uba, and over it
strong disagreement arose on two major points. The Spanish Commissioners
declined to recognize the existence of any Cuban government, and argued
that as there was no such government, and as Spain in relinquishing
sovereignty over the island could not let that sovereignty lapse but
must transfer it to some other responsible and competent power, the
United States should accept cession of Cuba to it; which Spain was
willing to grant. The American Commissioners replied that the United
States was pledged not to annex the island, and as a matter of fact did
not intend to do so and therefore could not and would not accept cession
of the island to itself. Spain in the protocol had agreed to renounce
her sovereignty without any stipulations further, and by that
arrangement she must abide. The United States would, however, make
itself responsible for the due observance of international law in Cuba
so long as its occupation of the island lasted. The Spaniards were
reluctant to yield, as a matter of pride and sentiment preferring to
give Cuba to the United States rather than to surrender it to the
insurgent Cubans. But the American Commissioners were resolute, and on
October 27 the first article of the treaty was adopted; to wit:

"Spain relinquishes all claim of sovereignty over and title to Cuba.

"And as the island is, on its evacuation by Spain, to be occupied by the
United States, the United States will, so long as such occupation shall
last, assume and discharge the obligations that may under international
law result from the fact of its occupation for the protection of life
and property."

This was clear and unmistakable notice to the world that the American
government intended to fulfil its pledge, not to annex Cuba but to
render that island to the control and government of its own people.
True, not yet were all convinced that this would be done. The Spaniards
were courteously skeptical. A considerable faction in the United States,
half "Jingo" and half sordid, insisted that the island must be annexed.
The majority of Cubans, inclined to judge all governments by their
bitter experiences with that of Spain, were frankly incredulous, not
understanding how any government could be thus altruistic and
self-denying.

The second point of dispute was that of the Cuban debt. The Spanish
government for years had been charging against Cuba the cost of
maintaining an army for its subjugation and the costs of suppre