Evening star., 1934-01-25

Rapid political changes in Cuba i'm
press Americans as merely the product
of the cropping after better conditions
among the islanders. 1t is felt that a
difficult situation has not offered sufi-
cient encouragement to the people and
that they hope by supporting success
sive leaders to achieve some kind of
recovery Much is expected of the
newly chosen executive, Col. Carlos
Mendieta.
The circumstances surrounding his
City Star. give cause for hope that
the period Of political instability has
come to an end" The Kansas City
paper concludes: Apparently worn
out by months Of factional pickering
and frequent disturbances in Havana
and elsewhere, Cuba has finally turned
to a man with much political e.peri-
ence and a high reputation for per-
sonal integrity. In contrast to the
young men who have largely dominated
the revolutionary movement so far,
President Mendieta is one of los hon.
bres del '95, or patriots of the war in
which Cuba obtained her independence
from Spain, with the invaluable as
sistance Of the United States. He is
so respected that even President Ma
chado, whose enemy he was. called him
the most honest man in the opposi-
ton. The worst his critics seem to
say of him is that he is 'unimagina-
tive But Cuba could do with little
less imagination and little more hon.
esty among her political leaders in the
future"
Mendieta was preceded by Carlos
Hevia, Cuban graduate of the United
States Military Academy, and Hevia
by Grau San Martin. OF the last
named the Cleveland News makes the
comment that his regime may be lik-
ened to that of Gales In Mexico;
that coming to power at a critical
time in the nations history, he saved
the day for established government"
The News adds that "on the whole his
reign must be looked upon as q con-
structive one" The Cincinnati Times
Star believed that "for the time being
the policy Of the United States will
necessarily continue to be one of watch
full waiting; that recognition will
not come until q stable and representa-
tive government Is set up"
Under the non-intervention policy
Of President Roosevelt" thinks the Los
Angeles Times, Cuba apparently must
do much more stewing in her own juice
before stability will be possible" The
LIN AIlSeleS paper also comments on
the prospects: There Is still talk Of q
coalition or consolidation government,
but If the radicals were strong enough
to force out Grau San Martin they
probably are strong enough to veto any
moderate course. 1t is only after rad
icals demonstrate their incapacity to
govern to the point that public sup
port Is withdrawn from them that rev.
olutionary governments come into mod
crate hands, and that point is perhaps
not yet reached in Cuba"
There is basic poverty in Cuba"
says the Houston Chronicle, "and there
will continue to be until the surplus
stocks Of sugar are consumed and a
new demand develops. There Is little
of immediate good that Cuba can do
about it. The needed income for the
people is not there. The masses, taught
by the radicals Of the day that all van
ishing income goes to q few rich peo-
pie, and that the remedy is to take the
property of the more fortunate, thus
they are led to support one scheme
after another. all failing. After 50 long
. time, doubtless, the futility Of the at
tempt will appear, and some form Of
modest attempt at helping individual
Cubans make . living may be ex-
pected"
"Out Of the troubled situation" as