The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-09-22
Secretary Taft's Plan.

According to a report from Havana
which seems credible, Secretary TAFT
has already formed a plan for evolving
order out of the anarchy which, prac-
tically, for the moment prevails in Cuba.
1t will not suit everybody. No COM
promise ever did. 1t is calculated to
suit fair minded men of all parties, how
ever, and if adopted should result in
the immediate restoration Of tranquility
and industrial activity, while at the same
time averting the unpleasant necessity
of armed intervention by the United
States at this time.
The essence of the plan is that the
solution Of the political and industrial
problem with which Cuba is now con-
fronted shall be committed to the Cubans
themselves. In other words, Secretary
TAFT will propose that the question,
What political changes should be made?
shall be answered by an advisory board
on which the Moderates and Liberals,
the insurgent commanders in the field
and the business interests OF the island
shall be represented. The decisions OF
that advisory board, il unanimous, will
be accepted and enforced by the United
States, it being understood that our
Government will confne itself, If pos
sible, to the peaceful and friendly exer-
else OF its authority and influence.
1t may be said that the attainment OF
unanimity is improbable. We reply that
the members of the board would have
common sense enough to see that they
really have no alternative. II they
should avow themselves unable to agree
upon a project for the settlement Of the
islands troubles, they would virtually
admit their country 10 be incapable of
self-government. 1t would then be not
only the right but the duty Of the United
States under the Plat Amendment and
the Treaty Of Paris to set up in Cuba a
regime, either provisional oil permanent,
which should assure protection to the
lives and property Of foreigners by plac-'
ing peace, order and prosperity on a sure
foundation.
OF course some Of the ,Moderatcs who
are nov in power will be reluctant to
give up their Offices. Others, as We have
said, have declared n willingness to do
so. Whether reluctant or not, public
opinion would compel them all to bow
20 the unanimous decision of the advis-
DRY board, because they would he NOR
ally bound by the acts of the Moderate
members Of that body. Some OF the
Liberal politicians and insurgent chiefs
may in their turn view with discomfort the
form Of settlement approved by the adj
visory board, but they too would be con-
strained by public opinion to acquiesce.
Why do we assert 30 confidently that
the coercive power of Cuban public opin-
ion would at this time prove irresistible?
Because every intelligent man in the
island would recognize that a refusal to
submit TO a compromise arranged by
an advisory board composed exclusively
of Cubans would mean the deliberate
announcement Of Cuba's dream OF indie
pendence. Under the circumstances n
politicai faction or an insurgent band
which by its recalcitrant attitude should
obstruct the passionate wish Of the Cuban
people 10 remain self-governing would
ind the island too hot TO hold it. II
would he branded as a band Of traitors
seeking to drive the United States into a
permanent occupation Of their country.
We sincerely hope that the plan attrib-
uted 10 Secretary TAFT will be tried
and may prove successful. IL represents