New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1903-11-24
NO ANNEXATION.

The bin which was introduced into the Sen
ate the other day looking TO the ADMISSION OF
Cuba into Statehood in this Union seems 10
have been meant seriously. and to have oeen
REGARDED seriously by the Senate. That does not
mean however. that II is faYOrably regarded.
On the contrary we are glad TO see that II Is
most unfavorably regarded by some of those to
whom the Senate looks for leadership, and we
are glad 10 believe that il has no possible chance
OF enactment or even OF favorable report IL
IS an i'll conceived proposal put forward at
peculiarly inappropriate time and the best
thing that can be done with II is to dismiss IL
into limbo in a way hat will discourage the
making Of any more such proposals for many
a year 10 come.
We might say forever, without appearing too
greatly to discount the future. 1t is possible.
no doubt, that at some time Cuba may become
a member of this Union, though we hope not
But if So it should be at far different time
and under FAR different circumstances from the
present. IL should be when Cuba, having pa
tientlv made the experiment OF self-government,
and having educated and disciplined herself up
10 the American standard, herself decides to
seek annexation 10 this Union, and herself
takes the initiative in requesting such admls-
sion. If membership in this Union is worth
having. il is worth asking for; and il is entirely
TOO precious thing TO be publicly hawked
about and offered TO careless and Indifferent
bystanders.
There is entirely too much loose talk about
annexing this, that and the other territory
to the United States 1t is not good thing.
Statehood means not merely another star IN the
flag. II means another factor in the lawmak-
ing and governing OF the nation. If Statehood
for Cuba were TO mean simply increased power
ola ~ha-n aicrhr n
objection TO st. But it would mean the invest
ing Of Cuba with power to govern New-York
and Massachusetts and Illinois and all the rest
Of us. II might mean giving to Cuba such bal
ance Of power between the two great parties
that her vote would turn the scale one way or
the other and the whole policy Of our national
government would be determined by the votes
of Cubans. We do not think the people Of the
United States are ready to give such status TO
that island
Nor viii idle talking about Cuban Statehood
expedite Cuba's preparation for such status.
On the contrary. it will more probably delay
# For Cuba's sake for the sake Of her tran
ouillity and prosperity. such talk and such pro-
posals should cease. As for the United States,
the less it has to say on the subject the better
for itself II had its chance five and half
years ago 10 acquire Cuba as territorial pos
session. honestly and honorably. IL did not do
So but gratuitously adopted an act of self
denial, forbidding itself 10 take advantage or
the onportunity that was before it Having
thus made it's bed, this country should lie in
81 without repining. Moreover, it should learn
10 fulfil its moral obligations TO Cuba as she
is before it seeks closer relations with her. The
body that has just delayed again the doing Of
Justice to Cuba is no place for suggestions of
Cuban annexation.