The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-03-13
THE CUBAN SITUATION.
The SITUATION Gives the Administra-
zion Much Concern-Cuban fac-
tons are Bitter.


National administration is the sltuz-
ton in Cuba. The people Of the ISL
and are divided into factions and torn
by violent dissensions. That they are
incapable, under prevailing conds-
fions. of sef-government is dawning
on the mind of American statesmen,
hut lust what the duty Of America is
toward them is a question yet unsolv-
ed.
The cubans themselves have a
pride in self government but the bet
ter class of them believe that it
would be the better policy for the
United States to maintain a protecto-
rate over the island, perhaps for a
considerable time. In a way, this
opinion is voiced by the Havana Post,
in discussing the suggested increase
of the Rural Guard Of Cuba to TO-
900 men. The Post says:
sThe proposition to increase to TO-
600 the army Of Cuba viii De as full
of peril to Cuba today as it would be
to arm the Moros in the Philippines
with modern firearms. It will mean
war and bloody riot. If they under
took to increase the army in the
United States in proportion it would
make an army of 100000. Would the
people stand for such q thing2 Let
Congress try it and see.
This proposition to increase the
Rural Guards has met with violent
opposition from the conservative ele-
ments of the islands population.
Temporarily, at least, the plan has
been abandoned, partly because OF
the expense in carrying it into exc
cution, but principally because OF a
doubt as to the loyalty Of troops re-
eruited under the present conditions
No doubt exists that there is a pow
erful element in Cuba which faVors
not merely a protectorate Of the UNI
4ed states over the island govern
roent Int absolute annexation Of the
island to the American government
~Tbe advocates Of annexation MAINTAIN
that only through annexation will 1t
he nossible to establish an absolutely
stable and efficient government on
the island. This feeling is voiced in
q statement made today by careful
observer of Cuban affairs.
.eNo doubt exists as to the growing
sentiment among the intelligent and
progressive cubans in favor OF per-
,,anenr American control Of the ISL
sndss affairs. A protectorate, under
which the Anerican government
v-o,;ld exercise supervision OF Gu
han matters is advocated by some,
but a,x gseater numer OF con-
seryative thinkers believe that aoso-
1,1te annexation Of Cuba to the Uni
tod states is the only genuine soiu-
tson of the trouble which now races
They urge that the destiny OF
srnba. is conoled with that Of Porto
Rico ard that the United States ought
10 proceed along the same lines To-
ard cnba as it followed in Port'
Rico Such a policy would insure a
stable government IN Cuba and un-
aar its administration, the island
would be developed in a way not
possible under any other form OF gov
ernment.
secretary Taft shortly will visit
s.uaa further to study at close range
the situation as it has developed sinoe
+ba. american government founo 1t
acessarv to intervene to prevent Sc
r;o,.e trouble. It has been the IN
4er4icn of the American government
witbdraw the troops from the ISL
onon+ the 1st of next July, out
tho decision to do so is only Ientaelse'
whether the decision is to be carrlea
zn+o effect or not will depend upon
+be conditions as they are ioui'o ~
ad-oinistration at this time. h'-
erv encouragement will be given 70
+,a cnhans to establish stable gov
eminent for it is well understood tna'
Roosevelt nor Sec
retary Taft desires to extend the
American occupation, but they do nos
propose to leave the island until tnes
are assured that riot and revolutloh
will not be precipitated on the ls,ano
government that may be estaDhsheo'
How's This:
n,oo reward for any case