The Republic of Cuba

T. Estrada Palma

May 20, 1902, witnessed the accession of Cuba to the sisterhood of republics. The United States of America redeemed its pledge made to the Cubans and to the world, and gave to Cuba that liberty for which her inhabitants have struggled for many long and bitter years, yea, even through generations.

Say the dispatches:—

"In the historic room in the place of Spain's governor general, in which the departing Spaniards relinquished control of the island on January 1, 1899, the representatives of the United States government surrendered the trust then assumed, and Tomas Estrada Palma, first President of the Cuban Republic, took up his task of government.

"The transer was the occasion of an outburst of popular enthusiasm without precedent in the history of the island. The downfall of Spain and the coming of the Americans were causes for public rejoicings, but those were moderated by a fear that the change, while it might work for Cuba's good, was only a change of masters.

"With the arrival of President Palma and the preparations for departure made by American officials, Cubans and Spaniards for the first time since the American occupation began, were convinced that the Americans really intended to go away and take their flag with them. Then apprehension vanished, the high regard of gratitude took its place, and feelings of patriotism and national pride found fullest expression."

The transfer of the government is thus announced:—

"Formal greetings over, General Wood read the documents of transfer prepared by the War Department. The first formally recited the organization of the Cuban government and the fact that Cuba's constitution went into effect at noon on May 20, and continued:—

"Thereupon and at that time the occupation of Cuba by the United States and the military government of the island will cease and determine, and the government and control of the island will be transferred to the President and Congress so elected, to be held and exercised by them under the constitution so promulgated.

" 'Such transfer will be upon the understanding and condition that the new government does thereby and by the acceptance thereof, pursuant to the provisions of the said appendix to the constitution, assume and undertake all of the obligations assumed by the United States with respect to Cuba by the treaty between the United States of America and her majesty, the Queen Regent of Spain, signed at Paris on September 10, 1898.' "

Immediately after the transfer had been completed, President Palma sent the following grateful cablegram to President Roosevelt:—

Havana, May 20, 1902.

Theodore Roosevelt, President, Washington.

The government of the island having been just transferred, I, as chief magistrate of the republic, faithfully interpreting the sentiments of the whole people of Cuba, have the honor to send you and the American people testimony of our profound gratitude and the assurance of an enduring friendship, with wishes and prayers to the Almighty for the welfare and prosperity of the United States.

T. Estrada Palma.

Next in importance to the freedom and independence thus finally achieved by the people of Cuba, is the honorable part performed by our government in this memorable transaction. There was here exhibited an act of brotherly love, in the national sense, that sets a fine example for the other nations of the earth. The world never before witnessed such an event. One great and powerful nation goes to the rescue of a small and weak neighboring nation, reclaims it from the iron grasp of an oppressive master, and in due time places it on an independent national footing.

The incident, from first to last, is an epoch-making one. It should set the world to thinking along higher and more unselfish, national lines. It should be seized upon as a precedent for better national conduct and more enlightened methods in international affairs. The Christian nations, especially, should take serious note and fall in line.

May all the commercial privileges which are justly due the new Republic be accorded it by our great Republic. May the latter prove herself to be a benefactor in the full sense of the term.

Send a comment to the editors

We'd love to hear from you!

Easily submit your testimonies, articles, and poems online.

Submit