Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1902. Cuba.

Manawatu Herald, 1 May 1902, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. THURSDAY, MAY 1, 1902. Cuba.

On the 20th of this month the United States troops are to evacuate Cuba and to surrender the control of the island to the Cuban Government. All the United States troops, except 800 men of the coast artillery are to leave,' these remain to garrison the coast defences.

Cuba has had a very troubled life, having formerly been one of Spain’s most important West Indian colony. The inhabitants have been embroiled in troubles many times, the most formidable being in 1869-76 when Spain had to employ 145,000 soldiers to quell the rising, and then in 1898 which gave rise to the difference between Spain and the United States, resulting as we know in the cession of the island, as well as the Philippines to the Americans, The difference between these two Powers being the ineffectual efforts of Spain in preserving order in Cuba. The treaty of peace with Spain was made in December, 1898, and since then the United States have learnt, by experience, the difficulties Spain had to contend with. It remains to be seen if the extraordinary mixture of the population, comprising Spaniards, Creoles, Mulattoea, and Negroes, can be so associated in thought and feeling so as to form a Government in purpose as well as in word. The United States are acting up to their ideals and have handed over to the Cubans the territory that has cost so much in blood and treasure. We hope the action taken will be justified by the conduct of the new Government, but we shall not be surprised if the United States are not called in again to secure order and safety. The late notice of the surrender of the guerilla bands in the Philippines marks the end of war on the part of the United States, and thus removes a source of weakness which did much to impair her usefulness in the counsels of nations.