The Montgomery advertiser. [volume] (Montgomery, Ala.) 1885-1982, 1906-10-02
TAFT SPEAKS
TO THECUBANS
Secretary Has Approval
Of People.
IS GIVEN WARM WELCOME
He Advises Audience as to Its
Government.
A Confcrence In Hela Concernins ths
Proclamation Of Amnesty-
Rebels are Laying Down
Their Arms.
GIVEN WARM WELCOME

Havana, Oct 1.-The presence of the
Secretary OF War of the United States
in Havana and his assumption Of The
government Of Cuba were unreservedly
and enthusiastically approved today
by the highest intellectual, social and
business elements OF the capital.
The scene was enacted in the audi
torium Of the University, and the au-
dience. in addition to seventy-five stu
dents, who. according to the custom
here, graduate at the beginning in
stead OF the close Of the college year.
consisted OF 100 persons divided equal
ly between men and women.
The welcome accorded to Governor
Taft and Assistant Secretary Bacon
was unexpectedly vigorous and spon-
famous. 1t began from the moment
Of the arrival and increased as the
Governor uttered sentiments regarding
the American occupation which found
an answering response In the hearts
Of all present. Governor Taft and Mr.
Bacon were deeply impressed and en-
couraged by the evidence that the FRO.
visional government will receive the
best aid Of the leading Cubans
Secretary Taft Speaks.
In his address Secretary Taft said:
''The members Of the Latin race are
accustomed. and not without reason to
criticise US Anglo Saxons as ABRUPT and
conceited in our view of our power of
pushing civilization. but those of us
who have come closer to Spanish CIV
flization have been impressed with the
consciousness that the Anslo-Saxons
have much to learn from the intellcc-
tual refinement. artistic temperament,
poetic Imagery. high ideals and tour.
tesy of the Latin and Spanish races.
Spain has exerted a tremendous force
In civilization and progress, but ma
tions. Ike men. suffer reaction.
1T has recently fallen to the lot of
the people OF the United States, who
have struggled along the road to popu-
picked themselves up again, to aid
some countries who have not had that
experience In coming to the enjoyment
OF the benefits OF popular government.
The republic OF Cuba has progressed
so rapidly in the last four years as
almost to intoxicate the believers in
popular government It was like the
growth Of a tropical plant which need
ed cutting In order that the stalk Nigh,
gain strength. 1t is. perhaps, neces-
sary that the Cubans should be warned
that the foundations OF self govern
ment must be broad and solid. rather
than high and conspicuous.
1t is saddening TO me TO be called
to Cuba, and stili sadder to President
Roosevelt, who Is SO Identified with her
that we are here at the time
of stumble in Cuba's progress toward
popular government but IL has given
us an opportunity to assure you In the
name of the President and American
people. that We are here only to help
you. With our arms under your arms.
we are lifting you again on the path of
that wonderful progress you have
Travelled. We shall. l am confident.
be able to point with pride to the fact
that the United States Is not An ex-
plotting nation. but that she has such
deep sympathy with the progress OF
popular government as to be willing to
expend her blood ard treasure in max
ing the spread Of such government in
the world successful.
Trouble With Cuba.
"Ycur difficulty was that yau were
brought, up under the fifteenth and
and were taught to look to others for
the responsibility of government You
,xercised only the function to criti-
rism and most Of your people, especial
~ the educated and wealthy classes.
trained themselves not only to indtf-
political and governmental matters. 1
lind that law Is committed to ole class
II people, medicine to another, COM
nerce to third and political matters
10 a fourth. and that the first classes
can back through the Influence OF
past association and watch with In
.ense interest, but fear not much in
luence what is being done by this
venture the suggestion I
hat 1t the other classes do not take
! more active part and insist upon ex-
their influence IN politics. the
question then naturally arises: What
vas the necessity Of changing our form
# government at au?"
The theory of popular government
S that every class shall exercise a
lecided political influence. bpt 1t seems |
o me that your ideals have been too |
Ugh.
IAN idea so high that 1t is beyond |
he reach of realization is not very |
lseful. Soaring too high is dangerous |
md the higher you go the more dis
strous is the fall.
The hope of this country is in its
youth. While l do not want to
ar or make uncomfortable those