Page:Dramatic Moments in American Diplomacy (1918).djvu/218

198 surgical operation, whereby an incurable sore was cut out of the Spanish body politic, against its will, but to its salvation. The patient, both before, during and after the operation, conducted himself toward the doctor in a manner highly to his credit.

These facts stand forth, indisputable:

That for sixty years or more the island of Cuba had been as badly misgoverned, from the Anglo-Saxon point of view, as it was possible to misgovern it. It was saddled with an atrocious economic system, a mediaeval military dictatorship operated by an autocratic and irresponsible governor, bled by excessive public taxes and private graft, and in an uproar all the time.

Even with the most honourable intentions in the world it was quite impossible for the Spaniards ever to restore what we understand by law and order.

These two facts constitute the case of the United States—and the whole case. Following the immediate discussions and causes of