The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1905-03-19
III.

HI
The authors final chapter Ia at once
retrospective and prospective: a summary
and a horoscope The experiment Of the
United States in colonial government Is
pronounced far from a failure, 80 far as
Cuba is concerned, but, perhaps, equally
far from an unqualified Success. II is
conceded that much was accomplished
which will be Of lasting benefit TO the island.
Such mistakes as were made wers mainly
individual. A fundamental error, indeed,
Is pointed out in the delegation Of State
building to hands unframed in the work
and imperfcctly fitted for it. In spite,
however, Of all the acts Of the Military
Government that may be criticised or con-
demned, II is pronounced entirely beyond
question that when our forces withdrew
on May 20, 1902, they left in Cuba an inn
measrably better and sursr foundation
for a Cuban commonwealth than any which
the islanders themselves could havo con-
strlictod had they succeeded without
American aid in eNpeDing the representa-
tives Of Spain. OF Cuba's experience dur
ing the period that has elapsed since the
island became independent Mr.. Robinson
holds that In respect Of tho probity and
efficiency exhibited, IL has surpassed the
expectations Of Cuba's most ardent friends.
II Is, indeed, admitted that the Cuban
Government has not been ideal and that
in its record there has been much that lie
open TO criticism, and even 10 oenEIre. We
are reminded, however, that the same may
be said Of any and all governments, past or
present II IL certain that peace and order
have been even less interrupted In the island
A., 49, ,-nra d,yr;pr the
The tranquility Is ascribed partly to the
fact that the Cubans are a peace loving
and orderly people, indisposed to turbu-
lence, and partly TO their attention 10 the
police protection, which Is recognized as
indispensable In all civilized communities.
The sanitary regulations made during the
Intervention have been continued and en-
forced. with the result that the rate Of NOR
tality compares favorably with the record
Of the most healthful lands. The school
system, although imposing a heavy
burden on the islands financial re-
sources, has not been suffered to
fall into decay, In the Department Of
Public Works even American energy has
been outStrpped. The report OF the Sec
rotary Of that department for Cuba's first
full fiscal year shows that during that
twelvemonth the Cubans had built forty
nine miles Of new country roads and had
forty miles more In process Of construction,
whereas the American authorities during
the entire term Of the Intervention, had
constructed only SIXTY miles. During our
occupation Of the island wo built thirty
nine bridges Of all classes. Cuba, on the
other hand, within a twelvemonth built
thirty bridges and prepared plans for
twenty-five more. IL lie further 10 be noted
that the insular records demonstrate that
the work has been done more eoonomi-
oally than similar work was performed
under American supervision, and that IL
has been done quite as effectively. Only
two factors have prevented an even more
impressive achievement. These are lack OF
money and a shortage In the labor supply.
As regards Cuba's financial position, IL il
pointed out that she has paid her bills,
accumulated a considerable Treasury sur
plus and has incurred no national debt
beyond such a. she can readily provide
for in the islands economic development
there has besn obsarvablc a steady i'm
provement. Ths output Of raw sugar, for OK