New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-10-08
crBA.S RRITLsR TREATY.

Three cardinal points are TO be considered IN
regard to Cubas proposed treaty with Great
Britain These are the literal requirements OF
the addendum to the Cuban constitution known
as the "Platt amendment the unwritten, but
none the less binding, law of Cuba's relations
to this country, and the interests of Cuba as
self-goyerning republic.
The Plat amendment in its first article pro-
vides: THAT the government of Cuba shall
| never enter into any treaty or other compact
with any foreign power or powers which will
impair tend 10 impair the independence OF
Cuba, nor in any manner authorize permit
amy foreign power or powers to obtain by
colonization for military or naval purposes
cor otherwise Judgement in or control over any
part of said island That is a part of the
fundamental law of the land. 1t is to be conf
IDENTIFY assumed that the Cuban government has
no thought Of violating it, and that Great Brit
ain, power peculiarly friendly to America has
no thought of seeking it's violation. To any
violation of it this country would have UNI
doubted right to object in an effective manner
But such crisis in affairs is scarcely to be ap-
pretended
Beyond the strict letter of that law there is
however an unwritten law prescribing the ap-
propriate relations between Cuba and the United
States, the observance of which may properly
be required. That is to the effect that Cuba's
foreign relations shall in no respect be inInical
TO the United States antagonistic to the COM
mercial or political interests of this country. It
is perfectly we'll realized by the Cubans them
selves that the prosperity of the island is de-
pendent upon its relations with this country
One of the prime grievances which led to the
revolution in Cuba was the failure of the Span
ish government to maintain advantageous rela-
tons with America. Should the United States
assume hostile attitude toward Cuba, COM
mercially. the island would be ruined. Con
versely, then, it is incumbent upon the island
TO pursue i'll foreign relations a policy accent
able to the United States
Apart from such limitations it will he Meas
ing to this country to see Cuba exercise the
largest measure of independence and cultivate
the most advantageous relationships with other
countries. The United States is fully in earnest
IN its desire to see Cuba maintain its indenen
dent autonomy and secure the highest possible
prosperity. 1t is not only acceptable. hit also
most agreeable, to this country to seq China
establishing cordial and mutually profitable re
lauonS with other countries, for that Is a fine
tribute 10 the worlds faith in Cuba az a s,abIa
ana important sovereignty. Hitherto there GER
ta1nly has been no ground for any suspicion Of
meddling by the United States in Cuba r. &c
noteworthy that at the present moment the very
party that formerly resented the Plat amend
ment Is invoking its forcible application nv This
country for the regulation of Cuba's internal az
fairs. There is, happily, little prospect thai
there will be any need of so doing. Rut hevoni
question, this country has a right. in both low
and morals, TO expect that Cuban commerce.,
treaties will be in accordance with the desires
and the welfare of the United States