Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-01-18
Correspondence.
A Yankee i'm Cuba.

" Htu phc WIS Va paw se"s
be has known for two-score years or more,
1t is admitting that he has outsailed the
days of his youth. Women does not will
ing speak OF her age, and the laws OF
poilteness require that he may not be
asked; but mere man Is proud OF his years,
even when they have been squandeTed In
useless waDdetings. These lands and
ports of Cuba have become more psssinety
familiar to an eye that has seen than in
prosperity and in poverty, under three
fl ags and through two long ware.
Some years ago 1 often wrote to The
AMERICAN, from this and other nesrby
ports, when the effects o: war we're 10 be
seen and to be- felt. No doubt some things
then written we're not true-not true in
the light of after events. Some one has
wittily said that some should not prophecy
un less be knows. when / relieved thst
successive and long continued revolts
would bring no other results than the
devastation and misery which they pro-
duced, / could not know that time
would come when the whole American
pope { xcepting misersb few OF us)
would rise up and resolve that Spain must
give up her own-that Cuba must be free.
Such was done-done wrongly, that
good might come Of it. But all lovers OF
mankind should be glad that Cuba Is not
free; that our COVE nment rightly rules
the island, and that Washington Is really
the c'p,tsl of Cuba. Fortunately the
greater part OF the people here understand
the order OF things, and know that the
delights OF revolution cannot be iDdnlged
nor disorder allowed. But how long they
msy control the natural spirit OF the race
Is hard to tie |. When it can no longer be
restrained, there will be a change, and
Cuba will become more free-free In The
same happy sense that Maine Is free.
Then and not before Will the leland pros
per aud reach on towards Its natural dcs-
tiny, to become one OF the brightest gar
dens OF the earth. God and nature did
all that could be asked for the island, and
they must be sorely disappointed in the
use that mankind has thus far made OF 1t.
Although We naturally and impulsiveiy
decry the revolutions which 80 continu-
ousiy occur amongst the mixed Latin
races of America, they would often be
justified II the leaders we're ever sincerely
patriotic, and led ievolts solely for the
benefit of their country and their people.
But those who fight their way into power
are nearly always there for personal gain,
and malfeasauce, commencing at the
throne, permeates down to the lowest
official. When the people and the lands
have been squeezed and fried, the gang in
power is never ~iliing to give up the hope
of further gain to the cnsnce OF civil re-
election; hence the only way OF dethron-
ing evil rulers, aud seating others equally
bad, Is nearly always through revolution.
In leading Havana paper there was
lately cartoon that was bold and signif-
cant; Miss Cuba, dressed Ia the usual
trailing gown. stood with hands chained
to heavy post called "Platt Amends".
President Palma, with immense shears,
stood beside her trimming of squares OF
her skirts, marked coupSn, 20 that all OF
one side was cut away to above the knee.
The minister OF the treasury ST God behind
the president I'D i,ing him not to take too
much at one time and leave her naked.
The people claim that taxes are heavier
than ever before. Even their cherished
cigars and C gatettes bear a revenue stamp,
on The American plan, and that alcne
touches them vitality. The Cuban eats but
little; he drinks black coffee, smokes and
smokes again until he takes more coffee.
To study this infantile and anomalous
nation Is interesting aud amusing. 1t is
not only yet In the age OF infancy, but in
judgment and reason 1t is chiidishly sim
pie. By the rules regarding shipping, an
armed guard Is stationed on deck at all
hours, and inspectors are &C the govern.
ment wharf.-the only landing. place
allowed. A permit is required for the
smallest article to pass either way-for
things under tariff or things flee; a news
paper, dozen pisintain, or few heads of
lettuce, each requires written permit, to
be passed on board. II the use of red
taps was literal fact, instead OF a figure
OF speech, the product OF an immense
factory would be required to supply the
needs OF this baby government.
These diligent officials are strictly honest
anu AOhE as ohc nas no OCCd-
sion to inquire their price. They will
learn In time to be less exscting and to use
Judgment about what acquaintance to
su1pect and what stranger to trust.
In the good days OF Spanish misrule
th4re were few fe,trictions on shipping.
La cases W here the master was too hun.,t
ana too young he might be threatened
with heavy fue for some slis hit error In
his vo luminous documents, but a modest
consideration would always settle tie
matter. A veteran in the trade had no
trouble in doing considerable trade in
retail contra band at no cost, but il he
won d Iua in a crgo he must bs honest
and divide the profits with the officials.
she uid the p esent government long sur
vive, The neS guards OF reEenue Will be-
come more 'stute and learn more self.
pr )fita BILE methods OF duty.
One would rot suppose that the com
mon manners OF the Spaniard won differ
much from tha.e nj his euccaseor hin