New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-18

The prospects Of conservatism in Cuba are
discussed by The Economist Of Havana, IN
a thoughtful article with much Of which we
cordially agree. though from a part OF it We
are compelled TO dissent. or tho need of an
outspOken and we'll organized Conservative
party in cuba it is scarcely necessary 10 speak.
The need IS obvious. II. indeed. exists in every
land where popular party government prevails.
But Of the conditions which prevent or retard
the formation of such a party in Cuba much
may be said. and The Economist says some
Of il very we'll.
We ourselves called attention in these columns
some time ago 10 the fact that many men in
Cuba Of substance, intelligence aud character,
who are really deeply interested in the welfare
of the island, take no part in politics and act
ualiy pride themselves upon their abs;entiOn.
Says The Economist concerning them
Elements Of tho body social which should. be
/ cause of social position and education. stand in
the front ranks. do not iu general support the
conservative party; neither are they radicals.
They are indifferent as far as opP action goes
10 both parties. although their trde interest lies
with the conservatives. But that conservative
party cannot consist exclusively Of producing
and commercial classes, as some really think or
else pretend 10 think, 10 excuse their atti-
tude Many CubanS. trained to the habit Of
criticising and couspiriug against the govern
ment do not realize that their Indifference 10
national politics, their seclusion made possible
by their independent social position, and the
try IN general, are matters which delay the po-
litiCal progress Of Cuba. They boast that they
desire annexation, without knowing what It
means ana without doing anything To foster
even that idea; they are sons Of incidence and
they brag they do not mix I'm politics. desiring.
indeed. that such things shall be attended 10
for them by somebody else. All this places diff
fculties In the way Of political advancement IN
this island.
That is, we believe an accurate statement Of
the case. But what is the remedy? There are
Z Il, Il, -.
ton would declare themselves Conservatives
and enter active civic life If they were sure of
being protected in so doing. or were encour-
aged 10 DO, by the American government
We cannot regard that suggestion as satisfac-
tory. SO far as protection IS concerned. they
already have 1t Ia abundant measure man
is as free 10 be and as safe in being n Conserva-
tive as Il Radical on that ground there is no
excuse for the abstention in question SO far
as encouragement is concerned, however the
case is quite different Save in guaranteeing
freedom and equal rights TO all. the American
government does not encourage parties It
did not intervene In Cuba on partisan grounds
IL is not the champion Of either Conservatism
or Radicalsm. IT. as The Economist" SAYS
this government would be pleased 10 see an
efficient Conservative party organized in Cuba
it would not be for that party's sake but solely
for the sake of the Cuban nation: because OF a
belief that the best assurance Of good govern
ment would lie in, the development of well bal
nnced Conservative and Liberal parties. It is.
therefore discouraging 10 find The Econo-
mist" also saying that "A Conservative party
in Cuba will never be 4 factor TO be rcckoned
with unless it receives from Washing
ton more than kindly and considerable and ap-
proving comment; because It does not seem
proper o. possible that il should receive more
the: that The Economist itself seems to rec
ognize This fact. for it deprecates anything ike
direct Intervention in behalf of the Conserva-
tive partT- as something which would not har-