Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-08

Prominent Cuban Lawyer and Literary Man.
right to speak from a business point Of
view. He is not an office seeker; he has no
aspirations beyond a desire to promote the
prosperity of Cuba and is not connected
with any political party.
These facts give his opinions unusual
weight and significance. and when l asked
him what he considered the best policy for
President Roosevelt to pursue he replied:
American Supervision Necessary.
'If the provisional government is not to
be continued, he should re-establish a Gu
ban administration under American super
vision. The Cubans are not practical in
matters of government; they have had no
experience, and the United States must ex-
ercise some form of supervision until they
are competent to govern themselves. There
will be difference of opinion to what
form that supervision should take, but,
while have no wish to intrude my opinions
upon the President, | would suggest that he
send us an able, wise and judicious minis
tesr who will be persona grata to our peo-
pie, and by treaty stipulation Will have the
right to advise our president, to caution him
and to direct his policy without ostentation
or public interference. He should exercise
high supervision and control in impOr-
tant matters. This should continue until
the Cubans have an opportunity to educate
themselves for self-government, and until
their political habits are improved 1t would
be convenient to retain Il number of troops
here. Such an arrangement would be in ac-
cordance with the sentiments of those who
desire self-government for Cuba and to de-
yelop and assert the individuality of the
people. At the same time 1t would insure
the peace and stability which is necessary
for the proper development of our resources
and industries
Would the people consent to such an ar
rangement?'
Many of the politicians would not, but
all conservative Cubans. all who have ma
terial interests. would be very glad of such
solution of the problem. Many of the
members of the liberal party would also
concur publicly, provided they are assured
that such an arrangement will take place.
but they are very reluctant to express
themselves so long as the future is uncer-
tain. If it were finally determined and pro-
claimed that the United States will insure
US a permanent arrangement of this kind
there would be very little objection offered.
but so long as there is any doubt people
prefer to reserve their opinions. 1 am
speaking as Il Cuban who has devoted his
entire life to the cause of freedom and to
the education of this people for independ-
ence. We spent years fighting Spain to get
rid of missovernment, and we do not want
to perpetuate 1t under a republic.
Il am not a candidate for office. l would
not accept any office under any circum-
stances. 1 have been offered several. Gen.
Wood did me the honor to invite me to be
one of his legal advisers and TO serve on
commission to reorganiZe the judicial sys-
tenn. but preferred to be free OF all obliga-
tons l can therefore speak without per-
sonal interest.
We have now no definite system of gov
eminent in Cuba. The provisions of our
constitution have never been enacted into
law and there is serious element of I'M
certainty in the future which Is very bad
thing for the country. We want matters
settled. Since the military government re-
tired IN 1902 there has been no systematic
or serious policy of administration. 1t
has been purely personal. Gen. Brooke and
Gen. Wood corrected many of the faults
and effects of the Spanish regime, but
under the republic We lapsed back again
into many of the old ways, and the pres
ent Intervention, instead of correcting the
defects, allows them 20 continue. Gov.
Magoon is good man, but he has no
direct res possibility. He has to refer every
thing TO Washington, where the situation
is not always accurately appreciated. He
cannot speak finally on any subject He
cannot give definite answer to any ques-
ton.
How would you arrange to give the
American minister authority to supervise
the administration of Cuban affairs?"