecticn for Cuba by his splendid hero
zin OF San Juan Hill The worthy Pres
cent Of Cuba. Senior Don Tomas Estrada
alma, able, honest, loyal. and unseldsh.
aows the heart Of the American people;
n f-. 90 g