New-York tribune., 1909-05-29
EXTRAVAGANCEIN In CUBA
PRESIDENT TAFT NOT TO
CALL Il HALT.
VIII Not Interfere 7cith Republic S
dependence Situation Still
Causes 4nGiety.
From The Tribune 8urec,u. :

washington May 2S-Cuba continues to
prove a source Of anxiety 10 the administration.
Nothing has occurred which can be construed
a WarTanting. or even requiring. interference
by the United States but the elder brother
Of the new republic. who wants TO see all go
well with the island. the administration IS
frankly worried. Extravaganza is prevalent at
Havana There is a disposition to lavish funds
on useless diplomatic representation, and an
evident inability on the part of the Gomez ad-
ninistration to Withstand the pressure of self
ish politicians which are disturbing.
Since attention was first called TO this sit
uation in dispatch to The Tribune OF May Do
the President has received some adviCes which
are more reassuring. Nevertheless, he would
be grateful to see President Gomez exercise
greater restraint on those who are clamoring
for the public funds.
OF course. the United States has ample power
under the Platt amendment Incorporated in
the Cuban constitution. TO restrain the admin
istration at Havana if it goes too far Cuba Is
thereby prohibited from assuming or contract
ing any public debt. 70 pay the interest upon
which. and to make reasonable sinking fund
provision for the ultimate discharge OF which,
the ordinary revenues Of the island, after de-
fraviDg the current expenses Of the government
shall be Inadequate" But that situation has
not arrived. In fact. Cuba has a comfortable
sum in the Treasury and limit OF Sl6"oVo
within which the public debt may be Increased
,lDder a decree OF Governor MagOOn.
But. on the other hand. Governor Magoon
authorized a number Of contracts 10 meet the
ravments on which this debt was designed ana
reckless extravaganCe at this time will lneVita-
blv result in hardship for the republic later
The contracts let by Governor Magoon must De
lived up to- and the payments must be met as
they fall due They were decided on not only
for Cuba-s own good. but because they were
deemed essential 10 the sanitary protection OF
the United States should Cuba fail TO make
the contractual tayments, this country would
be at least obliged to take charge Of the custom
houses. as has been done in Santo Domingo
and defray the Indebtedness from the revenues
There Is an impression in Washington that
President Gomez would be glad if President
Taft called a halt on Cuban extravaganza, as
that zyoIld give the Cuban Executive an excel
1err excuse for refusing the demands or the
u0litiCiaus but Mr.. Taft is not disposed 20 TAKE
his step He might have been glad II Secre-
tarv Dickinson had enjoyed an opportunity 70
utter wholly informally q word OF warning but
he will not DO anything whicn couid De con-
srr7led ds interfering with Cuba $ complete IN
dependence He believes the republic should
work ont its own salvation without help from
Washington
Nevertheless there is a disposition 10 deplore
what at this distance appears 70 be the signs
If weakness in the new Cuban ADMINISTRATION.
Some members Of the administration. less san
s1line than the President construe the present
Situation as indicating beyond peradventure that
The time when this country will gain be COM
r,eIIed 10 assume the direction OF CUBA s ues-
TIMES is not far distant