The Montgomery advertiser., 1906-09-25
NO CUBA ANNEXATION.
The People of This Country do mot


The People of This Country do mot
washington Special to New York
II am not surprised that President
Roosevelt is exercising extreme eau
tion In the matter of interfering in
Navy Department who Is familiar with
the conditions in Cuba. and who,i from
frequent visits to the island, has a
tnorough knowledge Of the habits and
believe the people of the United States
have no desire to annex the island of
Cuba. Certainly that is not the opin-
persons who are familiar with condi-
lions in the island, and who realize
the difficulties which constantly con-
front this government in dealing with
Rico. Hawaii and Guam No doubt
there Is considerable sentiment favor
able to acquiring Cuba, II It could he
this republic. But my observation has
led me to believe that most of the sem
timent in this country favorable to the
acquisition of Cuba comes from monied
interests. or the friends of those who
have large interests in the island
Few Americans will forget the
great satisfaction that was expressed
in this country at the opening of the
Spanish American war. when. in ex-
pressing the purpose of this govern
ment by Congressional resolution, 1t
was avowed that the United States
had no purpose to acquire. Cuba or to
interfere with the esta blishment of ar
Independent republic on that island.
OF course, that sentiment was. in part,
American people that Cuba had earned
independence by resisting Spanish ty-
ranny. But no small part of that SEN
timnet was expressive of a prevail
have gone much too far in taking out
lying island territory. Naturally, we
naval officials are pleased with the ex-
pansion of thu American domain, but
difficulties that attend this business"
Much talk Of this nature may be
heard at this time in department cir
sentative citizens who come here from
all ports of the country. 1t Is recos-
nized that wisdom dictated the adop-
army bill at the close of the American
occupation of Cuba, under which
amendment the United States reserved
the right to intervene for the pacif1ca
tion of the island in the event of cons
ditions arising there which would be
menace to American interests In Gu
ba or elsewhere. II. however. such
Intervention shall become necessary, it
is the hope of most officials here that
1t will not result in permanent occu-
patton of the island by this govern
ment. IL is believed that If the Cuban
| republic could continue for a number
of years. and American interests.
which naturally Increase in that fer
tile island. shall attract to Cuba lar
ger number of Americana. tho time
might come when. as the result OF de-
sire on the part of the majority Of the
Cuban people, there would be willing
United States to see the island annex
ed to this country.
More and more, however, is 1t COM
ing to be the belief of leading Sepa~
tors and Representatives that the re-
tention of the Philippines, and even OF
Porto Rico. Is a source of never ending
annoyance to the American people, ana
with not so much benefit to the inhabi-
tants of those islands as the American
| people, as well as the native inhabi-
| tants. desire should result from our oc-
cupation there. For these reasons
there has been little sentiment among
| the leaders in either House of Con-
gress favorable to the acquisition of
Cuba unless such course should be-
| come absolutely necessary for the pro-
lection of American interests there. as
well as at home,