Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 19, Number 91, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 July 1898 — Don’t Blame the Cubans. [ARTICLE]

Don’t Blame the Cubans.

We don’t like to see the disposition so generally evinced to take such an unfavorable view of our Cuban allies in Cuba. It is said that they “swipe” the American soldiers’ grub and clothing whenever they get a favorable opportunity, and are also much disinclined to do any hard work. But most anyone who has been naked and starved as long as they have could not resist the temptation to steal food or clothing when an opportunity came; and as for being reluctant to do hard work, that is the usual characteristic of people of the tropical regions. Besides great allowance should be made for people brought up under the corrupt and oppressive rule of Spain, where complete ignorance and illiteracy is the fate of the great bulk of the population; and universal poverty prevails.