The twice-a-week Twin Falls times. (Twin Falls, Idaho) 1916-1918, 1917-09-20
CUBA not UNCRATEFUL
FOR SPANISH WAR AID

NEW YORK, Sept. livery little
has been said about the entrance Of
the pearl Of the Antilles" in the
world war, and yet its decision to fol-
low the United States and join In the
great struggle for democracy has
added material and moral strength
to the cause Of the Allies.
In the first place, we must bear in
mind a few facts of the greatest i'm
portance: Cuba today is the greatest
sugar producing country in the world,
and its three million tons of this
product is being shipped to the
United States and other countries OF
the Entente. Cuba also is producing
an enormous quantity of alcohol, a
good part of which is used In the
manufacture of liquid fire.
It is true that Cuba is not mill
tary country and that from its popu-
lation, less than three millions, no
more than fifty or sixty thousand men
could be pressed into active service,
but the young republic by its action
in following her great sister, has set
an example among the other Latln-
American republics which has had
most favorable effect. 1t has shown
COuCluSlNtlV lldl JiiS AoDeNhAHh @NAAAc-
lean countries, although divided by
languages, habits and culture from
the great republic of the north, are
all one in love Of freedom and the
inflexible will to make the New World
the real paradise of democracy, where
all men. Irrespective of creed or race,
have an equal chance to develop their
energies and enjoy without restr1c-
- chair labor
When the Cuban congress unani-
mously backed President Menocal in
his declaration of war against Kaiser
ism, two great principles were writ
ten in the history of the world: that
gratitude still is latent among ma
tions as well as among men, and that
the spirit of uncomfortable courage
which animated the thousands OF
their lives so that this hemisphere
would be made the cradle of democ-
racy and the home of free men, is
still strong in the heart of our pres
ent generation.
The step taken by the island re-
public was soon followed by others
of the same race and language; Pan
anna, Guatemala and Brazil immedi'
atelv followed their sister. Other
Latin-American countries that fol
various reasons were not able to joiI
against the common enemy neverthe'
less were prompt in announcing ina
they were heart and soul with the
policy followed by the great states
man, Woodrow Wilson.
A word as to the material aid rem
dered by Cuba to her allies: An islanC
Of some fifty thousand square miles
with perhaps the best bays and port
in the world, surrounded by thousand
of keys and small and large islands
would have undoubtedly constituted
a most valuable base for German sub
marines, from where they could hav
easily attacked and destroyed no
only the commerce between tn
United States, Europe and the Soutl
American Atlantic ports, but also al
that which today uses the Panam
Canal in coming from the Pacific.
With the entrance of Cuba In tn
war, the danger has not only disap
peared, but also the allies are de
irving the great benefit of being abb
to use all the Cuban ports to re
plenish their ships with coal an
other necessities.
A few days before Cuba declare
war on Germany four large Germa
vessels informed In the island wer
seized and, after undergoing repairs
we're presented TO the United States
President Manocal refusing to accer
payment therefor, very patriotic an
unselfish action that brought a mos
encouraging and gracious messag
from President Wilson.
A