Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-01-29
Cuba and America.
This comes from Havana In connection
with yesterdays ceremonies:

his comes from havana IN connection
with yesterdays ceremonies:
An unexpected feature of the procla-
nation was the declaration that the
United States understands that the second
article of the appendix of the Cuban
constitution forbids Cuba to assume any
debt in excess of the debt already con-
tracted or authorized by the provisional
government. and That the United States
will not recognize any bond or other evil
dence of debt which may be issued In
violation of this understanding
Further. Mr.. Magoon was directed by
President Roosevelt to say 1t would be
the final conclusion of the provisional
government that all claims of soldiers of
the war of liberation have been fully sat
isfied, and that the United States would
regard further obligations to pay such In
debtedness as invalid.
A thorough understanding is always
best The matters emphasized by the
President are of the highest Importance,
both to Cuba and to ourselves. She has
conceded to us certain rights, and the
President speaks under that authority
and as a friend of the new government.
His warning should be needed to the let
ter.
There are Cubans who will ask. taunt-
ingly, Call you this independence? Are
we not as much under Uncle Sans thumb
as ever? What is the value of our flag
if we are not 70 be permitted to contract
in our own name and pass upon our own
obligations? The United States. accord
ing to this prescription, is supreme in our
highest things"
The reply is simple. In case of enfbar-
rassment of any kind Cuba will look to
us for succor. She could not without our
assistance sustain herself against for
eign power She would receive our assist
ance promptly. because we could not per-
NIT a foreigner to possess the country.
She would look to US even as against the
uncomfortable disorder Of her own people
She understands this, and has agreed to
it. The Cuban republic means. with
other things, this reliance upon the
United States in time Of trouble and this
Difference to the United States in all mat
tiers specified. We are more than Cuba's
ally. BY her own consent, we are her
protector. She is safe as against inva-
sion, and assured Of prompt relief In case
of domestic revolution.
The main point is the sincerity of the
friendship of this government for Cuba.
That is beyond honorable question. 1t
does not rest upon professions. Govern
ments sometimes salute each other
cordially with feelings OF anything but
friendship In their hearts. We said yes
terday, Long live Cuba!'' and Cuba said.
Long live the United States!'
But Cuba has far more than our salute
to rest upon. Three times we have shown
our friendship by deeds. We interviewed
In her behalf as against Spain. We then
restored order, and made way for gov
eminent of Cubans for Cubans. When
that venture failed we interviewed at
Cuban requests for Cubas benefit. Now
We withdraw d second time in order that
Cuba may direct her own affairs In &C
cordance with her agreement with us.
AS deeds speak louder than words. Cuba
certainly should understand us in this our
latest deed in her behalf. The American
people wish her well, and our incoming
President will make good all that the
outgoing one has promised.