The Politics of Intervention

34 THE POLITICS OF INTERVENTION

Whatever the sorry condition of Cuban society, Wood be­
lieved Cuba should, after a long period of tutelage, be an­
nexed to the United States, hopefully by choice of the Cubans
themselves. In order to prepare the Cubans, Wood advocated
their Americanization through the agency of the Military Gov­
ernment. More immediately he used his own power and
prestige to impress the Cubans with the advantages of moral­
ity and high-mindedness in public office. By precept, exhorta­
tion, and force if need be, Wood was prepared to drive the
Cubans from their old ways.^27
In an article in the North American Review, Wood declared
to his American audience that policy demanded a clean break
with the past. Cuba needed "firm but liberal and just" gov­
ernment under American military commanders. The emphasis
must be on developing citizenship and effective local govern­
ment; this he was doing and "the people are beginning to
realize that there is a certain satisfaction and independence
to be gained by paying their own way."^28
Wood was satisfied that the traditional principles of Ameri­
can citizenship were appropriate for Cuba, at least in the long
run. While department commander he issued a paraphrase
of the Bill of Rights to protect individual liberties. He waged
a relentless campaign to eliminate crime, contamination, and
corruption. To inculcate American values, he reformed the
educational system under the supervision of an appointed
board of three American officers and one Cuban. Instruction
in English was to begin in kindergarten.^29
In view of the righteousness of Wood's crusade, it is not
surprising that he ran afoul of Brooke's central government.
In sharp contrast to Wood's autocracy in Santiago, Brooke
felt his way through the maze of Cuban politics, seeking
advice from his Cuban secretaries, advocating caution, care­
fully avoiding conflict with the politicos. Where Brooke tem­
porized, Wood brought dynamic leadership and militancy to
the attack on Cuba's problems.
Just at the time the Military Government was established,
Wood was embarking on an expensive, ambitious sanita­