2 SEPTEMBER 1899, Page 2

There has been a good deal of talk during the

week as to the near approach of the evacuation of Cuba by the Americans, and the "immediate" establishment of independence. This rumour was based on the statement that a census was about to be taken. It has, however, been definitely stated by the War Department that there is nothing in the proclamation ordering a census in Cuba to justify the assertion that the United States intend to give immediate independence to that "The taking of the census, which will begin on October Idth, will require at least two months. It is im- probable that the returns will be completely tabulated before next year. The withdrawal of the troops and the termination of the military government are not looked for at the earliest for several months." When the vote for independence oe for inclusion in the Union is finally taken we do not imagine that the claim for independence will prevail. The develop- ment of Cuba by American capital and the great inrush of Americans may be personally annoying to the Cubans, but it will be too lucrative to be lightly given up.