The news-democrat. (Providence, R.I.) 1906-1909, 1908-01-13

Secretary Taft ais Committed
Uncle Sam to That Policy So
Far AS He Can.

Washington. Jan. 13.--As far as he can.
Secretary Taft has committed the
American government 70 a promise TO
withdraw completely rom Cuba in the
beginning OF the spring OF 1909.
This pledge Is contained in letter
from the war secretary 10 the president
trnnsmitting tho report OF Gov. Magoon
OF his stewardship in Cuba during the
past year. Secretary Tafts encomiums
upon Gov. Magoon in his letter may be
OF significance in view OF a recent re-
vival Of an old rumor 90 the effect that
the present governor OF Cuba has been
considered in connection with the va
cancy i'm the ONCE of secretary OF war.
which would be created next July in the
event that Secretary Taft receives the
nomination for the presidency at the ma
tional Republican convention
After declaring that the interesting re-
port from the governor shows the con-
ditions in Cuba 10 be very encouraging.
Secretary Taft writes: Gov. Magoon has
conducted matters In a most clear-head-
ed and tactful way and with conspicuous
success. He has carried on his shoul-
ders the whole burden and responsibility
OF an extensive government lie has had
labor troubles which. through his con-
ciliatory but impartial attitude have
been brought 10 an end"
The secretary recalls the steps that
were taken under his direction by Gov.
Magoon TO take an electoral census Of
Cuba and TO hold municipal and provin-
nfo oic fn frapnnflifNF a.
the island as preliminary to the more
important congressional. senatorial and
presidential elections. He then says 1T
was hoped by some that the census might
be completed I'm September last. l did
not think So and | am not at all sur
prised TO learn that the census has not
yet been completed and probably VIII not
be until April or May
This will postpone the local elections
until June. the presidential election until
December and the installation OF the
president and congress and the turning
over of the island until about March or
April OF 1909. This is in compliance with
our promise when we assumed tempo
rary control of Cuba. and IL seems TO me
that we ought To allow nothing TO inter-
fere with carrying out that promise
There are important interests that would
he glad to delay our stay there for years.
but good faith and good policy. both. In
my judment. require us TO leave at the
time appointed"
Gov. Magoon's report constitutes an ex-
haustive history OF the passage OF Cuba
under American control. He says that
the division OF the liberal party has oc-
casioned much trouble to the provisional
administration. especially TO the distrlbu-
ton in patronage, each side insisting
that the government Is favorable TO the
other.
A chapter OF the report deals with the
evils OF alien residency without citizen
ship. II is shown that n large proportion
OF the population OF Cuba is composed of
such resident aliens, who control COM
mercial enterprises and public utilities,
yet decline TO become citizensSof Cuba.
He paints q glowing picture of Cubas
progress during the past year. The eco
nomic situation is said to be excellent:
foreign and domestic commerce and trade
have shown a gratifying increase; manu-
facturers arc rapidly expanding. and tho
customs receipts for the year show an
increase OF sl.3si.6s4 over the preceding
year.
The governor has created an advisory
committee. for the purpose OF framing
certain legislative measures very much
needed. among them being various laws
The commission has already practically
completed some OF these measures.
Gov. Magoon praises the excellent ad-
ministration OF military affairs by Gen
Barry and his officers, who have main
tained the American army OF pacifcation
in a high state OF efficiency and elected
the praise OF the Cuban people. Col
Crowtfer. who has discharged many heavy
duties in connection with the military ad-
ministration, also Is highly commended.