Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-12-02

OF FINES. Spanish decree of 1878 made 1t an integral part of Cuba, that 1t was reg ularly administered as a municipal district in the province of Havana.
 Although the question of title to the island has been pending for some time. and treaty for recognizing the island as belonging to Cuba is still hanging fire in the senate, we had almost for gotten the unsettled condition of af- fairs in that fruitful, sea-girt bit of land. The recent stand taken by the residents brings 1t into decided prom thence, the revolt of small but ap- parently determined band of Amer jeans, Americans that give as chief reason for secession from Cuban con- trol their settlement in the territory on the plain understanding that 1t was to be American territory.
 The population of the island is something over 5000, about one-third of whom are Americans.
 In the official notice of the step taken in the so-called territorial con- vention, the document stated that the people of the island having purchased homes under the treaty of Paris, be- lieving the isle United States property, had waited over three years for recog- milton of their rights. At the close of the Spanish war and during the administration of Cuban affairs by the United States war department, the Isle of Pines was held in occupation by our armies. Then the Platt amend ment, March 2, 1901, provided that "the Isle of Pines shall be omitted from the proposed constitutional boundaries of Cuba, the title thereto being left to future adjustment by treaty"
 The isle. which is quite sizable, comprising an area of 1,214 square miles, lies about 40 miles southeast of the southern coast of the province of Pinar del Rio. It has valuable woods and valuable soils.
 The American residents claim that under Cuban administration almost nothing has been done for the place, no improvements made, docks and other public property in a bad state of repair. Taxes have to be paid reg ularly, but if new bridge is wanted the residents must build 1t themselves. They make further protest against Cuban rule by calling attention to "the nagging going on all the time by carpet-hagger officials"
 To return to the Platt amendment and the interpretation thereof. In- structions were given by the secretary of war that pending settlement of the title by treaty the present govern ment" of the island continue as de facto government; since which issu- auce of instructions, present govern ment" has been interpreted to mean Cuban government Mr. Root held that the island belonged to Cuba as a matter of right. a matter of inter- national law and as a matter of jus tfce."
 Isle of Pines affairs were presently further complicated when we entered into negotiations with Cuba for the two eoaling stations. We got these by payment of an annual rental; but in 1s0s a treaty vas prepared. this treaty providing that in consideration of the coaling stations. the Isle of Pines be recognized ss Cuban The secession of the Americans from Cu- ban control creates a rather delicate situation It goes without saying. however. that the situation would hs rendered still more tickIish should or dsriy convention give place to blood shed
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