New-York tribune., 1906-09-11
CUBAN ARBITRATION"

The state OF affairs In Cuba is already so bad,
and the possibility OF its becoming worse is so
imminent, that many men would doubtless be
inclined to welcome almost any arrangement
which promised to restore peace and loyal
order. They may think It would even be wise
to go to the limit of concession and compromise
and to accept the proposal for arbitration
which is now put forth. or course. there are
those who make a fetch Of that blessed
word" arbitration, and who will unthinkingly
demand that. as a matter OF course, any pro-
posal for arbitration be accepted. But the ma
jority Of thoughtful men will perceive that any
settlement with the insurgents and marauders
would be disastrous which did not completely
conserve the honor. the authority. the integrity
and the stability Of the Cuban Republic, and
they will apply that standard OF measurement TO
the arbitration scheme.
To such observers the proposal for arbitra-
ton Will appear to have some extraordinary
features Arbitration is commonly recognized 20
be proper and effective only between parties
which are equal in responsibility and authority.
But are these two equal? The world knows
Senior Estrada Palma's government as the law
full responsible and authoritative government
Of Cuba. Its engagements and guarantees are
worth their face value. But what Is this
"junta"? Who are its members? However re-
spectacle they may be personally, 1t does not
appear that they are invested with any respon-
sibility OF authority other than that which they
have arbitrarily assumed for themselves. There
is not the slightest assurance that they repre-
sent any considerable body of Cuban people, or
that anybody but themselves would be bound
by any agreement which they might make. Sup
posing their plea for arbitration were granted
and a verdict were rendered; there would be no
assurance whatever that the insurgents would
abide by II, or that the very next day new
band Of brigands would not arise and begin a
new campaign, and presently put forth a new
demand for arbitration. 1t is difficult 70 see
how arbitration is to be satisfactorily e1er-
cised, excepting between organized and author
itative governments government can scarcely
be expected TO submit to arbitration with every
irresponsible bandit who pops up with a gun
and cries Arbitration or arsOnI"
Again, a most unpleasant impression will be
produced upon many minds by the suggestion
that the interests of foreign capitalists and spec
ulators should be represented IN the court OF
arbitration. Indeed, the suggestion is that the
real umpire, who shall cast the deciding vote IN
the court, shall be such a representative Of for
eign interests. It would certainly seem TO be a
most deplorable thing thus TO make European
spectators the arbiters OF Cuban destiny, TO
have a representative OF German British or
other alien speculative interests dictate how the
government of the republic shall be organized.
Such an arrangement would seem to come very
near 20 violation Of that clause by which Cuba
bound herself never TO enter into any treaty
or other compact with any foreign power or
powers which would impair or tend 20 impair
her independence. II certainly would not be
accordant with the long established policy OF
this country toward Cuba to have the affairs OF
the island thus handed over TO European man.
agement Nor Will it be favorably regarded that
the insurgents have thus far delayed TO make a
public statement OF their alleged wrongs. 1t IS
now promised that such a statement will be
published this week. II ought 10 have been
published weeks ago. It's appearance at this late
date and this III conceived demand for alien
arbitration will go far toward confirming the
belief that the whole revolt is an artificial prod
uct OF spectators, chiefly aliens, for selfish
gain.