The Times' correspondent at New York is evidently of opinior.
that the American Government hesitates about Cuba, but that public opinion will force it to take some steps towards either the enfranchisement or the annexation of the island. The puzzle is that the Constitution does not contemplate dependencies, and Americans do not desire either more negro or more Roman Catholic voters. They got over this difficulty, however, in the case of Utah, which was governed as a Territory for many years, and they may get over it in Cuba also, especially if they can conciliate the pure-blooded Spanish element. Anyhow, President Cleveland is expected to refer to the subject in his annual Message on December 4th, and the anxiety in Madrid to read the terms of that reference is very great. The Spaniards are in no mood to endure affront patiently, and there are influential men among them who believe that war with the Union is their best way out of an impasse. Note as significant that the Governors of the maritime Southern States are holding consultations about the defences of their ports.
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